Are you ready to bake a pound cake so moist and delicious, it'll quite literally knock your socks off? This Sock It To Me Pound Cake recipe is surprisingly easy, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps, yet delivers a rich, decadent dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your homemade cooking repertoire. It's the perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas – yes, even dessert can be quick!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your pound cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a light and airy texture. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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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; do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared 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. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve and enjoy this delicious, healthy meals alternative!
Tips for the Best Sock It To Me Pound Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it.
- Cool Completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting or serving prevents it from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Lemon Pound Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Pound Cake: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful twist.
- Spiced Pound Cake: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves for a warm, comforting flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your servings. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific ingredients and serving size. Generally, pound cake is higher in calories, fat, and sugar, but can be part of a balanced diet in moderation.
This Sock It To Me Pound Cake recipe is a simple yet satisfying dessert that's perfect for sharing. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for potlucks, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a delicious, homemade treat. Enjoy!