How to Create Classic Vanilla Pound Cake in Simple English
Who doesn’t love a slice of moist, buttery pound cake with a cup of tea or coffee? Pound cake is a timeless dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The classic vanilla pound cake dates back to the 1700s and is named so because it originally used a pound each of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Today, we use smaller measurements, but the cake remains just as delicious. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make a simple and tasty vanilla pound cake at home—all in simple, easy-to-follow steps.
What Makes Pound Cake Special?
A pound cake is dense, rich, and full of buttery goodness. Unlike fluffy cakes, it has a firm texture but is still soft and moist. The vanilla flavor makes it a versatile treat that you can enjoy plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with whipped cream, berries, or ice cream.
Now, let’s get started on making your very own classic vanilla pound cake!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you’ll need simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you need:
- Unsalted Butter – 1 cup (softened)
- Granulated Sugar – 2 cups
- Eggs – 4 large
- All-Purpose Flour – 3 cups
- Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Milk – 1 cup
- Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (or a whisk if you’re up for a workout)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cake pan (A loaf pan or bundt pan works well)
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly once it goes in. Then, grease your cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature. If it’s too hard, it won’t mix properly, and if it’s melted, the cake may not get the fluffy texture we’re looking for.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This step is essential as it helps create the cake’s signature texture.
3. Add the Eggs
Next, crack the eggs one by one into the bowl and beat after each addition. By adding eggs slowly, you’ll ensure the batter stays smooth and doesn’t curdle. Once all four eggs are mixed in, the batter should look creamy.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together to evenly distribute the baking powder. This ensures your cake rises uniformly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Add about one-third of the flour mix, then half the milk, and continue until everything is combined. Stir gently after each addition to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
6. Add Vanilla Extract
Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds that wonderful aroma and sweet flavor that makes the pound cake so irresistible.
7. Pour Batter Into the Pan
Use a spatula to scrape the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top so the cake bakes evenly.
8. Bake the Cake
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Check the cake around the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes.
Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Pound cake tastes best at room temperature, so give it some time before you serve it.
Dust the top with powdered sugar if you like, or serve it with fresh fruit for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps them mix together smoothly.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir gently when combining the flour and milk to keep the texture light.
- Grease the Pan Properly: This makes it easier to remove the cake without sticking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic vanilla pound cake recipe is easy to follow and produces a rich, buttery flavor with the perfect balance of texture. It’s great for everyday desserts, special occasions, or even a gift to friends and family.
So grab your apron and head to the kitchen—you’ll soon have a delicious homemade vanilla pound cake that everyone will enjoy! Happy baking!
