Tired of complicated baking recipes? Craving a moist, melt-in-your-mouth pound cake but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then this bread maker pound cake recipe is your answer! This easy recipe transforms your bread maker into a cake-baking powerhouse, delivering a perfectly textured cake with minimal effort. It's the ultimate in homemade cooking, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Get ready to experience the joy of effortless baking with this simple and delicious recipe.
Ingredients: A Simple Symphony of Flavors
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for beginner bakers. You'll need:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
Instructions: Effortless Baking with Your Bread Maker
This recipe is designed for simplicity. Follow these steps and enjoy a delicious cake without the fuss.
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Prepare your bread maker: Ensure your bread maker is clean and ready for use. Grease and flour your bread pan lightly. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your cake.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.
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Add wet ingredients: Add the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Incorporate the milk: Gradually pour in the milk while mixing. Again, mix only until just combined. A few lumps are okay.
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Transfer to bread maker: Carefully pour the batter into the greased bread pan of your bread maker.
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Select the "Cake" setting: Most bread makers have a specific cake setting. Choose this option and let your bread maker do the work! The baking time will vary depending on your machine, but it's usually around 60-75 minutes.
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Cool and enjoy: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the cake from the bread maker and let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Pound Cake
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures even mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for doneness: While the bread maker will do the timing, it’s always a good idea to check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting.
Variations: Spice Up Your Pound Cake
- Citrus zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate pound cake.
- Spices: A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
This information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Sugar: 30-40g
This bread maker pound cake recipe is a delightful addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's a healthy alternative to store-bought cakes, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. Enjoy this delicious and effortless dessert!