This Golden Butter Pound Cake recipe delivers a classic, tender crumb with a rich buttery flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. You’ll love making this homemade cake recipe because it’s surprisingly simple and always impressive. It’s a wonderful foundation for countless dessert creations.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for flavor and texture; ensure it’s softened. You can use salted butter but reduce added salt.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a fine crumb.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure of your cake. For a slightly lighter cake, you can substitute a small amount with cake flour.
- Large Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness; make sure they are at room temperature.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness. You can use buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors. Use a good quality extract.
Ingredients:
For the Golden Butter Pound Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Tools Needed: 9×5 inch loaf pan or 10-12 cup Bundt pan, electric mixer, mixing bowls, wire rack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or a 10-12 cup Bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. This ensures your homemade cake recipe releases easily.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, making your pound cake tender.
3. Add Eggs Gradually
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a smooth batter for your homemade cake recipe.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This distributes the leavening agents evenly.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in Vanilla
Fold in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This adds the signature aroma and flavor to your homemade cake recipe.
7. Bake the Pound Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Completely
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Then, invert it onto the wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving this delightful homemade cake recipe.
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Glazed Perfection: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Golden Butter Pound Cake at room temperature, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Why is my pound cake dry? You might have overbaked it or added too much flour. Measure your flour precisely using the spoon and level method.
- Can I make this in a different pan? Yes, you can use a Bundt pan or even two 8-inch round cake pans, adjusting baking time as needed.
- Why did my pound cake crack on top? This is very common for pound cakes and usually indicates a perfect, dense crumb.
- Can I substitute regular milk for whole milk? Yes, but whole milk contributes to a richer flavor and texture in this homemade cake recipe.
- How do I know if my butter is softened enough? It should be pliable and leave an indentation when pressed, but not melted or greasy.
- Can I use a hand mixer? Yes, an electric hand mixer works perfectly for this homemade cake recipe.