Discover the quintessential joy of baking with this classic pound cake recipe. Known for its dense yet tender crumb and buttery flavor, it’s a dessert that stands the test of time.
Gather 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (at room temperature), 1 cup granulated sugar, 4 large eggs (at room temperature), 2 cups all-purpose flour.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, ensuring even coating for easy release.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step aerates the mixture and ensures a tender cake.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This incorporation ensures each egg integrates fully into the batter.
Mix in the vanilla extract, providing a rich and aromatic flavor to complement the buttery notes.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps for a smoother batter.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.