Bessie'S Pound Cake
A moist, buttery pound cake with simple ingredients, perfect for family gatherings or teatime, featuring a delicate vanilla flavor and tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend flour, sugar, Crisco, and sweet milk for 2 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix 1 minute on medium speed.
- Bake in a large pan at 225°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can substitute it by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This cake can also be enhanced with lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Bessie’s Pound Cake is delicious on its own, but pairs beautifully with fresh berries and whipped cream for a delightful dessert. It also complements a cup of coffee or tea perfectly. Consider serving it alongside American recipes like Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes for a brunch spread that guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bessie'S Pound Cake contains roughly 409 calories, with 8g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of Crisco in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter for Crisco in this pound cake recipe. Just make sure to use unsalted butter for the right flavor balance. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still yield a delicious cake.
What is sweet milk, and can I use regular milk?
Sweet milk refers to regular milk that is not sour or buttermilk. You can substitute it with whole milk, 2% milk, or even a non-dairy milk like almond milk, but the cake's flavor might vary slightly depending on the milk used.
Why did my cake not rise properly?
If your cake did not rise well, it could be due to old self-rising flour or not mixing the batter thoroughly enough. Ensure your baking powder is fresh and that you mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).