Southern Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe

Welcome, baking enthusiasts! Today, I want to share with you a recipe that embodies the essence of Southern baking – my Southern Vanilla Pound Cake.

This classic delight is a testament to simplicity and elegance, with its rich vanilla flavor and dense, buttery texture.

Join me as we embark on a baking journey to create a timeless dessert that will make your taste buds sing!

How To Prepare Southern Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Baking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Yield: 12-16 servings

Equipment Needed:

1. Mixing bowls (2)
2. Electric mixer or stand mixer
3. Bundt cake pan (10-inch)
4. Cooking spray or butter for greasing the pan
5. Cooling rack

Ingredients

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

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease the bundt cake pan with cooking spray or butter, ensuring all surfaces are well coated.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process will take about 5-7 minutes, so be patient.

Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Whisk

Price details To Amazon

Step 3: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Pour the batter into the greased bundt cake pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

Step 8: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a cooling rack to release the cake. Allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Cuisinart Stand Mixer

Order To Amazon Store

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 400

Total Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 11g

Cholesterol: 120mg

Sodium: 100mg

Carbohydrates: 57g

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 39g

Protein: 5g

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.

OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Slotted Spoon

Buy Now Amazon

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.

FAQ