Easy Vanilla Pound Cake

This Easy Vanilla Pound Cake is the ultimate simple dessert. Soft, moist, and fragrant with pure vanilla, it’s perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a classic treat after dinner. The gentle sweetness and tender crumb make every slice comforting and delicious.

Behind the Recipe

This pound cake has always been a staple in my kitchen for its simplicity and dependability. It’s the kind of cake that reminds you of home, family gatherings, and the joy of baking without fuss. Once I tried it with a simple glaze, it became an instant favorite for every occasion.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Pound cake dates back to 1700s Europe, traditionally made with a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Modern versions are lighter and often include vanilla for flavor. This easy version keeps the classic charm but simplifies preparation and yields a tender, fluffy cake.

Why You’ll Love Easy Vanilla Pound Cake

Versatile: Perfect for everyday treats or dressed up with fruit and cream.

Budget-Friendly: Requires basic pantry ingredients.

Quick and Easy: Simple mixing method with minimal steps.

Customizable: Add lemon zest, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of glaze.

Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by all ages for its soft texture and sweet flavor.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays moist when wrapped and stored for several days.

Great for Leftovers: Can be toasted or served with coffee the next day without losing texture.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use room-temperature butter and eggs for smooth batter.
• Don’t overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
• Grease pan well to prevent sticking.
• Allow cake to cool completely before glazing.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Loaf Pan: Standard 9×5-inch pan works best.
Mixing Bowls: For creaming butter and combining ingredients.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Ensures smooth, lump-free batter.
Spatula: For folding ingredients gently.
Wire Rack: To cool cake evenly after baking.

Ingredients in Easy Vanilla Pound Cake

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups – forms the structure of the cake.
2. Sugar: 2 cups – sweetens and tenderizes the cake.
3. Butter: 1 cup, softened – provides richness and moistness.
4. Eggs: 4 large – bind ingredients and give rise.
5. Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
6. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
7. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – adds aromatic flavor.
8. Milk: 1/2 cup – adds moisture for a soft crumb.
9. Powdered Sugar: 1 cup – for simple glaze.
10. Water or Milk: 2-3 tablespoons – to make glaze pourable.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter: Use margarine or plant-based butter for dairy-free option.
Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk works as a substitute.
Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can replace granulated sugar.

Ingredient Spotlight

Vanilla Extract: Provides fragrant aroma and enhances the natural flavor of the cake.
Butter: Ensures moist, tender texture and rich flavor.

Instructions for Making Easy Vanilla Pound Cake

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Combine Ingredients: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture alternately with milk.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Ensure loaf pan is greased and lined with parchment for easy release.
4. Assemble the Dish: Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Finishing Touches: Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack. Mix powdered sugar with water or milk to make a glaze and drizzle over the top.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve as is, or with fresh fruit or tea.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The cake is dense yet soft, with a moist crumb and tender bite. The vanilla flavor shines through, complemented by a light sweetness from the glaze.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter.
• Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture.
• Cool completely before glazing to avoid melting.

What to Avoid

• Skipping lining or greasing the pan.
• Opening oven door frequently while baking.
• Overbaking, which can dry out the cake.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12

Calories per serving: 320

Note: Approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 65 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Freeze slices for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature.

How to Serve Easy Vanilla Pound Cake

Serve with tea, coffee, or a light fruit compote. Can be enjoyed plain, glazed, or with fresh berries.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Use leftover slices to make cake trifle with layers of cream and fruit, or toast slices lightly for breakfast with jam.

Additional Tips

Sift flour for a lighter texture. Add lemon zest for extra fragrance. Drizzle glaze just before serving for a polished look.

Make It a Showstopper

Top with fresh berries or chocolate shavings. Use a piping bag for decorative glaze patterns.

Variations to Try

1. Lemon Pound Cake – add lemon zest and juice to batter and glaze.
2. Chocolate Chip Pound Cake – fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
3. Almond Pound Cake – add almond extract and sliced almonds on top.
4. Coffee Pound Cake – fold in 2 tablespoons instant coffee to batter.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different pan size?
   Yes, adjust baking time accordingly.
2. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. How long does it need to cool before glazing?
   At least 30 minutes to prevent melting.
4. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes, the cake is delicious without it.
5. Can I make it vegan?
   Use plant-based butter, milk, and egg substitutes.
6. Why is my cake dense?
   Overmixing or not using enough leavening can cause this.
7. How should I store leftovers?
   Wrap tightly and store at room temperature or in the fridge.
8. Can I freeze the whole cake?
   Yes, wrap in plastic wrap and foil; thaw at room temperature.
9. Can I add flavorings?
   Yes, vanilla, almond, or citrus extracts work well.
10. Why did the cake crack on top?
    Oven too hot or overbaking can cause cracks.

Conclusion

This Easy Vanilla Pound Cake is a classic dessert that is simple to make, versatile, and utterly satisfying. Its tender crumb and sweet vanilla aroma make it a perfect companion to coffee, tea, or fruit, and it’s ideal for any occasion. Let me tell you, each slice is comforting, elegant, and a timeless treat.

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