One-Two-Three-Four Pound Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist and flavorful pound cake with vanilla undertones, perfect for celebrations or teatime, offering a tender crumb and classic sweetness.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time; beat after each addition.
  3. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  4. Sift dry ingredients together and add alternately with buttermilk.
  5. Mix well.
  6. Pour batter into a greased tube pan.
  7. Bake at 325°F until golden brown, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve a lighter texture, make sure to cream the shortening and sugar thoroughly until fluffy. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. This cake can also be enhanced with a hint of almond extract for added flavor. For a twist, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Two-Three-Four Pound Cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant dessert. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of chocolate cake from Duncan Hines Chocolate Cake for a delightful contrast. Serve it as a sweet treat for brunch or afternoon tea.

Storage & Reheating

Store the pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, 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 One-Two-Three-Four Pound Cake contains roughly 238 calories, with 5g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 4g 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 1131mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

238 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.7g 9% DV
Total Fat 3.6g 5% DV
Carbs 48.5g 18% DV
Fiber 2.7g 9% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1130.7mg 49% DV
Potassium 392.8mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 105.4mg 35% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 34.6mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 21.9mg 24% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 129.1mg 10% DV
Iron 1.2mg 6% 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 add flavors like lemon or orange zest?

Absolutely! Adding citrus zest will brighten the flavor of your pound cake. Just mix in about a tablespoon of freshly grated lemon or orange zest along with the vanilla extract for a delightful twist.

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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