Ma Hettie'S Pound Cake

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

Ma Hettie's Pound Cake is a rich, buttery dessert with a tender crumb, perfect for family gatherings or tea time. Its classic flavor profile features buttery notes complemented by a hint of salt and baking powder, making it a versatile treat that appeals to those who enjoy nostalgic, homemade baked goods.

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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks butter (Land O Lakes)
  • 1/2 cup Crisco
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 1/4 cups sifted plain flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter, Crisco, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Alternately add 1 cup of milk and the sifted flour mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of the Land O Lakes brand, and if you want a lighter texture, substitute half of the Crisco with additional butter. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a better emulsion. Be careful not to overmix once you add the flour to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

This pound cake is delightful on its own, but you can also serve it with fresh berries and whipped cream for a delicious dessert. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes as a side dish for a comforting meal. A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a nice touch for presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any 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 it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ma Hettie'S Pound Cake contains roughly 464 calories, with 8g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (32% of the Daily Value) and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 519mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

464 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.4g 17% DV
Total Fat 9.2g 12% DV
Carbs 87.7g 32% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 29.9g 60% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 519.4mg 23% DV
Potassium 368.3mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 69mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 138mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 17mg 19% DV
Vitamin D 1.1mcg 6% DV
Calcium 419.2mg 32% DV
Iron 5.6mg 31% 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 for this recipe?

You can use cake flour for a lighter texture if desired, but keep in mind that it may change the overall density of the cake. All-purpose flour works best for the classic pound cake texture, so if you do substitute, adjust the liquid slightly as needed.

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

A sinking cake can result from overmixing or opening the oven door too early. Make sure to mix just until combined and avoid peeking until the last 10 minutes. If it still sinks, try adjusting your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking.

How can I enhance the flavor of my pound cake?

For added flavor, consider incorporating vanilla extract or almond extract into the batter. Citrus zest, like lemon or orange, can also brighten the cake. Another option is to drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.

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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