Moist Vanilla Pound
Moist Vanilla Pound cake is the ultimate treat for any occasion. Its buttery flavor and rich texture make it perfect for afternoon tea, birthdays, or simply as a delightful dessert. This classic recipe yields a soft and moist pound cake that everyone will love. Whether served plain or dressed up with a glaze, this cake stands out with its delicious vanilla aroma and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delicious cake in no time.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Serve it plain, with fruit, or drizzled with icing—this cake adapts to any occasion!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of butter and vanilla creates a deep, satisfying taste that will keep you coming back for more.
- Perfect Texture: The moist crumb of this pound cake ensures each slice is tender and flavorful.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 10 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
Before we dive into the delicious details of our Moist Vanilla Pound recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sieve
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf pan: A good loaf pan ensures even baking and helps shape your pound cake perfectly.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar for that light texture.
- Sieve: Sifting flour prevents lumps and incorporates air for a fluffier batter.
Ingredients
Best Pound Cake recipe, buttery, flavorful, moist cake|Simple & Easy recipe to give you a perfect soft, rich, delicious traditional vanilla pound cake.
Dry Ingredients
- 225 g or 1 3/4 cups Plain / All purpose flour (sieved)
- 2 Teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 175 g or 3/4 cup softened butter
- 150 g or 3/4 cups regular sugar
- 2/3 Cup or 150 ml Milk
- 2 Large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 & 1/2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
How to Make Moist Vanilla Pound
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 170°C (325°F). Grease and line your baking tin to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients
Get all your ingredients ready:
Sieve the flour.
Mix the salt and baking powder into the sieved flour.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start making the batter by creaming together the softened butter and sugar until it reaches a pale light color.
Step 4: Add Eggs Gradually
Slowly add the beaten eggs to the mixture:
1. Use low speed on your mixer.
2. If curdling occurs, add a spoonful of flour.
3. Continue adding eggs bit by bit until fully incorporated.
4. Mix in the Vanilla Extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add half of the milk along with half of the flour:
1. Keep mixing on low speed until combined.
2. Add the remaining milk followed by gently folding in the rest of the flour until smooth.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Transfer your batter into the prepared loaf tin:
1. Place in the oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes.
2. Test doneness by inserting a skewer into the center—it should come out clean.
Step 7: Cool Down
Once baked:
1. Remove from oven, let it cool in the tin briefly before transferring it to a cooling rack.
2. Allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
This Moist Vanilla Pound is sure to impress anyone who tries it! Enjoy every bite while sipping on your favorite tea!
How to Serve Moist Vanilla Pound
Moist Vanilla Pound is a delightful cake that can be served in various ways, perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or with toppings, this cake satisfies every sweet tooth.
Classic Slice
- Enjoy a simple slice of the moist vanilla pound cake with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
With Fresh Berries
- Top each slice with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity touch that complements the moist cake beautifully.
Drizzled with Glaze
- Add a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake to enhance its sweetness and appearance.
Served with Whipped Cream
- A generous dollop of whipped cream on the side can transform your slice into a more indulgent dessert experience.
Ice Cream Pairing
- Serve warm slices alongside your favorite vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.
Toasted with Butter
- Lightly toast slices in a pan with butter until golden brown for a warm, comforting variation that brings out the buttery flavor.
How to Perfect Moist Vanilla Pound
To ensure your Moist Vanilla Pound comes out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
-
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter, eggs, and milk sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
-
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, which is not what we want for moist vanilla pound.
-
Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can help ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature for baking.
-
Cool Gradually: After baking, let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. This prevents cracking.
Best Side Dishes for Moist Vanilla Pound
Pairing side dishes with your Moist Vanilla Pound can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cake.
-
Coconut Cream: The creamy texture and flavor complement the vanilla taste wonderfully while adding an exotic twist.
-
Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce provides a decadent contrast that many people love.
-
Caramel Sauce: For those who enjoy sweet indulgence, caramel sauce offers a deliciously sticky addition to each slice.
-
Nutty Granola: Serve alongside crunchy granola for added texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with moist vanilla pound.
-
Vanilla Yogurt: A dollop of tangy yogurt enhances flavors while keeping things light and refreshing.
-
Coffee or Tea: Both beverages make excellent companions to this moist treat; they enhance flavors and provide warmth.
-
Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can be an unexpected yet delightful pairing with pound cake, offering savory contrasts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Moist Vanilla Pound cake can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
-
Skipping ingredient preparation: Ensure all ingredients are prepped before you start mixing. Sifting flour or measuring out liquids is crucial for accuracy.
-
Not creaming butter and sugar enough: Creaming this mixture until light and fluffy is vital for a rise. Take your time with this step.
-
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much after adding the flour can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
-
Ignoring oven temperature: Ovens can vary significantly. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the correct temperature.
-
Not testing for doneness: Always use a skewer to check if the cake is done. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
-
Improper cooling: Allow the cake to cool in its tin before transferring it to a rack. This helps maintain moisture and structure.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The cake stays fresh for up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Moist Vanilla Pound
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating Moist Vanilla Pound
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making this delightful Moist Vanilla Pound, here are some answers:
How do you make pound cake moist?
To keep your pound cake moist, ensure you use enough butter and don’t overbake it. Also, allow it to cool properly before storage.
What does pound cake taste like?
Pound cake has a rich, buttery flavor with a soft, tender crumb. It’s slightly denser than other cakes, making it perfect for pairing with beverages.
Why does my pound cake crack on top?
Cracking can occur due to too much heat or rapid rising. Make sure your oven isn’t too hot and avoid opening the door frequently while baking.
Does pound cake weigh a pound?
Traditionally, pound cake recipes used equal weights of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs—hence the name! Modern recipes may vary slightly in weight.
What is pound cake made of?
Pound cake is typically made from flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and flavorings like vanilla or lemon zest.
Final Thoughts
This Moist Vanilla Pound recipe offers a wonderful blend of simplicity and deliciousness that makes it perfect for any occasion. You can customize it with different flavors or add-ins like chocolate chips or fruit zest. Give this classic recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Moist Vanilla Pound
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of making this Moist Vanilla Pound cake, a timeless classic that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe boasts a rich buttery flavor and a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether enjoyed plain with your favorite beverage or dressed up with fresh fruit or a light glaze, this cake is sure to impress family and friends. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it’s a wonderful addition to afternoon tea, birthday celebrations, or potlucks. Embrace the warmth of home baking with every slice of this irresistible vanilla delight.
Ingredients
- 225 g (1 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 175 g (3/4 cup) softened butter
- 150 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 150 ml (2/3 cup) milk
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 170°C (325°F). Grease and line a loaf pan.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add beaten eggs while mixing on low speed; incorporate vanilla extract.
- Alternately mix in the dry ingredients and milk until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Classic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 60g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
