Easy Vanilla Pound Cake

Name: Easy Vanilla Pound Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk

Highlighted under: Simple Sweet Recipes

This Easy Vanilla Pound Cake is a delightful and simple dessert that everyone will love.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-10T15:46:22.271Z

This Easy Vanilla Pound Cake is perfect for any occasion. Moist, buttery, and full of vanilla flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you can whip up in no time!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich vanilla flavor that satisfies your sweet tooth
Simple ingredients that are easy to work with
Perfectly moist and tender crumb

      

A Classic Dessert for Any Occasion

Pound cake is a timeless dessert that has graced tables for generations. Its rich, buttery flavor combined with a delicate crumb makes it a favorite for gatherings, celebrations, and even simple family dinners. This Easy Vanilla Pound Cake stands out for its simplicity and versatility, making it an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike.

Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just craving a sweet treat, this pound cake will impress your guests. It’s perfect on its own, but can also be dressed up with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate glaze for added flair.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with this Easy Vanilla Pound Cake, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, so even a slight variation in ingredient amounts can affect the final product. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure precision, especially for the flour.

It’s also essential to let your butter soften at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. This step helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake. Don’t rush this process; take your time to cream the butter and sugar until it's pale and fluffy.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake has cooled, it's best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap.

When ready to serve, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the presentation. Pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit compote can take the experience to the next level, making it a delightful treat for any palate.

Ingredients

For the Pound Cake

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious homemade vanilla pound cake!

Common Questions About Pound Cake

Many bakers wonder why pound cake is called 'pound cake.' Traditionally, it was made with a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. While modern recipes have adjusted these ratios for better texture and flavor, the essence of the pound cake remains the same—richness and simplicity.

Another common question is how to avoid a dense pound cake. The key is to not overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined ensures that your cake will have a light and tender crumb.

Variations to Try

While this Easy Vanilla Pound Cake is delicious as-is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Consider adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to brighten the flavor. You can also fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for added texture and taste.

For a twist on the classic, try substituting part of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor, or experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut to change up the profile of your pound cake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture, but the measurements may differ slightly.

→ How do I store the pound cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the pound cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This pound cake pairs well with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.