Nuts Over Pound Cake
Nuts Over Pound Cake is a rich, buttery dessert featuring a moist crumb and a crunchy nut topping. The black walnuts add a distinctive earthy flavor, making it perfect for nut lovers and special occasions. Its classic appeal suits family gatherings and afternoon tea alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat butter and shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer about 2 minutes or until soft and creamy.
- Gradually add sugar, beating at medium speed for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until yellow disappears.
- Mix in flour and baking powder alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour.
- Stir in vanilla and chopped black walnuts.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the black walnuts with pecans or almonds. Ensure your butter and shortening are at room temperature for easier mixing. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt in place of some of the butter. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens may vary. This pound cake can also be made into smaller mini loaves for gifting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful pound cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect addition to brunch. For a festive touch, drizzle a simple icing over the top, similar to the Icing For Carrot Cake, to elevate the flavors. It can also be enjoyed with fresh fruits like berries.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled pound cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing slices. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nuts Over Pound Cake contains roughly 797 calories, with 6g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein.
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 different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While black walnuts give a unique flavor, you can easily substitute them with other nuts like pecans or almonds. Just chop them up and add them in the same quantity. This will slightly alter the taste, but it will still result in a delicious pound cake.
What can I do if my pound cake is too dry?
If your pound cake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the batter. To remedy this, you can brush the cooled cake with a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated until dissolved) to add moisture. Additionally, make sure to measure your flour accurately to prevent dryness.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make the pound cake dairy-free, you can replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. For the milk, use almond milk or any other plant-based milk. Ensure that the shortening you use is also dairy-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious pound cake without dairy!
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).