Joan'S Pound Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, buttery pound cake with subtle lemon and vanilla flavors, perfect for desserts, teatime treats, or special occasions enjoyed by family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb butter
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Using an electric mixer, blend eggs, sugar, and butter until fluffy and creamy.
  2. Sift flour four times.
  3. Gradually blend the sifted flour into the creamed mixture.
  4. Beat until the mixture is creamy; gradually add the milk while mixing.
  5. Add vanilla and lemon extracts.
  6. Pour the batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
  7. Bake at 350°F for approximately 60 minutes or until the cake tests done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, be careful not to overmix after adding the flour. You can substitute buttermilk for the milk to add a tangy flavor, or use half the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet cake. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier blending. This pound cake can also be flavored with almond extract instead of lemon.

Serving Suggestions

Joan's Pound Cake is delightful on its own, but you can dress it up with fresh berries and whipped cream for a beautiful presentation. It pairs beautifully with Luscious Layers for a multi-layered dessert experience. Serve it alongside coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat, or enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

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 2 months. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven until just warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Joan'S Pound Cake contains roughly 404 calories, with 3g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value).

404 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 11.8g 15% DV
Carbs 37.8g 14% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 7.8g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 80.4mg 3% DV
Potassium 318.7mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 94.5mg 32% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 13.9mg 15% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 74.4mg 6% DV
Iron 0.8mg 5% DV
Diet fit 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?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for this pound cake, you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter texture. If you use whole wheat flour, the cake will be denser, so consider adding a bit more milk to balance the consistency.

Why is my pound cake dense?

Density in pound cake can arise from overmixing the batter after adding flour, as well as not incorporating enough air during the creaming process of butter and sugar. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well and mix just until combined after adding flour.

How can I add more flavor to my pound cake?

In addition to the vanilla and lemon extracts, you can incorporate citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, for an aromatic touch. For a unique twist, try adding spices like nutmeg or cinnamon, or mix in chocolate chips for a delicious variation.

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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