Are you craving a taste of the South? Nothing evokes the comforting warmth and simple elegance of Southern hospitality quite like a perfectly baked pound cake. This isn't your grandmother's only pound cake recipe, but it's definitely one that will become a family favorite. It's incredibly easy to make, surprisingly quick, and delivers a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or just because you deserve a little slice of heaven! This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for easy recipes, healthy meals (with some mindful ingredient swaps!), or quick dinner ideas—although it's more of a delightful dessert!
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
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan. This is crucial for easy removal of the finished cake. If you don't have a tube pan, a 9x13 inch baking pan will also work well, adjusting baking time as needed.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results – it saves time and effort!
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. 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. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Step 3: Baking the Cake
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. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes, as ovens can vary.
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 sticking and ensures even cooling.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying Your Delicious Creation!
Once completely cool, dust the cake with powdered sugar for a classic touch, or drizzle with a simple glaze. This Southern pound cake is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Tips for the Best Southern 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 just until the ingredients are combined.
- Proper Cooling: Allowing the cake to cool completely in the pan before inverting it prevents breakage.
- Storage: Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Lemon Pound Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Pound Cake: Substitute 1/2 cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Spice Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 18-20g Saturated Fat: 10-12g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 4-5g
This recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, delicious dishes. It's a classic for a reason, and it's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy baking!