Homemade Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)

The vanilla pound cake recipe is a delightful classic, beloved for its rich, buttery flavor and dense, moist texture.

This classic recipe perfectly balances buttery richness and sweet vanilla flavor.

This recipe will guide you through each step to ensure you create the perfect vanilla pound cake. 

It’s one of those recipes that never goes out of style—simple, buttery, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a tea party, need a dessert for a family gathering, or just craving a sweet treat with your coffee, this Vanilla Pound Cake recipe is your go-to.

It’s easy to make and delivers that rich, moist texture that everyone loves.

Let’s go into the details of making this delicious cake, answering some common questions.

Why Is It Called Pound Cake?

Pound cake gets its name from the traditional recipe that called for a pound of each of its main ingredients: a pound of butter, a pound of sugar, a pound of eggs, and a pound of flour.

This simple ratio made the recipe easy to remember and resulted in a dense, rich cake that could serve many people.

Over time, the recipe has evolved, with modern versions often using smaller quantities of each ingredient and incorporating additional flavorings like vanilla or lemon.

Despite these changes, the name “pound cake” has stuck, honoring its origins.

How To Make Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe?

Recipe Details

• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Yield

• Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, covering every corner to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving your pound cake’s perfect, airy texture.

4. Add Eggs One at a Time

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that the batter is smooth and the ingredients are well incorporated.

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the cake dense.

6. Add Vanilla Extract

Stir in the pure vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the pound cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve your Vanilla Pound Cake as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Sugar: 25g
• Fiber: 1g

Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Pound Cake

✔ Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps everything blend smoothly, giving you a better texture in your final cake.

✔ Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix until just combined to avoid a tough cake.

✔ Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake at the 50-minute. You want the toothpick to come out clean but not dry.

Variations

1. Vanilla Pound Cake with Glaze: Whip up a simple vanilla glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cooled cake for an extra layer of sweetness.

2. Lemon Vanilla Pound Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and substitute half of the vanilla extract with lemon extract for a bright, citrusy twist.

3. Chocolate Chip Pound Cake: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a delicious chocolatey version.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

➤ Storage: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.

➤ Freezing: You can freeze the pound cake for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic, then aluminum foil, and store it in a freezer-safe bag.

What To Serve With Vanilla Pound Cake?

Serve it with fresh berries and whipped cream for a classic combination.

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can also elevate this dessert. For a tangy twist, a dollop of lemon curd also works beautifully.

How to Store, Freeze, and Thaw Pound Cake?

To store your Vanilla Pound Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic or airtight containers.

It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cake by wrapping it in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and placing it in a freezer-safe bag.

To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

What Makes This Pound Cake So Good?

The secret to this Vanilla Pound Cake’s rich flavor and moist texture lies in the balance of high-quality ingredients and careful preparation.

Softened butter and sugar combine to create a light, fluffy batter, while pure vanilla extract adds depth and sweetness.

The combination of these elements ensures that every bite is tender and flavorful.

How to Serve Pound Cake?

Vanilla Pound Cake is incredibly versatile. Serve it plain for a simple yet satisfying dessert.

You can also dress it up with a glaze, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

For a special occasion, layer slices of pound cake with whipped cream and fruit to create a trifle or shortcake.

Can I Make Pound Cake Ahead?

Yes, you can make this Vanilla Pound Cake ahead of time. It stores well at room temperature for a few days and can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

This makes it a great option for preparing in advance for gatherings or when you want to have a delicious treat on hand.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Pound Cake recipe is a timeless classic, perfect for any occasion.

With its simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Whether you enjoy it plain, glazed, or with a twist, this cake is sure to be a hit!