Description
Classic Southern Pound Cake is a timeless dessert known for its rich, buttery texture and simple, easy-to-follow ingredients. This traditional cake offers a moist, tender crumb with a warm vanilla aroma, perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Enjoy it plain or dress it up with fruits, creams, or sauces to suit any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (high-quality preferred)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or buttermilk (optional for added moisture)
Instructions
- Prepare and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and thoroughly grease your bundt or loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Lightly dust the pan with flour for easy removal after baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs One at a Time: Crack in the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and avoid curdling.
- Mix in Vanilla and Sour Cream: Stir in the vanilla extract followed by sour cream or buttermilk to add moisture and richness.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt evenly.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with any remaining sour cream. Mix just until combined to prevent overworking the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Remove: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely to avoid cracks or sticking.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
- Mix ingredients just until combined to keep the cake tender.
- Maintain an accurate oven temperature to ensure even baking.
- Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Allow the cake to cool properly before removing from the pan to keep its shape intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Classic Southern Pound Cake, Southern dessert, buttery pound cake, traditional pound cake, easy baking recipe, vanilla cake, Southern hospitality dessert