Civil War Pound Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

Civil War Pound Cake is a rich, dense dessert with a buttery flavor and a hint of lemon brightness. Its simple, hearty ingredients make it perfect for traditional gatherings or comforting family treats, offering a nostalgic taste that evokes historic baking traditions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. sugar
  • 1 lb. flour
  • 1 lb. butter
  • 12 eggs
  • 1 lemon, grated

Instructions

  1. Dissolve a pea-sized amount of baking soda in 1 tablespoon of cold water.
  2. Beat the eggs separately and very well.
  3. Mix the egg whites last into the batter.
  4. Fold in the ingredients carefully.
  5. Bake about one hour or until a straw inserted comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure a smooth batter. If you don't have fresh lemons, lemon extract can be used as a substitute. To add a twist, consider folding in some vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor. Make sure to beat the eggs thoroughly for a lighter texture. Avoid overmixing once the egg whites are added to maintain fluffiness.

Serving Suggestions

This Civil War Pound Cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more substantial dessert, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of Instant Rice Pudding for a comforting combination.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Civil War Pound Cake contains roughly 1268 calories, with 25g protein, 245g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (113% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1268 kcal 63% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 24.6g 49% DV
Total Fat 24.4g 31% DV
Carbs 245.2g 89% DV
Fiber 8.1g 29% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 340.1mg 15% DV
Potassium 2098.3mg 45% DV
Cholesterol 337.6mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 71.4mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 45.5mg 51% DV
Calcium 400.3mg 31% DV
Iron 20.4mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
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 texture or even gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that the baking properties may vary, so adjustments might be needed for optimal results.

What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?

A sinking cake can result from underbaking, so ensure your oven is at the correct temperature and that you bake until a straw comes out clean. Additionally, avoid opening the oven door too early, as sudden temperature changes can cause the cake to collapse.

Can I add other flavors or ingredients to this pound cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips into the batter for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different citrus zest, such as orange or lime, to personalize the cake to your taste.

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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