Old Fashioned Pound Cake

This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe brings a taste of nostalgia with its rich, buttery flavor and dense texture. Perfect for any occasion, this cake can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with a glaze or fresh fruit. Its simplicity and versatility make it a beloved classic in many households, bringing warmth and comfort with every slice.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake
• How to Make Old Fashioned Pound Cake
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Pan
• Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
• Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time
• Step 5: Incorporate Flour Gradually
• Step 6: Bake Your Cake
• Step 7: Cool Down
• How to Serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake
• With Fresh Fruit
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• Drizzled with Glaze
• Served with Ice Cream
• How to Perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake
• Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Pound Cake
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Old Fashioned Pound Cake
• Reheating Old Fashioned Pound Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I add flavorings to my Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
• What makes an Old Fashioned Pound Cake different from other cakes?
• How do I know when my Old Fashioned Pound Cake is done?
• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Flavor: The rich buttery taste reminds you of home baking traditions.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, or elevate it with a fruit glaze or whipped cream for special occasions.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This pound cake serves 12, making it ideal for family events or celebrations.
• Stays Fresh: The dense texture ensures it remains moist for days, perfect for leftovers!

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with your Old Fashioned Pound Cake, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Tube pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Tube pan: This shape helps the cake bake evenly and provides that iconic pound cake look.
• Electric mixer: It makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light texture in your cake.
• Rubber spatula: Useful for incorporating flour gently without deflating the batter.

Ingredients

This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe features simple yet quality ingredients that create an unforgettable dessert.

For the Cake

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs (room temperature)

How to Make Old Fashioned Pound Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your pound cake bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Grease and flour a tube pan thoroughly. This step prevents sticking and helps your cake release easily once baked.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light in color—aim for a pale yellow hue. This process incorporates air into the mixture, creating a fluffier texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add each egg one at a time into the mixture. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. This helps maintain the batter’s consistency.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour Gradually

Slowly add in the all-purpose flour, about half a cup at a time. Mix gently to keep the batter light; overmixing can lead to a denser cake.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared tube pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, allow your pound cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake

Old Fashioned Pound Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether served plain or dressed up, it offers a delightful treat for any occasion.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fresh and fruity contrast.
• Sliced Peaches: Add sweet peach slices on top for a summer twist.
• Banana Slices: Layer banana slices for added creaminess and sweetness.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Classic Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the cake’s rich flavor.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try vanilla or almond extract in your whipped cream for an extra hint of flavor.

Drizzled with Glaze

• Lemon Glaze: A light lemon glaze adds a zesty kick to the dense cake.
• Chocolate Ganache: For chocolate lovers, drizzle warm ganache over each slice.

Served with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the pound cake.
• Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet can balance the richness of the cake.

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How to Perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake

To achieve the best Old Fashioned Pound Cake, keep these tips in mind. Each step contributes to creating that dense, buttery texture everyone loves.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and butter at room temperature mix better, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Cream Butter and Sugar Well: Take your time to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy; this helps create air pockets for a lighter cake.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cake from too much flour.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix until just combined when adding flour; overmixing can make the cake tough.
• Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when done baking.
• Cool Properly: Let the cake cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack; this helps maintain its structure.

Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Pound Cake

Pairing side dishes with Old Fashioned Pound Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness alongside the rich cake.
2. Vanilla Custard: Creamy custard provides a luxurious and silky complement to each slice.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Rich chocolate sauce drizzled over adds decadence that is hard to resist.
4. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can balance out the sweetness of the pound cake.
5. Caramel Sauce: Sweet caramel sauce drizzled on top creates an indulgent treat that pairs wonderfully with every bite.
6. Nut Topping: Chopped nuts sprinkled on top add crunch and texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making an Old Fashioned Pound Cake, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can prevent proper mixing. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined, especially after adding flour.
• Not Measuring Correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Using the Wrong Pan: A tube pan is essential for the best results. Using other types of pans may alter baking times and texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store your Old Fashioned Pound Cake in an airtight container.
• item It will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Old Fashioned Pound Cake

• item Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
• item The cake can be frozen for up to three months without losing quality.

Reheating Old Fashioned Pound Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Old Fashioned Pound Cake that might help you perfect your baking skills.

Can I add flavorings to my Old Fashioned Pound Cake?

Yes, you can enhance flavors by adding vanilla extract, lemon zest, or almond extract to the batter.

What makes an Old Fashioned Pound Cake different from other cakes?

An Old Fashioned Pound Cake is denser due to its high butter-to-flour ratio and contains no leavening agents like baking powder or soda.

How do I know when my Old Fashioned Pound Cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better after resting as flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Pound Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its dense and buttery texture makes it perfect for pairing with fruit glazes or whipped cream. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings!