Southern Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe

The southern vanilla pound cake recipe is an easy dessert perfect for serving guests. The cake has a moist and delicate texture, while the flavor is sweet with a light vanilla taste.

Pound cakes are best served with fresh fruit and whipped cream. However, they can beg enjoyed alone or used in other desserts like brownies or strawberry shortcakes.

This article will show you how to make southern vanilla pound cake and tips for avoiding common mistakes people make when baking this classic dessert.

How To Prepare Southern Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

Cooking Time: 1 Hour

Yield: 15 Servings

Equipment:

• 16″x9″ cake pan
• Baking pan with 1-inch sides
• Slotted spoon
• Electric beaters, whisk, and sifter set
• Stand mixer with the paddle attachment (optional)

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, unsweetened
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar, plus extra for the baking pan
• 1 teaspoon baking powder, plus extra for the baking pan
• 1 teaspoon salt (can be omitted)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten and separated into 2 bowls (save one for another use)
• 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk and a little vinegar mixed to equal 1 cup
• Three tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Step 2: Pour the melted butter into a large bowl. Sift 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt into the bowl and stir until they are combined.

Add the beaten eggs and mix with an electric mixer until it is smooth and no lumps can be seen (this will take about a minute).

Step 3: Measure out the buttermilk, milk, and vinegar in a measuring cup. Pour them into the flour mixture; stir with a fork until it is mixed together.

Step 4: Place the cake pan on a baking sheet and spread 3-4 tablespoons of melted butter around its bottom and sides.

Pour in the prepared batter (do not overfill) and bake for about an hour or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (this will depend on your oven). If you have a rack, use it for cooking your cake.

Step 5: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to cool slightly. Brush 1 tablespoon of melted butter on top and allow it to soak in.

Then dust with sugar, cinnamon, or chopped nuts; serve warm or at room temperature.

Step 6: For a more delicate texture and flavor, wait until the cake is thoroughly cooled and slice it into thin pieces with a sharp knife.

Then place it back together on the cake plate, cover it with plastic wrap and leave it in the fridge overnight. Serve. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 267
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Calcium: 15.8 mg
• Iron: 2.9 mg
• Sodium: 274 mg
• Cholesterol: 34 mg
• Fiber: 0.2 g

What Is The Secret To A Good Pound Cake?

The secret to a good pound cake is properly mixing and sifting the flour with sugar and baking powder. If you do not do this properly, your cake will have an irregular texture and flavor.

This is primarily because some of these ingredients are not entirely blended (like baking powder). Therefore, you must use a stand mixer or a large hand-held electric mixer with a paddle attachment.

Mixing at low speed takes longer but is more effective at thoroughly combining things.

What Is The Difference Between Pound Cake And Bundt Cake?

A bundt cake has a heavy batter that is poured into bundt pans and then baked in the oven. On the other hand, a pound cake is a loaf-like cake baked in a straight-sided or square pan.

Because of this, a bundt cake will have more of a crust on the outside and be denser than a southern vanilla pound cake.

Is It Better To Use Water Or Milk In Pound Cake?

The choice between water and milk in a pound cake is entirely personal. The two work similarly since they provide moisture, but this is only partially explained.

Milk contains butterfat, which gives the cake its moist texture and lightness. However, water has enough protein to give the cake a psychological lift regarding flavor.

What Is The Best Pan For Pound Cake?

The best pan for pound cake is a heavy, straight-sided metal lined with parchment paper or buttered and sprinkled with sugar.

These pans are excellent heat conductors, so they can quickly bake the cake while ensuring it does not stick to the side.

Use a bundt pan, butter, and flour it well so that nothing sticks to the sides during the baking process.

Conclusion

A simple southern vanilla pound cake recipe and its generous size make it a great addition to any party or family gathering. Since it’s so versatile, you can serve it on its own or use it as the base for other desserts.

Poor quality ingredients like substituting a cheap brand of buttermilk, over-mixing the batter, or using too much flour in the final mix will result in a cake that will not have the proper texture and flavor.

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