Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake that's surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This Five Flavor Pound Cake recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and subtly spicy, offering a delightful homemade treat without the fuss. It's an ideal recipe for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick and delicious dessert or addition to a tea party. This easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a healthy and delicious meal, a fantastic quick dinner idea, or even just a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but can be achieved with a good amount of elbow grease using a hand mixer or even a whisk.
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Add Eggs & Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla, almond extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour.
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Alternate Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
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Add Nuts (Optional): Gently fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts, if using.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Tips for Baking the Best Five Flavor Pound Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Toothpick Test: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving to prevent crumbling.
Variations:
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate Chunk Delight: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chunks for a decadent twist.
- Dried Fruit Infusion: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries or cherries for added texture and sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size. Nutritional information is best calculated using an online nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients used.
This Five Flavor Pound Cake recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to any occasion. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make treat! This recipe for a delicious and easy pound cake is a great addition to your collection of food recipes and homemade cooking ideas. It makes for a healthy and delicious meal and is one of the best recipes out there.