Hard Crust Pound Cake
A rich, dense pound cake with a crisp crust and tender crumb, featuring vanilla and lemon flavors, perfect for special occasions or satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F.
- Grease and flour a large tube pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the Crisco shortening and sugar together.
- Add flour and eggs alternately, mixing well after each addition.
- Add evaporated milk and flavorings (lemon and vanilla).
- Beat the mixture well until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 2 1/2 hours.
- Remove from oven and let cool before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the Crisco shortening is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. If you prefer a buttery flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. Make sure to alternate adding the flour and eggs slowly to avoid lumps in the batter. Additionally, using cake flour can yield a finer crumb, enhancing the cake's overall texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Hard Crust Pound Cake is delightful on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with Grandma Root'S Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes for a leisurely brunch. For a special touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice the cake and warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hard Crust Pound Cake contains roughly 205 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value).
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 fat instead of Crisco?
Yes, you can substitute half of the Crisco shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, resulting in a less dense cake.
Why does this cake take so long to bake?
The long baking time at a low temperature helps create the dense, moist texture characteristic of a pound cake. This method allows the cake to cook evenly without burning the outside.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! You can fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit into the batter before pouring it into the pan. Just be mindful that adding too many mix-ins can alter the cake's structure.
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).