Simply Scrumptious Vanilla Pound Cake

My GoTo Vanilla Pound Cake is a Classic Treat

By Cameron BlytheSeptember 10, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: The Queen of Cakes Is Here!

Fancy a cuppa and a slice of something comforting? Are you looking for Simple Ingredients Desserts recipes? Vanilla Pound Cake is a proper British bake.

It’s like a warm hug in cake form. Honestly, who doesn't love a slice of Moist pound cake ?

A Slice of History: Humble Beginnings

The Pound Loaf Cake has been around for ages. Dating back to the 1700s. It originally got its name from the equal weight of its ingredients, such as a pound of flour, pound of butter, pound of sugar and a pound of eggs.

It's a testament to British baking traditions , so simple and satisfying. This Classic vanilla cake recipe is your next go-to bake.

This is an easy baking recipes , from start to finish, taking around 1 hour 15 minutes. It yields about 8-10 slices.

Perfect for sharing... or not, if you're feeling greedy! I once tried to double the recipe for a bake sale and nearly overflowed my oven!

Why This Pound Cake? Why Now?

Beyond its deliciousness, this cake brings people together. It's also great with a cup of tea! It has very few ingredients which are easy to find in any supermarket.

This recipe is special because it's easily customisable. Add a lemon or chocolate.

Let's grab our Simple Ingredients Desserts to bake this Dense Pound Cake . Next, we'll talk ingredients. Before you know it, you will learn How To Make Pound Cake .

Get ready for the best Vanilla dessert ideas ! You'll be bragging about your Homemade cake recipe in no time.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Perfect Pound Loaf Cake

Let's talk about what you'll need to bake this dreamy Vanilla Pound Cake is a classic! I promise, even if you're not a star baker, this is easy baking recipes you can ace.

Honestly, it's less daunting than it sounds. Think simple ingredients desserts equals amazing cake!

Main Ingredients: The Heart of Your Cake

Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) , softened. Use a good quality butter. It makes a difference. You want it properly soft.
Granulated Sugar: 2 cups (400g) . This adds sweetness.
Large Eggs: 4 . These bind the ingredients.
Vanilla Extract : 1 teaspoon (5ml) . The better quality, the better the flavour. Trust me on this.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g) , plus extra for the pan. This is the structure. Don't skip dusting the pan!
Baking Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) . It gives a bit of lift.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) . It balances the sweetness.
Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . It adds moisture.

I remember once trying to make pound cake with cold butter. Disaster! The batter was lumpy, and the cake was a bit…dense.

Seasoning Notes: Adding That Special Something

Vanilla is key . A good splash of Vanilla extract elevates this. For a classic vanilla cake recipe this is the key,
A pinch of salt is crucial. It brings out the Vanilla dessert ideas and balances the sweetness.

Want to jazz it up? Try lemon zest or almond extract. It will make the pound loaf cake taste awesome! These small changes will make the cake even more Moist pound cake .

Equipment Needed: Keeping It Simple

9x5 inch loaf pan . It's the perfect size for our cake.
Electric mixer. Handheld or stand mixer, both work.
Mixing bowls. For wet and dry ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons. Precision is key, mate!
Rubber spatula. For scraping down the bowl.
Wire rack. For cooling the cake.

Don't have a fancy mixer? A good old whisk will do! It might take some elbow grease, but it's totally doable! Thinking about all of this takes me back to British baking traditions , and this is a staple among them.

Making a Homemade cake recipe like this really gives you a sense of accomplishment. This dense pound cake is so good, it's hard to resist! Also how to make pound cake is incredibly easy.

Baking Brilliance: Vanilla Pound Cake Perfection!

Vanilla Pound Cake is a true classic. Honestly, is there anything better than a slice of moist pound cake with a cuppa? This classic vanilla cake recipe is something every home baker should have in their repertoire.

It reminds me of my nan's baking always a warm and welcoming treat. Let's dive into how to make your own!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First, gather your ingredients. Having everything measured out is key. It will save you time and stress. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temp.

This is vital for a smooth batter. Grease and flour your 9x5 inch Pound Loaf Cake pan. This prevents sticking.

Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .

step-by-step: From Bowl to Baked

Cream 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) softened butter and 2 cups (400g) sugar until fluffy.
Beat in 4 eggs one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract.
Whisk 2 cups (250g) flour, 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt.
Alternate adding dry and 1/2 cup (120ml) milk to the wet ingredients. Begin and end with dry.
Pour into the pan and bake for 50- 60 minutes . A skewer should come out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes , then transfer to a wire rack.
Optional: Mix 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk for a glaze.

Pro Tips: Secrets to Success

Don't overmix the batter! This leads to a Dense Pound Cake . I've made that mistake way too many times, honestly.

Also, consider tenting the cake with foil after 45 minutes if it's browning too quickly. This prevents burning. For extra flavour, try using vanilla bean paste instead of extract! These Simple Ingredients Desserts can be elevated with good technique.

The beauty of this Homemade cake recipe is its simplicity. It's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for Vanilla dessert ideas or just a taste of British baking traditions , this recipe is a winner.

And the best part? It can be easily adapted.

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Vanilla Pound Cake Game

Alright, let's talk about the nitty gritty. Honestly, baking a moist pound cake is pretty straightforward. But a few tips can make all the difference. You know?

Serving Suggestions: Showstopper Presentation!

Vanilla Pound Cake is a blank canvas! Plating is where you can shine. I like to dust mine with powdered sugar.

Makes it look all fancy, innit? For a real treat, try serving a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Some fresh berries on the side won't hurt either! A cuppa tea is the classic pairing.

Storage Tips: Keep That Pound Loaf Cake Fresh!

Leftovers? As if! But if you do, refrigeration is key. Wrap your dense pound cake tightly in cling film. It will keep for about four days.

For longer storage, slice it up and freeze it. Just wrap each slice individually. Reheating is a breeze, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a twist? I once added lemon zest to mine and it was banging! You can swap the vanilla extract for almond extract.

Gives it a lovely nutty flavour. For a dietary adaptation, try using gluten-free flour. It might need a bit more liquid.

These simple ingredients desserts are surprisingly adaptable!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Indulgence

Look, it’s cake. We're not pretending it's health food, are we? But it's all about balance! A slice of Vanilla Pound Cake is a treat.

Everything in moderation, darling. That's what my nan always said.

So, there you have it. Everything you need to know to bake the perfect Vanilla Pound Cake . Don't be afraid to experiment.

Get in the kitchen and give it a go! This homemade cake recipe is waiting for you. I think you will bake an awesome Classic vanilla cake recipe ! These easy baking recipes are a winner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a Vanilla Pound Cake? Is a Vanilla Pound Cake is a fancy dessert or something I can easily bake at home?

Don't let the name intimidate you! Vanilla Pound Cake is a classic, straightforward cake that gets its name from the traditional recipe using a pound of each main ingredient: flour, butter, sugar, and eggs.

This simplicity makes it wonderfully easy to bake at home, even if you're just starting out in the kitchen - a great bake to impress your mates with. Think of it as the ultimate comfort cake with a rich vanilla flavour.

My pound cake is dry! What am I doing wrong?

A dry pound cake is a common baking woe! The most common culprit is overbaking, so be sure to check for doneness with a skewer it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Also, ensure you're measuring your flour correctly.

Spooning it into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag can prevent using too much flour, which can also lead to a dry cake. You can try adding a glaze with lemon after baking to give it an extra bit of moisture!

Can I add anything to spice up my Vanilla Pound Cake is a? I'm thinking of trying a bit of a twist on the original recipe.

Absolutely! Pound cake is a fantastic base for all sorts of additions. Lemon zest and juice for a zesty lemon pound cake, or a handful of chocolate chips for a bit of indulgence are both great options. You could also swirl in some berry jam before baking for a fruity twist, a bit like a bakewell tart.

Just be mindful of adding too much wet ingredients, as this can affect the cake's texture.

How should I store my Vanilla Pound Cake to keep it fresh?

To keep your Vanilla Pound Cake tasting its best, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It'll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze it for up to 2-3 months.

Just be sure to thaw it completely before serving to enjoy that lovely, moist texture. It is delightful the next day after baking!

Is Vanilla Pound Cake a healthier dessert option compared to other cakes?

While delicious, Vanilla Pound Cake isn't exactly a health food, think of it like a lovely treacle sponge! It's relatively high in butter, sugar, and carbohydrates, so moderation is key. You could consider reducing the amount of sugar slightly or using whole wheat flour for a bit more fiber.

However, if you're looking for a truly healthy dessert, this might not be your best bet, but it's a treat that's good for the soul!

My pound cake sank in the middle! What did I do wrong and how can I stop this from happening again?

A sunken pound cake can be a bummer, but don't worry, it happens! It's often caused by opening the oven door too early during baking, or the oven temperature being too low. This quick change in temperature can cause the cake to collapse.

Another cause could be overmixing the batter, which incorporates too much air; make sure to only mix until just combined. Be patient, resist the urge to peek, and ensure your oven is at the correct temperature!