Classic Homemade Pound Cake

A classic homemade pound cake is a timeless treat known for its rich, buttery flavor and dense, moist texture. Here’s a straightforward recipe to create a delicious pound cake from scratch:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or buttermilk works best)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

1. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in the vanilla extract.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

1. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

1. Pour into Pan:

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

1. Cool:

• Allow the pound cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Serve:

• Once cooled, slice and serve. The pound cake can be enjoyed plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. For added flair, you might drizzle it with a simple glaze or serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Optional Glaze (For Extra Flavor):

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
• Instructions:
• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or lemon juice) until smooth.
• Drizzle over the cooled pound cake.

This classic pound cake is rich, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee, or dress it up with fruits and sauces for a special dessert!