Description
A classic and rich vanilla pound cake made with butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, perfect for dessert or teatime. This moist and tender cake has a buttery crumb and delightful vanilla flavor, ideal for serving plain or with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender crumb.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar if desired and serve plain or with accompaniments like fresh berries and whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract or a splash of lemon zest to the batter.
- This pound cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries and whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
