My Favorite Pound Cake
My Favorite Pound Cake is a classic, moist dessert with a rich buttery flavor complemented by hints of lemon and vanilla. Its dense, tender crumb makes it perfect for everyday enjoyment or special occasions, pairing beautifully with tea, coffee, or fresh fruit to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Have all ingredients at room temperature.
- Cream sugar, butter, and shortening together until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until well combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder) alternately with milk, lemon extract, and vanilla, mixing well after each addition.
- Beat the batter thoroughly until smooth.
- Pour into a greased and floured tube pan.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 15 minutes in the pan.
- Turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can substitute the shortening with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming. If you prefer a different flavor, try adding almond extract instead of lemon for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This pound cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Mallow-Apple Dip or can be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea for an afternoon treat. For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple glaze or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled pound cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Favorite Pound Cake contains roughly 412 calories, with 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 805mg per serving (35% 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 pan for this pound cake?
Yes, you can use a loaf pan; however, the baking time may vary. Start checking for doneness around an hour and adjust as necessary. A bundt pan can also be used, but remember to grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking.
What can I do if my pound cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing or too much flour. Ensure you measure your flour accurately and mix just until combined. You can also try adding an extra egg or a bit of baking soda to lighten the texture in future attempts.
How can I add more flavor to the pound cake?
In addition to lemon and vanilla, consider incorporating other flavors such as orange zest or a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolate version. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
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).