The Queen's Golden Pound Cake
Table of Contents
Alright, let's dive into the world of baking. Ever had one of those days where only comfort food will do?
The Queen's Golden Pound Cake : A Slice of Bliss
Honestly, that’s how i stumbled upon this recipe. i was craving something simple, something familiar, and utterly delicious. this is a classic pound cake recipe.
Trust me, it’s more than just flour, butter, sugar, and eggs.
It is a slice of pure joy.
A Cake with History
The humble pound cake has been around for yonks. originating in 18th-century england, its name comes from the original recipe.
It calls for a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. isn’t that mad? our version is a bit more refined but still captures that comforting, rich flavor.
It is an easy bake that even a beginner can nail. prep time is only about 15 minutes, then it bakes for around an hour.
This recipe makes a good sized loaf, enough for 10-12 slices.
Why You’ll Love This Best Pound Cake
This easy vanilla cake is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. it is one of the pound cake recipes easy . besides tasting great, it offers a surprising benefit.
The use of real butter provides a dose of healthy fats. plus, it's the perfect excuse to gather friends and family for a good old natter over tea and cake! what makes this recipe special? it's the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor.
It's a base for endless variations. you can jazz it up with lemon zest, chocolate chips, or even peaches. a slice of peach pound cakes might be just what you need.
Now, let's get to the ingredients! next, we will tell you everything that you will need, including all the tips and tricks.
Keep in mind, this vanilla pound cake recipe requires the best quality ingredients for a perfect outcome.
Right then, let's talk about the bits and bobs you'll need to whip up this Best Pound Cake . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, nothing too fancy! I promise.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty
Here's what you'll need to raid your cupboards for! Think of it as your shopping list for Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe glory.
Main Ingredients
This is where the magic happens. Remember, good ingredients make a huge difference!
Unsalted butter: 1 cup (that's 2 sticks or 227g ). make sure it's properly softened, like spreadable-on-toast soft. the better the quality of your butter, the more flavourful your pound cake will be.
That's the secret for the best pound cake recipe !
Granulated Sugar: 2 cups ( 400g ). Just regular granulated sugar will do the trick.
Large Eggs: 4 of them. Go for free range if you can; they really do taste better!
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons ( 10 mL ). Don't skimp on the vanilla! It adds that lovely warm flavour.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups ( 240g ). Plain flour is just fine for this Vanilla Pound Cake .
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.5 g ). A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Milk: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Full fat milk is best for richness. Semi skimmed is fine, too. I've even tried almond milk before and it gave it a subtle nutty flavour! I definitely reccomend it if you are trying to do a dairy-free version!
Seasoning Notes
Let's face it; most of the flavour comes from the vanilla. But a few tweaks can elevate your Pound Loaf Cake even further.
- Spice it up: A tiny pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can add a lovely warmth.
- Lemon Zest: The zest of one lemon will give your Pound Cake a zesty lift. This really complements the vanilla flavour
- Almond Extract: As a substitute for vanilla, but use sparingly! It's much stronger!
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple. You don't need a ton of fancy gear for a good Easy Vanilla Cake .
- Loaf Pan: A 9x5 inch loaf pan is essential. I have had success doing mini peach pound cakes!
- Electric Mixer: Stand or handheld, whichever you prefer.
- Mixing Bowls: A few different sizes for the wet and dry ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and gently folding in the ingredients. A flexible spatula is a Godsend.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the cake after baking.
- Alternatives? If you don't have an electric mixer, a good old wooden spoon and some elbow grease will do the trick! Just be prepared for a bit of a workout.
Honestly, I've made this Easy Vanilla Cake Recipe with the most basic equipment and it's always turned out great. It's all about the technique, not the fancy gadgets! I've even seen some delicious Peach Pound Cakes recipes around too!
Okay, here's a section on cooking methods for the Queen's Golden Pound Cake , aiming for that friendly, relatable vibe. Get ready to bake!
Baking Your Best Pound Cake: It's Easier Than You Think!
Honestly, baking a pound cake can seem intimidating. i mean, it's a classic, right? but trust me, with a few simple tricks, you'll be pulling a golden, delicious cake out of your oven in no time.
Think of this as your guide to baking that perfect pound loaf cake .
Prep Like a Pro: The Secret is Mise en Place
Essential mise en place is your new best friend. get everything measured out before you even turn on the oven.
Butter softened? eggs at room temp? flour and salt whisked? tick, tick, tick. it's a game changer! seriously, it saves you from those "oh my gosh, i'm out of flour!" moments.
And remember, you're aiming for 325° f ( 160° c) , so get that oven preheated, yeah?
Let's Get Baking: step-by-step to Golden Goodness
Time to get down to business. Here's the easy peasy, step-by-step guide:
- Preheat that oven to 325° F ( 160° C) . Grease and flour your 9x5 inch loaf pan. Nobody wants a cake stuck to the pan, do they?
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy. This could take 5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Don't overmix! No one likes a tough pound cake .
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 50- 60 minutes . Test with a wooden skewer. It should come out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. Patience, darling!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe
Want to take your pound cake from good to amazing ? Here are a couple of tricks I've learned along the way:
- Don't overmix the batter. Seriously, this is the biggest mistake people make.
- Room temperature ingredients are key. Butter and eggs must be soft to create that smooth batter. I swear, this is like, the number one best pound cake secret, you know?
So, there you have it! Your very own, perfectly baked Vanilla Pound Cake . This Easy Vanilla Cake is simple and tastes great. Enjoy every bite!.
Alright, let's talk about those extra bits and bobs! these notes will make your baking even easier. plus, you'll nail that pound cake every single time.
Honestly, it's all about the little things, innit?
Recipe Notes: Nailing the Perfect Pound Cake
Serving It Up Right: Plating Like a Pro
Think about presentation. nobody wants a sad-looking slice. serve each piece of vanilla pound cake on a pretty plate. add a dollop of whipped cream.
Some fresh berries look fab too. a simple glaze works wonders. a bit of powdered sugar and milk does the trick.
For drinks, tea is classic. coffee works too. even a cheeky glass of dessert wine!
Storing Your Masterpiece: Keeping it Fresh
So, you've baked this best pound cake . now what? it's a good problem to have. for refrigeration, wrap it tightly in cling film.
It will last for up to 4 days. to freeze, wrap it really well. then pop it in a freezer bag.
It's good for up to 2 months. to reheat, let it thaw at room temperature. or, warm it gently in the oven.
Remixing the Classics: Pound Cake Variations
Fancy a twist? me too! for a dairy-free pound loaf cake , try using dairy-free butter. almond milk is good too.
You won't even notice the difference. seasonal swaps are fun! think peach pound cakes in summer. use fresh, ripe peaches.
They add a lovely sweetness. i bet it is the best pound cake recipe
Nutrition Lowdown: Goodness Inside
Okay, let's get real. this is cake! each slice packs about 320 calories. it has around 4g of protein. there is about 16g of fat.
Carbs are around 42g. sugar? roughly 28g. it’s an estimate, mind you. but hey, everything in moderation! it tastes divine.
You know, my nan used to say, "A little of what you fancy does you good!".
So go on, give this easy vanilla cake recipe a go. it's easier than you think. you'll be amazed at what you can create.
It can be one of your pound cake recipes easy . and hey, if i can do it, you totally can too.
Honestly!
Enjoy your baking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my pound cake turn out dry, and how can I prevent it?
A dry pound cake is often a result of overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately (spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off) and bake until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Don't be tempted to leave it in "just a bit longer" that's often the culprit!
Can I freeze pound cake, and what's the best way to store it?
Absolutely! Pound cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To store at room temperature, keep it wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out; it should be good for about 3-4 days perfect with a cuppa!
My pound cake is dense and didn't rise much. What did I do wrong?
A dense pound cake often indicates that the butter and sugar weren't creamed together enough. This creaming process incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cake rise. Make sure your butter is at room temperature and beat it with the sugar until it's light and fluffy almost like whipped cream.
Think of it as giving the cake a good head start!
How can I adapt this pound cake recipe to be lemon flavored?
Turning this into a lemon pound cake is a breeze! Simply add the zest of one lemon (or even two, if you're a lemon lover) to the batter along with the vanilla extract. For an extra zing, you can also drizzle the cooled cake with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice think of it as giving your cake a "pucker up" makeover!
What's the origin of pound cake, and why is it called "pound cake"?
The name "pound cake" comes from the traditional recipe, which called for one pound each of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs! While modern recipes often adjust the proportions for a lighter texture, the name has stuck.
It's a testament to simple ingredients making something truly delicious a bit like a good old-fashioned British bake off winner!
Is there any way to make this pound cake healthier without sacrificing taste?
While pound cake is inherently a rich treat, you can make some tweaks. Substituting some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce can reduce the fat content. You could also use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber, but be mindful that it may slightly alter the texture.
Ultimately, moderation is key enjoy a slice, knowing it's a treat and not a daily staple!
The Queen S Golden Pound Cake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 320 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbs | 42g |
| Sugar | 28g |