Pound Cake - Brenda Gantt (2024)

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Brenda Gantt

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• Cake, Dessert

• By recipeshub_B
• July 12, 2023

Pound Cake is a classic dessert with a name that reflects its simple ingredients: a pound each of butter, flour, sugar, and eggs. In this recipe, we’ve scaled down the traditional formula to make a single loaf, while also incorporating additional ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture. The result is a delightful and versatile cake that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various glazes or sauces.

Pound Cake is a treat that stands the test of time and is loved for its rich buttery flavor. It is often enjoyed toasted with a spread of butter or can be customized with different variations and additions for a unique twist. For this recipe, using cake flour is recommended to achieve an extra tender texture, but all-purpose flour can be used as well.

Now, let’s take a look at the ingredients and instructions for making this classic Pound Cake.

Makes: At least 8 servings

Time: About 1 1/2 hours

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus some for greasing the pan
• 2 cups all-purpose or cake flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional but recommended)
• 1 cup sugar
• 5 eggs, separated
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9 × 5-inch loaf pan with butter.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg (if using). Set aside.
3. Use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter until smooth. Add 3/4 cup of sugar and beat until well blended. Then, add the remaining sugar and beat until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl if necessary.
4. Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, ensuring each yolk is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and beat until blended.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients by hand, stirring just until smooth. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
6. In a separate bowl, wash the beaters thoroughly, then beat the egg whites until they hold soft peaks. Gently and thoroughly fold the beaten egg whites into the base batter, which will be thick.
7. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for about 1 1/4 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the top of the cake comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before inverting it onto a rack. Remove the pan, then carefully turn the cake right side up. Let it cool completely before slicing.
10. Pound Cake can be stored at room temperature, covered with wax paper, for a day or two. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic, although there may be some loss of texture.

VARIATIONS:

• Marble Cake: Before adding the beaten egg whites in Step 6, combine 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder with 5 tablespoons of sugar. Blend this mixture with about 1 cup of the batter. Alternate layers of plain batter and chocolate mixture in the loaf pan, then use a knife or spatula to swirl them together.

• Polenta Pound Cake: Substitute 1 cup of cornmeal for 1 cup of the flour.

• Yogurt Pound Cake: Create a lighter and more moist version by substituting 3/4 cup of yogurt for half of the butter.

6 Ways to Vary Pound Cake:

Try these different ideas individually or combine them:

• Real vanilla: Use a vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract.

• Citrus flavors: Add grated or minced zest and juice of lemon, orange, lime, or grapefruit. Omit the vanilla extract.

• Spices: Incorporate a teaspoon of ground spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, or cloves.

• Nut meal: Substitute 1 cup of any nut meal or flour for half of the flour, using all-purpose flour for the remaining cup.

• Crystallized ginger: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of minced crystallized ginger.

• Poppy and other seeds: Mix in 1/4 cup of poppy or sesame seeds.

These variations provide a range of exciting flavors and textures to experiment with while maintaining the essence of the classic Pound Cake. Whether you choose to enjoy it as is or with your preferred variation, Pound Cake is a timeless dessert that is sure to please.