The Perfect Pound Cake

By On Feb 20, 2023

This is a classic recipe that really IS the perfect pound cake! There is something about this exact mix of these simple pantry staple ingredients that results in a velvety smooth and perfectly dense and tender cake.

I love desserts! There is nothing better than a slice of cake or a scoop of ice cream, especially when it is homemade. I guess I can just taste the love in a classic homemade dessert, and this pound cake is no different! Once you finish this pound cake, you’ve got to try this classic Apple Pie, this amazing Strawberry Shortcake, and this Lemon Ice Box Cake.

Pound Cake

I have a confession to make. I never really understood why people loved pound cake! It doesn’t have any frosting and it’s a humble looking thing. It easily is outshined by a fluffy angel food cake or a beautiful layered lemon cake. I know it’s a classic, but I’d prefer something like a lemon bar or sugar cookie instead. My feelings changed when I had a pound cake that actually made me say WOW. Out loud. And I set out to recreate that recipe because I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So here you go, this is THE perfect pound cake recipe that you won’t believe is made from a few simple pantry ingredients.

Originally, pound cake was made from one pound of butter, flour, eggs, and sugar. That’s how it got its name! Most recipes have evolved a little over time, and I think it was for the best. This pound cake is made from simple pantry staple ingredients and is a recipe you definitely need to have in your recipe book. It’s a classic! It is amazing served with whipped cream and fresh strawberries and is now one of my family’s favorites. Imagine that!

Ingredients

Does it get any better than a traditional pound cake? It is such a classic! And knowing a great recipe is key. This is the perfect pound cake recipe that you will want to make again and again! It is a plain vanilla pound cake, so feel free to add some lemon extract or lemon zest to add lemon flavor.

Butter: You will need two sticks of unsalted butter. That is only one-half pound, so no need to panic! This is what gives the cake the yellow color, and that buttery dense flavor. Make sure to let your butter sit out so it’s room temperature.
Granulated Sugar: Whatever you have in your pantry will work.
Eggs: This is what gives the egg the rich and velvety texture.
Egg Yolk: Extra yolk helps to make the same flavor of a traditional pound cake without the same amount of eggs and butter. It also adds moisture to the mixture.
Vanilla Extract: I like to add a little to give it more flavor and to bring out all the other buttery flavors.
Salt: A little salt helps to balance all the rich sweet flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: This is just the easiest to work with. You could use cake flour if you wanted to, but all purpose seems to give the cake the rich dense texture with plenty of tenderness that is more traditional.
Baking Powder: This will help the cake rise just enough. This cake has a really nice tender crumb, and you don’t want it to puff up too much.

Process photos showing how to mix the butter, add other ingredients, and the finished batter.

Pound Cake Recipe

This is the perfect pound cake! I tell you what, it is as traditional tasting as can be, and everyone that had some loved it. I bake it in a loaf pan, but you could also bake it in a bundt pan for that classic look. You can make it by hand in a mixing bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer. This batter isn’t really delicate, so it has worked out for me either way. Make sure to follow the directions, especially scraping down the sides of the bowl while mixing. You will want a wire rack handy to help your pound cake cool properly.

Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×5 loaf pan with pan spray, I find the best to be a baking spray with flour. Then set aside.
Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl beat the butter with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Then add the sugar and beat for about 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Combine: Add the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, and salt. Then beat on low speed until just combined.
Mix: Add the flour and mix on medium-low until combined. Then scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat for another minute.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour and fifteen minutes, until a toothpick comes out nearly clean of crumbs. Be careful not to open the oven too early, or the cake can fall in the middle.
Cool: Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes before turning out of the pan and letting it finish cooling on a cooling rack. Let cool completely before serving.

A loaf of pound cake sitting on a wire rack.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pound Cake

As you probably already know, baking the perfect pound cake is all about the little details. It is a really simple recipe that can turn out amazing and unforgettable, or a little dry and crumbly. The difference is in these tips below, so read on!

Measuring the Flour: The key to a perfectly dense, and not dry or crumbly, pound cake is how you measure your flour! First, sift your flour to add air to it and to break up the clumps. Then spoon it into your measuring cup until it is overflowing. Now tap your measuring cup on the table a few times to knock out any air bubbles. Scrape the top of the cup with a spatula or spoon so you have exactly one cup. I promise this will make THE difference in this cake turning out perfectly.
Make Lemon Pound Cake: When you think of a pound cake, you probably picture a little lemon flavor! You can definitely add lemon flavor by adding a teaspoon of lemon extract and some lemon zest. Another great way to add lemon flavor is by drizzling a lemon glaze on top. Yum!
About the Eggs: We add 4 eggs and one egg yolk, and yes, I know it is a lot of eggs! The eggs help make the cake dense and almost taste like custard. You don’t want the extra egg white because it can make the cake too light or even too dry.

A slice of cake on a stone plate with whipped cream and strawberries.

Storing Leftovers

Like most desserts, this pound cake is best eaten fresh! It is a pretty rich treat, so if you do have leftovers, here is how to store them.

In the Refrigerator: Store your cake in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
In the Freezer: This is a great cake to freeze! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 months.