North Carolina Pound Cake
A rich, classic North Carolina pound cake featuring buttery, sweet flavors with hints of vanilla and lemon, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the shortening, butter, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and sweet milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture, in three additions.
- Add vanilla and lemon flavorings to the batter and mix well.
- Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter pound cake, try substituting half of the butter with Greek yogurt. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better emulsification. When creaming, beat until the mixture is significantly lighter in color, which indicates enough air has been incorporated. If you prefer a citrus flavor, feel free to add lemon zest to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This North Carolina Pound Cake is delightful on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Cheddar Cheese Spread for a unique flavor combination. For a cozy dessert, enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or drizzle with a simple glaze for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the pound cake to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm each piece briefly in the microwave or enjoy it cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of North Carolina Pound Cake contains roughly 1040 calories, with 7g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1070mg per serving (47% 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 unsalted butter instead of shortening and butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter for the entire fat component. However, keep in mind that using all butter may result in a slightly different texture, as shortening contributes to the cake's moistness and tender crumb.
What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake can be caused by underbaking or overmixing the batter. Make sure your oven is calibrated and check for doneness with a toothpick. If your batter is overmixed, it can lead to excess air, causing the cake to collapse. Aim for just combined after adding eggs.
How can I add flavor variations to this pound cake?
You can easily customize the flavor by adding extracts such as almond or lemon, or even incorporating spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the batter.
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).