Best Buttermilk Pound Cake

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

A rich, buttery pound cake with a tender crumb and subtle buttermilk tang, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence, appealing to cake lovers of all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. oleo, softened
  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 2 3/4 c. granulated sugar
  • 5 eggs
  • 3 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 c. buttermilk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp. butter flavor

Instructions

  1. Cream oleo and shortening until smooth and well combined.
  2. Gradually add sugar, beating until mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo, and you can substitute half of the shortening with more butter. If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. To achieve a lighter texture, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of this delicious pound cake plain, or dress them up with a drizzle of Light Caramel Icing for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful dessert, enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or as a sweet ending to a dinner featuring American recipes.

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, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Best Buttermilk Pound Cake contains roughly 1954 calories, with 5g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 182g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1292mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).

1954 kcal 98% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.6g 9% DV
Total Fat 181.6g 100% DV
Carbs 50.3g 18% DV
Fiber 7.3g 26% DV
Sugar 9.4g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1292.4mg 56% DV
Potassium 546mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 4.9mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 59.9mg 67% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 85.2mg 7% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 a different type of flour for this recipe?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for its structure, you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter cake. Just remember that cake flour will yield a softer texture, and you might need to adjust the liquid slightly.

What should I do if my batter is too thick?

If your batter seems excessively thick, it could be due to flour measurement or humidity. Gradually add a bit more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until the consistency is smooth but not runny.

How do I know when the pound cake is done baking?

To check if your pound cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. The edges should also start to pull away from the pan slightly.

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).

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