Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This 5-Flavor Pound Cake recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, delivering a symphony of tastes in every bite. Perfect for afternoon tea, birthdays, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can create delicious dishes effortlessly. This recipe falls under easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tbsp lemon juice, let stand 5 mins)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan or Bundt pan. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring a beautiful cake release.
Mixing the Batter:
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer. The key is to incorporate plenty of air for a light and airy texture.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla, almond, lemon, and orange extracts. The extracts provide a delightful depth of flavor.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Baking and Cooling:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 60 minutes as ovens can vary.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking and allows for even cooling.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use brown butter instead of regular butter.
- Add nuts: Incorporate ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus Burst: Increase the lemon and orange zest to 1 teaspoon each for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
- Glaze it up: Once cooled, drizzle the cake with a simple lemon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and tang.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Fat: Approximately 20-25g Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This 5-Flavor Pound Cake is a wonderful example of healthy meals that are also indulgent. Enjoy this delicious homemade dessert! It's sure to become a favorite among your easy recipes collection and a go-to for quick dinner ideas that end on a sweet note. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one certainly proves that point. Making this cake is a great way to elevate your homemade cooking skills and impress your friends and family.