Classic Southern Pound Cake
When it comes to the heart of Southern baking, few recipes hold as much reverence as the Classic Southern Pound Cake. This dessert is a staple at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and cozy Sunday dinners. Its rich, buttery flavor and delightful texture make it a beloved choice, and it’s easy to see why. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether enjoyed on its own or dressed up with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries, this pound cake is sure to impress.
Why It’s My Go-To
There’s something magical about a slice of Classic Southern Pound Cake. The moist, dense texture is the result of a perfect balance of butter, sugar, and eggs, creating a cake that’s undeniably rich yet incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dessert that evokes memories of family gatherings and warm summer evenings. Each bite is a reminder of tradition, and it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. Plus, it’s versatile—perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to barbecues. Once you try this recipe, it’s likely to become your go-to cake for years to come.
Your Shopping Guide
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand. Here’s a detailed shopping list to ensure you have everything you need for the Classic Southern Pound Cake:
- 3 cups superfine sugar: This fine sugar dissolves easily, creating a smooth batter.
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter: At room temperature for easy mixing, this is the star of the cake.
- 6 ounces cream cheese: Adds richness and a subtle tang to the flavor profile.
- 4 large eggs: They should be at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- 2 large egg yolks: Extra yolks contribute to the cake’s moist texture.
- 1/4 cup half-and-half: This adds creaminess to the batter.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm aroma.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the sugar.
Must-Have Equipment
Gathering the right tools will make your baking experience smoother. Here’s a list of essential equipment for making the Classic Southern Pound Cake:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: For creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to a successful cake.
- Rubber spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- 9×5-inch loaf pan: The perfect size for this cake.
- Cooling rack: Essential for allowing the cake to cool evenly.
Classic Southern Pound Cake — Do This Next
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create your Classic Southern Pound Cake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is crucial for ensuring that your cake bakes evenly. Grease and flour your loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In your stand mixer, combine the room temperature unsalted butter and superfine sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is essential for incorporating air into the batter.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese
Add the cream cheese to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Yolks
Add the eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated.
Step 5: Mix in Half-and-Half and Vanilla
Pour in the half-and-half and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. The batter will be smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your cake tender.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 70-80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the pound cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Holiday & Seasonal Touches
This Classic Southern Pound Cake is delightful year-round, but you can easily adapt it for different seasons and holidays. Consider the following ideas:
- Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm, festive flavor during the holidays.
- Top with a lemon glaze for a refreshing summer twist.
- Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and nuttiness.
- Serve with seasonal fruits like strawberries or peaches for a fresh touch.
Steer Clear of These
While baking, there are some common pitfalls to avoid to ensure your Classic Southern Pound Cake turns out perfectly:
- Don’t skip the room temperature ingredients. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake.
- Avoid overmixing the batter, which can result in a tough texture.
- Don’t open the oven door too soon. This can cause the cake to sink in the middle.
- Ensure your oven is properly calibrated. An inaccurate oven temperature can affect baking times.
Shelf Life & Storage
To keep your Classic Southern Pound Cake fresh, consider the following storage tips:
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw the frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Classic Southern Pound Cake FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of superfine sugar?
While you can use regular granulated sugar, superfine sugar helps create a smoother batter and a finer crumb in the cake. If you don’t have superfine sugar, you can pulse regular sugar in a food processor for a few seconds to achieve a finer texture.
What’s the best way to tell when the cake is done?
The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, your cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the pound cake?
Absolutely! You can customize your pound cake by adding flavors like almond extract or lemon zest, or mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Just be mindful of the overall batter consistency.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
A sinking cake can result from several factors, including opening the oven door too early, overmixing the batter, or using cold ingredients. Make sure to follow the recipe closely for best results.
Desserts to Finish
If you’re in the mood for more delicious treats, here are some desserts that pair beautifully with your Classic Southern Pound Cake:
Save & Share
If you love this Classic Southern Pound Cake recipe, save it to your favorites and share it with friends and family. There’s nothing better than bringing people together over a delicious homemade cake. Enjoy every slice and the memories that come with it!
The Classic Southern Pound Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of baking. With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, this cake is accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this pound cake is sure to delight. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor the delightful flavors of the South!
Classic Southern Pound Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour your loaf pan.
- Step 2: In your stand mixer, combine the room temperature unsalted butter and superfine sugar. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Add cream cheese and beat until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Step 4: Add eggs and yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Step 5: Mix in half-and-half and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Step 6: Whisk together flour and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 70-80 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 8: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
