Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, there’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of Vanilla Pound Cake. This timeless classic is soft, buttery, and bursting with rich vanilla flavor that warms the soul. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up this delightful cake in no time, making it an essential recipe for your baking repertoire.
The beauty of Vanilla Pound Cake lies in its versatility. It’s perfect on its own, yet pairs beautifully with fresh berries, drizzles of maple syrup, or a generous scoop of ice cream. This cake can elevate any dessert table and is suitable for almost any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. Easy to bake and even easier to enjoy, let’s dive into how you can create this delectable treat for yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Pound Cake
- Rich Flavor: The combination of butter and rich vanilla extract creates a deeply satisfying taste that keeps you coming back for more.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic pantry items, you can create a masterpiece without complicated steps.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it plain, or jazz it up with fruits, glazes, or whipped cream to suit any palate.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon snack with coffee.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the world of baking, it’s essential to prepare your workspace. Start by clearing off your kitchen counters and ensuring you have all your ingredients on hand, which includes flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Gather the necessary tools such as a loaf pan (preferably 9×5 inches), mixing bowls, measuring cups, a whisk, an electric mixer, and a rubber spatula for mixing and scraping.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature by the time your batter is ready to be baked. Greasing your loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking. You may also opt to line the bottom with parchment paper for a quick release.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take your loaf pan and grease it thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This ensures that your Vanilla Pound Cake comes out seamlessly once it’s baked.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour, allowing your cake to rise beautifully.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The incorporation of air into the butter and sugar mixture is what gives the cake its tender texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat this mixture until everything is thoroughly combined. The vanilla extract is key here, as it adds that rich, aromatic flavor that makes vanilla pound cake such a favorite.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this could lead to a dense cake. The batter should be smooth but slightly lumpy – that’s perfectly normal for pound cake!
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbrowning.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps maintain the cake’s moisture content. Once cooled, slice and serve your delightful Vanilla Pound Cake as is or dress it up with your favorite toppings!
Variations
- Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder to the batter for an extra boost.
- Vegetables: Mix in some grated zucchini or carrots for added moisture and a hint of flavor.
- Spices: Incorporate spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cocoa powder for a unique twist.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- If you want a denser cake, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients accurately.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a light dessert.
- Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
Tips
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor payoff.
- Let the cake rest after baking—this will improve its texture and taste.
- Experiment with various extracts, like almond or lemon, for different flavor profiles.
- Always measure dry ingredients with a spoon, leveled off, to ensure accuracy.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 75-85 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per slice
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
How can I tell when my pound cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Can I freeze Vanilla Pound Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it can be stored for up to three months.
What can I serve with Vanilla Pound Cake?
It’s delicious on its own, but you can pair it with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh fruit for added flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Vanilla Pound Cake recipe is an essential addition to your baking repertoire. Not only is it easy to make, but its rich flavor and buttery texture will impress anyone who tries it. Whether you enjoy it plain or dress it up with toppings, this cake promises to be an absolute delight. Don’t hesitate to experiment with various ingredients and personal touches to make it truly your own. We’d love to hear your thoughts, variations, and experiences with this recipe, so feel free to leave a comment below and share it with friends. Happy baking!
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Delicious Vanilla Pound Cake
- Total Time: 75-85 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This timeless classic is soft, buttery, and bursting with rich vanilla flavor that warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take your loaf pan and grease it thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This ensures that your Vanilla Pound Cake comes out seamlessly once it’s baked.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour, allowing your cake to rise beautifully.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The incorporation of air into the butter and sugar mixture is what gives the cake its tender texture.
- Next, add the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat this mixture until everything is thoroughly combined. The vanilla extract is key here, as it adds that rich, aromatic flavor that makes vanilla pound cake such a favorite.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this could lead to a dense cake. The batter should be smooth but slightly lumpy – that’s perfectly normal for pound cake!
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbrowning.
- Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps maintain the cake’s moisture content. Once cooled, slice and serve your delightful Vanilla Pound Cake as is or dress it up with your favorite toppings!
Notes
Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. If you want a denser cake, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients accurately. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 per slice
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 4 g