Whip Up Nostalgia with This Rich and Buttery Plain Pound Cake Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

In the world of desserts, some treats never go out of style. Among these is the Plain Pound Cake, a timeless classic that embodies the best of simple baking. This cake, with its soft, buttery texture and subtle sweetness, has been a staple in homes for generations. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a sweet glaze, this pound cake captures the heart of old-fashioned baking while delivering a rich, delightful flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Pound cakes are known for their dense yet moist crumb, making each slice satisfying without being too heavy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – it’s made with basic ingredients that most people have in their pantry, yet the result is anything but ordinary. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or just a quiet afternoon treat, this Plain Pound Cake is sure to please.

The Secret to a Perfect Plain Pound Cake

Achieving the perfect pound cake comes down to balance – between the rich butter, the fluffiness of the eggs, and the slight tang of buttermilk. The use of buttermilk here gives the cake a tender crumb while keeping it from being too dry. Butter, in all its glory, infuses each bite with smooth, velvety richness. Finally, a touch of vanilla extract ties it all together with a subtle warmth.

With this recipe, you don’t need fancy techniques or equipment. Just a mixer, a handful of ingredients, and a little patience while it bakes to golden perfection.

Recipe: Plain Pound Cake

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cake flour
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 4 sticks butter, softened
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the cake flour, sugar, butter, buttermilk, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract, in that order.
3. Mix the ingredients on low speed for 2 minutes, making sure everything is well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure nothing is left behind, and then mix on medium speed for an additional 2 minutes. It’s important not to overmix – keep it to no more than 4 minutes total.
4. Pour the pound cake batter into a greased 16-cup tube pan.
5. Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick or cake tester in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
6. Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing it.

You can serve the cake as is, or for a touch of extra sweetness, drizzle it with a glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk or lemon juice. The choice is yours!

A Classic That Never Fails

This Plain Pound Cake is as versatile as it is delicious. It’s perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a scoop of ice cream. Every bite is a reminder of how sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. The next time you’re in the mood for a comforting dessert that doesn’t need a lot of fuss, this pound cake will be your go-to.

Here are some reliable sources for making a classic pound cake:

1. AllRecipes: Homemade Pound Cake Recipe - A well-loved, buttery, and rich pound cake with simple ingredients that yields a tender cake​(Allrecipes).
2. King Arthur Baking: Traditional Pound Cake Recipe - This recipe covers the basics, highlighting the importance of balancing ingredients like butter and sugar for the perfect texture​(King Arthur Baking)​(King Arthur Baking).
3. Taste of Home: Classic Pound Cake - This source offers tips for enhancing your pound cake with different flavors and mix-ins​(Taste of Home).
4. Baking a Moment: Traditional Pound Cake Recipe - Offers detailed baking advice and tips for adjusting the cake to different pan sizes​(Baking a Moment).