Classic Southern Pound Cake: A Timeless Recipe
Do you crave a classic southern pound cake that’s moist and tender, with a flavor so rich it’ll make your taste buds dance? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got the perfect recipe for you. With its buttery goodness and velvety texture, this southern pound cake is nothing short of heavenly. Trust me; it’s the kind of cake that sparks joy in your soul and warmth in your heart.
I first learned how to bake this cake from my grandmother, who passed down her years of baking experience into this recipe. I’ve been baking this cake for my family and friends for years now, and without fail, every time it is a colossal hit that leaves everyone craving for more.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! The recipe uses classic ingredients found in most kitchens, which gives you no excuse not to whip up a delightful cake whenever you crave one. And with its versatile nature, it can be paired with frozen fruits or drizzled with glaze of your choice.
So grab your apron, preheat your oven to 325°F, and let’s get this baking party started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you want to taste the best classic southern pound cake ever? Look no further because this Southern Pound Cake Recipe is exactly what you need! With simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen, this scratch-made cake will blow your mind and leave you wanting more.
Let me tell you why you’ll love this recipe. First and foremost, it’s easy to make. All you need is some butter, sugar, eggs, cake flour, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix everything up and voila! You have a delicious batter ready to go. This makes it a perfect recipe for beginners who are just starting out their baking journey.
But even if you’re an experienced baker, this recipe won’t disappoint! The cake comes out moist and fluffy every time, thanks to its unique ratio of ingredients. The use of cake flour instead of all-purpose flour gives it a lighter texture whereas the addition of cream cheese makes it rich and extra flavorful.
The flavors in this cake are simply unbeatable. The pure vanilla extract gives it a heavenly aroma and taste which is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite of it. Trust me; the fragrance alone will draw everyone into your kitchen!
Moreover, with just the basic ingredients in the recipe, the options for how to serve it up are endless! Enjoy it as a simple bundt cake, add lemon zest or glaze for an additional tangy flavor profile or top with some whipped cream for a delectable after-dinner dessert.
So there you have it – the reasons why you’ll love this Southern Pound Cake Recipe. It’s easy to make yet simply irresistible with its perfect blend of flavors that will leave your guests asking for more every time. Give it a try today and indulge in the best classic pound butter cake ever invented!
Ingredient List
You can’t make the best Southern Pound Cake without the right ingredients. This classic cake recipe requires a delicate balance of staples that every kitchen pantry should have. Here are the recipe ingredients:
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature.
Ensure your preparation is well organized, and your ingredients measured out accurately in advance so that you do not miss any steps or leave anything out.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into making the best Southern pound cake ever! This recipe calls for a few essential steps to create the perfect moist and fluffy texture. Let’s get started:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before getting started with the mixing, I always like to make sure that all ingredients are prepped precisely. Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature as doing so will make them easier to mix together.
Next, sift 3 cups of cake flour before measuring it out, this ensures it’s light and airy. Lastly, combine 1 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract in a measuring cup, and set aside.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Begin by creaming together 3 sticks of softened unsalted butter (1 ½ cups) with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese using a stand mixer or a hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. When this mixture is well blended, add in 6 large eggs, one at a time followed by *2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
Next, reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add in prepared flour mixture alternately with reserved milk mixture (starting and ending with flour mixture) while beating just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage!
Step 3: Bake & Cool
Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Grease and flour 10-inch bundt pan then pour batter evenly into it. Smooth out the batter surface so that it settles evenly when baking.
Bake for about an hour then check if it’s ready by inserting a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go! Once done baking, eliminate from oven cool in the pan on the wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 4: Serve
After cooling, remove pound cake from its pan. You can serve it as is or with your preferred glaze. Lemon glaze is a common topping! Making southern-style pound cake can be intimidating, but follow these steps carefully, and you will achieve the best classic pound cake you’ve ever made.
So there you have it, our famous Southern Pound Cake recipe is ready to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to baking, substitution can be tricky as it can greatly alter the outcome of your recipe. However, for those who have allergies or want to experiment a bit with the recipe, here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
– If you prefer a lemony flavor, you can add zest and juice of one lemon to the batter or make a lemon glaze using lemon juice and powdered sugar.
– Instead of using cream cheese pound cake ingredients, you can replace the cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
– If you don’t have cake flour on hand, mix 3 cups all-purpose flour with 6 tablespoons cornstarch and sift the mixture before use.
– For gluten-free options, replace the cake flour with almond flour or coconut flour (keeping in mind this will greatly change the texture).
– If you want to make it even richer, you could add a splash of heavy whipping cream to your batter.
– For a tropical twist on this classic southern pound cake recipe, you could add crushed pineapple or coconut flakes to your mix.
Always keep in mind that these substitutions have not been tested with the recipe, so results may vary. Experiment and explore to find what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to a classic Southern pound cake, simplicity is key. That said, there are a few delicious ways to elevate the flavors and presentation of your cake.
Firstly, consider serving your pound cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the topping pairs perfectly with the dense, buttery texture of the cake.
Alternatively, add some fresh fruit to your cake plate for a touch of refreshing sweetness. Sliced strawberries or blueberries would be an excellent addition that compliments the rich texture of the cake.
If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, try making a glaze to drizzle over your Southern pound cake. A simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice will add just the right amount of tanginess to offset the sweetness of the cake.
Finally, when it comes to pairing drinks with Southern pound cake, you can’t go wrong with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch, while a glass of chilled milk or sweet tea is perfect for dessert after dinner.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this classic Southern Pound Cake recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, stored and reheated for later enjoyment. Here are some tips on how to ensure your pound cake stays fresh and delicious.
To make ahead: The Southern Pound Cake can be made up to 2 days in advance. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature.
To store: If you have any leftovers, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. This is also true if you need to transport your cake for an event. Just be sure to cool the cake completely before storing it in the refrigerator to prevent condensation from forming on the cake’s surface.
To reheat: There are two ways you can reheat your pound cake. One way is to slice the cake and place the slices on a microwave-safe dish. Microwave each slice for about 20 seconds until warm. The other way is to reheat the entire cake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warm.
One important thing to keep in mind when reheating pound cake is that you don’t want to dry it out or overcook it. So be sure to check it frequently while reheating and remove it from the oven or microwave as soon as it’s heated through.
With these tips, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy your Southern Pound Cake at any time, even after it has sat for several days.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Southern Pound Cake turns out the best it can be, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Use room temperature ingredients
Make sure all of your cake ingredients, such as eggs, butter and milk are at room temperature. This will help them mix better and create a smoother batter.
2. Cream butter and sugar well
One key step in making a delicious pound cake is to cream the butter and sugar together thoroughly. This allows air into the mixture, creating a lighter texture.
3. Sift cake flour
To avoid lumps and make sure your flour is light, sift it before adding it into the recipe.
4. Add wet and dry ingredients alternately
When you are adding in the flour mixture and milk into the batter, do so gradually in separate stages, alternating between the two. This will help prevent clumping and ensure everything mixes together smoothly.
5. Do not overmix your batter
Be careful not to overmix the batter as this can lead to a dense and tough cake.
6. Adjust bake time as needed
Be flexible with the baking time depending on your oven and altitude, since bake times may vary.
Follow these tips carefully with patience and good technique, you will surely make the best classic Southern Pound Cake ever.
FAQ
Now that you have all the information you need to make a delicious Southern Pound Cake, it’s time to address some of the most frequently asked questions about this classic dessert. From ingredient substitutes to perfect baking times and tips on serving, I’ve got you covered on everything you need to know to make the perfect pound cake. So read on for answers to all of your questions in this FAQ section.
How do I make sure my pound cake is moist?
When it comes to creating a moist and tender pound cake, there are a variety of techniques that can be employed. Personally, I find that adding a small amount of milk – be it buttermilk, heavy whipping cream, or half n half – along with baking powder is an exceptional way to produce a truly velvety-soft finished product. It’s as though a little culinary magic is at play!
What is Elvis Presley pound cake?
As per the Sterns, the term “pound cake” held a special significance for Elvis Presley – it referred to a cake that was baked by his childhood friend, Janelle McComb. They were fortunate enough to acquire the recipe from her in 1987, on the occasion of The King’s 10th death anniversary. According to the Sterns, Janelle McComb used to bake two loaves of this pound cake every year during Christmas time, which she would bring along to Graceland.
What’s the difference between Bundt and pound cake?
When it comes to cakes, there can be confusion between pound cakes and bundt cakes. A bundt cake is any cake baked in a bundt pan, whereas a pound cake has a specific recipe and texture. Pound cakes were originally made with equal parts of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, resulting in a dense texture.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Pound Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try for any baking enthusiasts out there. It’s a classic recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, and with good reason. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the melt-in-your-mouth texture makes for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Plus, with the added touch of cream cheese in the recipe, this pound cake truly stands out from the rest. It’s moist, it’s decadent, and it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a dinner party or just want something sweet to enjoy on your own, this Southern Pound Cake Recipe is an excellent choice.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your baking ingredients and get ready to make the best pound cake ever! Don’t be intimidated by the extensive ingredient list or long directions. Just follow the steps closely and before you know it, you’ll have a pound cake that rivals those made by even the most experienced bakers.
Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family, because everyone deserves to enjoy a slice of classic southern goodness. And don’t forget to experiment with some of the substitutions and variations mentioned earlier for an added twist on this already delicious dessert.
With this recipe in your arsenal, you’ll be sure to impress anyone who tries your pound cake. So let’s get baking and indulge in some sweet southern comfort food. Happy baking!
Southern Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup Crisco
- 5 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Grease and flour a tube pan.
- Cream sugar and Crisco well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each egg.
- Alternately add flour, milk and vanilla, beating after each addition.
- Pour into greased and floured tube pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then invert onto cooling rack.