My Mother'S Pound Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A classic, moist pound cake with rich vanilla flavor, perfect for family gatherings or afternoon tea, offering a tender crumb and nostalgic comfort.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 sticks oleo
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, oleo, and eggs in a bowl; beat with an electric mixer.
  2. Gradually add and mix in the flour until fully incorporated.
  3. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  4. Pour the batter into a tube pan.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes at 325°F, then turn the oven to 350°F and bake for an additional 40 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your butter (oleo) is softened but not melted. You can substitute half the sugar with a sugar alternative like Splenda if desired. If you don't have cake flour, use all-purpose flour with a tablespoon of cornstarch per cup to mimic the texture. Be careful not to overmix once the flour is added, as it can lead to a denser cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of My Mother's Pound Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Frosty Melon Salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or serve with fresh berries and whipped cream for a delightful dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm slices in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of My Mother'S Pound Cake contains roughly 366 calories, with 6g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

366 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.2g 12% DV
Total Fat 0.8g 1% DV
Carbs 65.5g 24% DV
Fiber 3.7g 13% DV
Sugar 4.1g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 11.2mg
Potassium 260.8mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 1.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.4mcg
Vitamin C 21.8mg 24% DV
Calcium 27.7mg 2% DV
Iron 4.8mg 27% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 margarine instead of oleo?

Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for oleo in this recipe. Just ensure that it’s the stick variety rather than the spreadable kind, as this will help maintain the right texture and fat content needed for a successful pound cake.

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

If your pound cake sinks in the middle, it may be due to underbaking or overmixing the batter. Make sure to bake the cake until a toothpick comes out clean, and avoid overmixing after adding the flour to prevent a heavy texture that can collapse.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the batter?

Absolutely! Feel free to add lemon zest, almond extract, or even chocolate chips to the batter for added flavor. Just keep in mind that additional ingredients may slightly change the baking time, so check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.

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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