Name: Pound Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk

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Pound cake is a classic buttery loaf cake made with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and vanilla. This traditional pound cake recipe uses the creaming method to create a dense yet tender crumb and a rich flavor, making it perfect served plain or lightly topped. You do not need fancy techniques or special equipment to make it right.

Now that the facts are clear, let me say this. Pound cake is one of those desserts people underestimate. It looks simple, almost plain, yet when it’s done correctly, it tastes incredibly satisfying. Ever noticed how a slice of good pound cake never feels like too much, but always feels enough?

I bake pound cake when I want something reliable. No frosting stress, no layers, no decorating drama. Just a cake that tastes exactly the way you expect it to.

Why Does This Pound Cake Recipe Work So Well?

This recipe works because it respects the classic pound cake method instead of trying to reinvent it. Unlike lighter cakes such as Texas sheet cake, pound cake focuses on a dense, buttery crumb. Every ingredient has a clear role, and the ratios stay balanced.

Here’s why it consistently delivers great results:

Butter provides richness and structure, not just flavor.
Eggs add moisture and stability, helping the cake hold its shape.
Sugar sweetens and tenderizes, keeping the crumb soft.
All-purpose flour creates density, without making the cake dry.

Close up of pound cake crumb showing a dense yet tender buttery texture

IMO, the biggest mistake people make with pound cake is treating it like a regular sponge cake. This recipe avoids that and keeps the texture intentionally dense yet tender by using the traditional creaming method, which helps incorporate air into the batter and improves texture.

My Personal Experience With Pound Cake

Pound cake was one of the first cakes I learned to bake well. No layers meant nowhere to hide mistakes. Either the crumb worked, or it didn’t.

Over time, I realized pound cake rewards patience. You cream the butter properly. You add the eggs slowly. You bake it low and steady. When you respect those steps, the cake always delivers. That quiet reliability is exactly why I still make it.

What Ingredients Do You Need for Pound Cake?

This recipe sticks to the basics. Quality matters more than quantity here.

Ingredient list for classic pound cake recipe

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup milk

No shortcuts. No substitutions needed for the best result.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

You do not need special tools to bake pound cake successfully.

Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand mixer
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

Simple tools, solid results.

Pound cake batter being gently mixed in a bowl with a spatula

How to Make Pound Cake

Follow these steps calmly and in order. Pound cake does not like rushing.

Step 1: Prepare the pan and oven

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step builds structure and air into the cake.

Step 3: Add the eggs gradually

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed to keep the batter smooth.

Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures even distribution in the batter.

Step 5: Combine the batter

Add the dry ingredients to the batter in batches, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Pound cake batter in a loaf pan before baking with a smooth surface

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 65 to 75 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Prep Time, Servings, and Nutrition

Time overview

Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 70 minutes
Total time: about 85 minutes

Servings

10 slices

Approximate nutrition per slice

Calories: ~320
Carbohydrates: ~38 g
Protein: ~5 g
Fat: ~17 g

Values may vary slightly depending on ingredients used.

How Do You Store Pound Cake and Can You Make It Ahead?

Pound cake stores exceptionally well, which makes it ideal for advance baking.

Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days if your kitchen runs warm.
Freeze slices for up to 2 months for longer storage.

To serve, bring refrigerated or frozen cake back to room temperature for the best texture.

What Are the Most Common Pound Cake Mistakes?

These mistakes show up often, but they are easy to avoid.

Overmixing after adding flour, which makes the cake tough
Baking at too high a temperature, which dries the crumb
Using cold butter or eggs, which affects texture
Underbaking the center of the loaf

Pound cake likes steady, gentle handling from start to finish.

Pound Cake FAQ

Why is pound cake so dense?

Pound cake uses a high butter-to-flour ratio, which creates a dense but tender crumb instead of a light sponge.

Can I add baking powder?

Classic pound cake does not need it. The structure comes from creamed butter and eggs.

How do I keep pound cake moist?

Do not overbake it, and measure ingredients accurately. Proper creaming also helps retain moisture.

Can I make this in a bundt pan?

Yes, but adjust the baking time and watch closely for doneness.

Variations and Customization Ideas

Once you master the base recipe, small variations work beautifully.

Easy variations

Add lemon zest for a citrus twist
Swirl in chocolate or cinnamon sugar
Top slices with fresh berries or whipped cream

Slices of classic pound cake served with fresh berries on a plate

This pound cake also pairs perfectly with desserts like vanilla pudding or fruit-based sauces.

Final Thoughts

Pound cake proves that simple baking still matters. It relies on technique, balance, and patience instead of decoration. When you bake it well, it needs nothing extra to shine.

If you try this pound cake recipe, leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out. Did you keep it classic or add your own twist? Your feedback helps this site grow, and I genuinely love reading it!

Pound Cake

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

A classic pound cake with a rich buttery flavor and a dense yet tender crumb. This easy loaf cake uses simple ingredients and the traditional creaming method.