Traditional Grandma’s Pound Cake Recipe | Family Favorite

The smell of a freshly baked pound cake brings back memories of my grandmother’s cozy home. Her famous recipe has been a staple at family gatherings for years. It’s known for its moist texture and rich buttery taste, capturing the comfort and nostalgia of Grandma’s cooking.

This classic recipe has a rich history and tradition. It’s a beloved Southern treat, loved for its simplicity and flavor. Each step in making it brings back memories of simpler times, where homemade food was a true delight¹.

Key Takeaways

• Grandma’s pound cake recipe is a cherished family tradition
• The cake is known for its dense, moist texture and buttery flavor
• This classic Southern dessert has a rich history and cultural significance
• The recipe calls for simple, high-quality ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour
• Proper preparation and baking techniques are essential for achieving the perfect pound cake

The History Behind Classic Southern Pound Cake

Pound cake has a rich history in Southern baking². The name comes from a recipe that used a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour². This simple recipe has been loved and shared for generations, becoming a favorite in the American South³.

Why It’s Called a Pound Cake

The name “pound cake” comes from using a pound of each main ingredient². This made a dense, rich cake that became a staple in Southern homes³.

Southern Baking Heritage

Southern baking is all about quality ingredients and old techniques³. Pound cake shows the heart of Southern cooking³. The use of cornmeal instead of wheat flour also shaped pound cake and other Southern favorites³.

Generational Recipe Legacy

For generations, Southern families have guarded and shared pound cake recipes³. These recipes, found in community cookbooks and church groups, are treasured²³.

“Pound cake is one of the most Southern cakes, ubiquitous throughout the South.”³

The classic Southern pound cake recipe has a rich history and remains a beloved family tradition²³. From traditional to modern, pound cake holds a special place in Southern baking²³.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Pound Cake

To make a moist pound cake from scratch, choosing the right ingredients is key⁴. The recipe needs 4 cups of Bob’s Red Mill Organic Unbleached White All Purpose Flour for structure and texture⁴. It also requires 1 pound of butter, 3 cups of sugar, 6 eggs, ¾ cup of milk, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract⁴.

It’s important to use room temperature ingredients for a light, fluffy crumb⁵. Creaming butter with sugar aerates the batter, helping it rise⁵. A little baking powder is added to ensure even rising⁵. Real butter is preferred for a true flavor⁴.

Traditional recipes use equal weights of sugar, butter, eggs, and flour for a moist cake⁵. The cake is baked at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 90 minutes. It makes 14 servings, with each serving having about 565 calories⁴.

For the best results, use specific brands like Bob’s Red Mill for flour⁴. The recipe has a 4.75 out of 5 rating from 4 votes, showing its popularity⁴.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make the perfect dense pound cake or old-fashioned southern dessert, you need the right tools. Essential mixing equipment, proper baking pans, and temperature tools are key. Having these tools ready can greatly improve your baking success.

Mixing Equipment Essentials

A stand mixer or hand mixer is crucial for mixing the batter⁶. You’ll also need large mixing bowls to hold all the ingredients. A silicone spatula is great for getting every bit of batter from the bowl⁶.

Proper Baking Pans

For the best results, use a 10-inch tube pan or a 12-cup bundt pan⁶. These pans help the cake bake evenly and keep its classic shape. Make sure to grease the pan well to prevent sticking⁶.

Temperature Tools

An instant-read thermometer is very useful for checking if your cake is done⁶. It helps you avoid over-baking, which can make the cake dry and crumbly.

With the right tools, you’ll be ready to make a delicious, old-fashioned pound cake. It’s sure to become a favorite in your family⁶⁷.

Grandma’s Pound Cake Recipe

Indulge in Grandma’s traditional pound cake recipe. This classic Southern bake is loved by all, with a moist texture and heavenly aroma. It brings back cherished childhood memories⁸.

The recipe’s success comes from key ingredients: a full pound of creamy butter, lots of sugar, flour, and eggs. By following Grandma’s techniques, you’ll make a delicious cake perfect for any time⁹.

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease a Bundt or tube pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and a pinch of salt.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the creamed mixture, mixing just until combined after each addition.
6. Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a classic flavor profile.
7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the internal temperature reaches 200°F⁹.

Grandma’s pound cake is a masterpiece, with perfect flavors and textures. Enjoy it on its own, with whipped cream, or caramel sauce. It’s sure to become a family favorite⁸.

Get ready to make a memorable homemade cake. With Grandma’s secret recipe, you’ll bake moist, rich pound cakes. They’ll become a cherished tradition in your home⁸.

Critical Preparation Steps for Success

To make a moist and rich pound cake, you need to pay close attention to the preparation. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. Also, follow the right mixing techniques to bring out the best in this classic dessert¹⁰.

Room Temperature Guidelines

For the best results, all your ingredients should be at room temperature before you begin. This allows for better incorporation and a smoother batter¹⁰. Let the unsalted butter, eggs, and buttermilk sit out for about 30 minutes before starting to ensure they’re at the ideal temperature¹⁰.

Proper Mixing Technique

Proper mixing is key to achieving the perfect pound cake texture. Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes¹¹. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition¹⁰. Finally, alternate adding the dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking soda) and the wet ingredients (buttermilk, vanilla, almond extract), mixing just until incorporated¹⁰.

Pan Preparation Methods

Proper pan preparation is crucial for easy cake release and a beautiful presentation. Generously grease the pan with shortening or use a baking spray that contains flour¹¹. Alternatively, you can dust the pan with flour for a classic look¹¹. This ensures the cake slides out of the pan seamlessly once baked.

Baking Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Homemade cakes need a gentle touch to get that perfect moist and fluffy texture. Don’t overmix the batter, as it can make the cake tough and dense¹². Mix the ingredients softly and stop when they’re just combined. Also, don’t open the oven door too often, as it can make the cake sink or bake unevenly¹².

To get your pound cake just right, check if it’s done a bit before the time says¹². This helps avoid overbaking and keeps the cake moist. When measuring flour, use the spoon and level method to avoid packing it too tightly. This can make the cake dry and heavy¹².

It’s also key to follow the recipe exactly and not swap ingredients unless it’s okay¹³. Changing the recipe can mess with the cake’s texture and taste. So, it’s best to stick with the recipe that works well.

By following these baking tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure your homemade cakes turn out moist, fluffy, and delicious every time.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

The traditional southern pound cake is a beloved family dessert¹⁴. It can be enjoyed in many ways, from classic to seasonal toppings. It’s perfect for any special occasion.

Classic Serving Ideas

Serve the pound cake plain or with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant look¹⁵. For a richer experience, add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top¹⁴.

Seasonal Toppings

Add a fruit compote or glaze to match the season¹⁴. Try strawberry, lemon, or pumpkin for a burst of flavor¹⁴.

Special Occasion Presentations

For a fancy touch, drizzle with vanilla glaze or use edible flowers¹⁴. These details make it a beautiful centerpiece for any celebration¹⁵.

The classic southern pound cake is more than just a dessert. It brings families and communities together, creating lasting memories¹⁵.

Storage and Freshness Tips

Freshly baked homemade cakes, like the classic rich pound cake, can last for days. To keep your moist cake fresh, follow these easy storage tips.

For short-term storage, keep the uncut pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days¹⁶. Don’t refrigerate it, as it can dry out¹⁷. To keep it longer, freeze the whole cake or slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months¹⁸.

When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the frozen cake at room temperature. The taste and texture often get better the next day¹⁷. Cakes with fillings or toppings, like cream cheese glaze, should be kept in the fridge for freshness¹⁷.

By using these simple storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade cakes for days. Every bite will be as moist and tasty as the first¹⁶.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Enjoying a classic southern pound cake is a treat¹⁹. A single serving, about 1/14th of the cake, has around 565 calories. It also has 71g of carbs, 7g of protein, and 29g of fat²⁰. This dessert is a good source of vitamin A, with some calcium and iron too.

The high calorie count shows why pound cake is so rich²⁰. But, you can adjust the serving size to fit your diet²⁰. Even though it’s dense, a small slice can be very satisfying¹⁹.

While southern desserts like pound cake are indulgent, knowing the nutritional facts helps enjoy them in moderation¹⁹²⁰.

Conclusion

Grandma’s pound cake recipe is a timeless classic, loved for its simplicity and indulgence²¹. It brings families together, creating lasting memories with its rich flavor and comforting texture²². This traditional recipe is a cherished family favorite, enjoyed on special occasions²³.

Grandma’s pound cake is versatile, allowing for endless flavor customizations²¹. You can add almond extract, fresh berries, chocolate chips, or rum²¹. Bakers can also try lemon zest with poppy seeds or a citrus glaze for unique flavors and looks²¹. With the right preparation and baking, this classic cake is enjoyed all year, becoming a staple in many homes’ dessert traditions²².

The legacy of Grandma’s pound cake continues to grow, with its timeless appeal unchanged²³. Its lasting popularity shows the power of family dessert traditions and the comfort of homemade pound cake²¹. Whether making new memories or honoring family history, Grandma’s pound cake recipe is a cherished classic²².

Source Links

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5. The 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Classic Pound Cake That Melts in Your Mouth – https://www.seriouseats.com/classic-pound-cake-recipe-8758207
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9. Heirloom Recipe: Grandma’s Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe – https://www.littlehouseliving.com/old-fashioned-pound-cake-recipe.html
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11. Sock It To Me Cake From Scratch – https://britneybreaksbread.com/sock-it-me-cake-from-scratch/
12. Butter Vanilla Pound Cake – https://whipitlikebutter.com/butter-vanilla-pound-cake/
13. Holiday Baking and Planning Guide – https://whipitlikebutter.com/holiday-baking-and-planning-guide/
14. 12 Of Grandma’s Signature Pound Cakes – https://www.southernliving.com/grandma-signature-pound-cakes-8697050?srsltid=AfmBOoqOPktMKBlqy76niIcgPZ_KthiI38cQs5RVb_dGspW303wuQfTs
15. 100+ Year Old Pound Cake Recipe – Grandbaby Cakes – https://grandbaby-cakes.com/pound-cake/
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17. How to make the Best Old fashioned Pound Cake recipe – https://spicesnflavors.com/pound-cake-best-recipe-ever-2/
18. How to Freeze a Pound Cake – https://whipitlikebutter.com/how-to-freeze-a-pound-cake/
19. Traditional Pound Cake – https://thestayathomechef.com/traditional-pound-cake-recipe/
20. Old Fashioned Pound Cake – https://chocolatewithgrace.com/vanilla-pound-cake/
21. Duncan Hines Pound Cake Recipe – – https://lucky-treats.com/duncan-hines-pound-cake-recipe/
22. The Perfect Chocolate Bundt Cake – https://joythebaker.com/2024/01/the-perfect-chocolate-bundt-cake/
23. Red Velvet Cake – https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/grandma-s-red-velvet-cake/?srsltid=AfmBOooT7XxOqRrUNJzwGD2umlkAJCVt2Jn1-hoEm11Yv94LxtSCEGkl