This Classic Pound Cake is buttery, rich, and perfectly moist with a tender crumb.
Whether served plain, with a glaze, or paired with fresh fruit, it’s a timeless dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
4 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
4 sticks butter (1 pound), softened to room temperature
3/4 cup buttermilk
6 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Grease and lightly flour a 16-cup tube pan or bundt pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the ingredients in the following order:
Cake flour
Baking powder
Sugar
Butter (softened)
Buttermilk
Beaten eggs
Vanilla extract
Mix on low speed for 2 minutes to combine the ingredients.
Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Mix again on medium speed for an additional 2 minutes. Do not overmix—keep total mixing time under 4 minutes to maintain the cake’s tender texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared tube pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Remove from Pan
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 30 minutes.
Carefully turn the cake out onto a cooling rack or serving plate.
Optional: Add a Glaze
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle with a glaze if desired.
Simple Glaze Recipe: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a decorative finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve plain for a classic dessert.
Pair with fresh fruit such as strawberries or raspberries.
Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Tips for the Perfect Pound Cake
Softened Butter: Ensure the butter is fully softened to blend easily into the batter for a smooth texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk to ensure even mixing.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing for more than 4 minutes can result in a dense cake.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check that the cake is baked through; it should come out clean with no batter.
Time Breakdown
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Enjoy Your Classic Pound Cake!
This timeless cake is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to special celebrations. With its buttery richness and soft crumb, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!