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Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, alternating with the milk (if using). Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the pound cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, gently remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, slice the pound cake and serve it plain, or dress it up with powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite glaze. The cake is delicious on its own, but feel free to get creative with your toppings!
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- Measure Flour Correctly: To avoid a dense cake, measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
- Storage: Keep the pound cake wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Variations
- Lemon Pound Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Pound Cake: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Almond Pound Cake: Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
Conclusion
Famous Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that embodies the essence of comfort food. Its rich, buttery flavor and dense texture make it a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with your favorite toppings, this pound cake is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to your table. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this iconic treat!