Easy Vanilla Pound Cake

Easy Vanilla Pound Cake 🍰

This Easy Vanilla Pound Cake is a classic, buttery dessert that’s simple to make yet incredibly delicious. With its tender crumb, rich vanilla flavor, and golden crust, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion—or no occasion at all! Whether you’re serving it plain, topped with fresh berries, or drizzled with glaze, this pound cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Let’s dive into how to make this delightful, foolproof pound cake step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Comfort : A timeless dessert that’s rich, buttery, and full of vanilla flavor.
2. Simple Ingredients : Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
3. Versatile : Enjoy it plain, with powdered sugar, or dressed up with fruit, whipped cream, or glaze.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly : Perfect for preparing ahead of time and serving later.
5. Crowd-Pleasing : A hit at gatherings, potlucks, or as a cozy treat at home.

Ingredients

(Serves 8–10)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup milk (whole milk or buttermilk works best )
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) .
2. Grease and lightly flour a loaf pan (9×5 inches) or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes ).

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Beat in the eggs , one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk (start and end with the dry ingredients ). Mix on low speed just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Pour into Pan

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 60–70 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Tip : If the top of the cake begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes .
2. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
3. Dust with powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, or serve with fresh berries for an extra touch.

Tips for Success

1. Softened Butter : Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
2. Room Temperature Eggs : Eggs blend more easily into the batter when they’re at room temperature.
3. Don’t Overmix : Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
4. Storage : Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week .
5. Freeze for Later : Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Perfect Pairings

This Easy Vanilla Pound Cake pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh Berries : Top with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fresh, fruity twist.
• Whipped Cream : A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy touch.
• Glaze : Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
• Coffee or Tea : Serve with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.
• Ice Cream : Add a scoop of vanilla or berry-flavored ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 10 servings)

• Calories : ~320 kcal
• Protein : ~4g
• Carbohydrates : ~35g
• Fat : ~20g
• Fiber : ~0g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Vanilla Pound Cake is a timeless dessert that’s simple, comforting, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack with coffee, this cake delivers big on flavor and nostalgia. The combination of buttery richness, sweet vanilla, and tender crumb creates a dessert that’s both satisfying and heartwarming.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can dress it up with toppings, pair it with different sides, or enjoy it plain for a classic treat. So grab your loaf pan, mix up that batter, and get ready to enjoy a cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.