Mahogany Pound Cake

Prep: 30 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Mahogany Pound Cake is a rich, moist dessert with deep chocolate and vanilla flavors, complemented by a light, fluffy texture from whipped egg whites. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat, it appeals to chocolate lovers and those seeking a classic, indulgent cake experience.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 6 eggs, separated
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the sugar and brown sugar, beating well at medium speed.
  3. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating after each addition.
  4. Sift the all-purpose flour and cocoa together into a bowl.
  5. Combine the sour cream and baking soda in a small bowl.
  6. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with the sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  8. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
  9. Pour the batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  11. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve the best texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming. If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly. For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the cocoa with dark cocoa powder. Remember to fold the egg whites gently to maintain the cake's lightness.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a slice of Cream Cherry Pie for a delicious dessert spread. Serve with coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Mahogany Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a microwave for a few seconds if desired.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mahogany Pound Cake contains roughly 487 calories, with 7g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 592mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

487 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7g 14% DV
Total Fat 4g 5% DV
Carbs 96.3g 35% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 26.9g 54% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 591.9mg 26% DV
Potassium 481.5mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 132.1mg 44% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 46.1mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 14.7mg 16% DV
Calcium 174.7mg 13% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% 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?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter cake or whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that this may alter the cake's texture and flavor slightly.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Mahogany Pound Cake a day in advance. It actually tastes better after a day as the flavors meld. Just store it properly in an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist before serving.

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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