Are you craving a taste of the South? Nothing says Southern comfort quite like a slice of moist, tender pound cake. This recipe delivers that quintessential Southern experience, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtle sweetness that's simply irresistible. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a timeless classic. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful homemade treat! This easy recipe is also perfect for quick dinner ideas, adding a touch of elegance to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan. This step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Combining the Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender crumb; take your time and beat until the mixture is pale and airy. An electric mixer will make this step significantly easier.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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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 pound cake.
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
Baking the Cake:
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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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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Finishing Touches:
- Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar, if desired. This adds a touch of elegance and visual appeal.
Tips for the Best Pound Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and eggs at room temperature ensures proper emulsification 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.
- Proper cooling: Allowing the cake to cool completely in the pan prevents it from crumbling when inverted.
Variations:
- Lemon Pound Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate Pound Cake: Incorporate ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder into the dry ingredients.
- Spiced Pound Cake: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-35g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This Southern Living Pound Cake recipe is a delicious addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy this classic dessert any time of year! It’s perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon. It's a testament to the beauty of simple, homemade cooking and showcases some of the best recipes available.