Never Fail Pound Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, buttery pound cake with rich flavor, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence, appealing to those who love classic, dense cakes with a tender crumb.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb butter
  • 1/2 cup Crisco
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon flavoring (lemon or vanilla or both)
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 cup milk (2/3 cup evaporated plus 1/3 cup water)
  • 3 cups cake flour (Swans Down)

Instructions

  1. Cream butter, Crisco, and sugar together until well combined.
  2. Add eggs, two at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Alternate adding flour and milk, starting and ending with flour, and mix until smooth.
  4. Pour batter into a prepared cake pan.
  5. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cake to cool before removing from the pan.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using half butter and half cream cheese instead of all butter. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute part of the cake flour with all-purpose flour. Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing. To enhance the flavor, experiment with different extracts like almond or use citrus zest for a refreshing twist.

Serving Suggestions

This pound cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh berries and whipped cream for a refreshing dessert. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat, or enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, try serving it with a drizzle of lemon glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Never Fail Pound Cake contains roughly 959 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value).

959 kcal 48% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.5g 9% DV
Total Fat 63.8g 82% DV
Carbs 56.4g 20% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 16.8g 34% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 129mg 6% DV
Potassium 296.7mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 235mg 78% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 50.7mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 6.8mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 141.2mg 11% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
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 cake flour is recommended for its fine texture, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour if needed. However, the cake may be denser. If using all-purpose flour, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch per cup to mimic the lightness of cake flour.

How can I tell 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 crumbs attached, the cake is done. If batter clings to the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, you can add mix-ins such as chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Just fold them gently into the batter before pouring it into the pan. Keep in mind that adding too many mix-ins may alter the cake's structure, so use them sparingly.

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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