Grandma'S Pound Cake
Grandma's Pound Cake is a moist and buttery delight, enriched with the subtle flavors of vanilla and lemon. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this classic dessert is sure to please both young and old alike, making it a beloved staple in any home.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixer or by hand, beat powdered sugar and butter/Crisco until smooth and lemon colored.
- Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- If using, add sour cream.
- Gradually add cake flour and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then fold into the batter gently without overbeating.
- Prepare a cake pan by wiping it with a small amount of Crisco or flouring it, and lining it with wax paper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cake on a rack for about 10 minutes, covered with a clean dish towel.
- Remove the cake from the pan and allow it to cool completely, still covered with the towel.
- Use your favorite icing to finish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of Crisco, and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. If you don't have lemon extract, you can substitute with additional vanilla or use fresh lemon zest for a natural citrus note. Be sure to fold the egg whites gently to maintain the cake's light texture. For extra moisture, a dollop of sour cream can be added if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Grandma's Pound Cake with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect treat for afternoon gatherings. You can also drizzle a lemon glaze on top or serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, simply thaw the cake at room temperature or reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Pound Cake contains roughly 380 calories, with 6g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.
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 all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly denser. To mimic cake flour, you can replace 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch for every cup used.
What can I do if my cake is too dense?
If your pound cake turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or not beating the egg whites enough. Ensure you fold the egg whites gently into the batter to keep it airy. Also, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to help with even mixing.
How can I add flavor variations to this pound cake?
You can customize the flavor by adding a tablespoon of almond extract or substituting some vanilla extract with orange zest or extract. For a chocolate version, mix in cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
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).