A timeless, velvety pound cake with perfect density and a golden crust – just like Grandma used to make!
🌟 Why This Recipe Stands Out
✔ Traditional Southern texture – dense yet tender crumb
✔ Perfect balance of butter and vanilla-almond flavors
✔ Bakes up tall with that signature cracked top
✔ Keeps fresh for days – actually improves in flavor
📋 Ingredients
Makes 12 generous slices
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup shortening (for tenderness)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C)
- Grease & flour a 10-inch tube/Bundt pan (be thorough!)
2️⃣ Creaming is Key
- Beat butter, shortening & sugar for 5 mins until pale/fluffy
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each
3️⃣ Alternate Dry/Wet
- Whisk together flour, baking powder & salt
- Add to batter alternating with milk:
- Start/end with flour (3 flour additions, 2 milk)
- Mix just until combined (don’t overmix!)
4️⃣ Flavor & Bake
- Stir in vanilla & almond extracts
- Pour into pan, smooth top
- Bake 75-85 mins until toothpick comes clean
5️⃣ Cool Properly
- Cool 10 mins in pan
- Transfer to wire rack to cool completely (2+ hours)
🔍 Baker’s Notes
💡 Pro Tips for Perfection
- Room temp ingredients are crucial for even mixing
- Don’t skimp on creaming time – creates air pockets
- Check at 75 mins – ovens vary
- For extra moisture: Brush warm cake with simple syrup
🔄 Delicious Variations
- Lemon: Add 2 tbsp zest + lemon glaze
- Marble: Swirl in ¼ cup cocoa powder mixed with 2 tbsp batter
- Brown Sugar: Replace 1 cup white sugar with brown
❄️ Storage Tips
- Room temp: 3-4 days in cake keeper
- Freeze: Up to 3 months (wrap slices in parchment)
- Refresh: 10 sec in microwave before serving
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Perfect with:
- Fresh berries & whipped cream
- Warm caramel sauce
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- Coffee or sweet tea
Nutrition per slice: 520 kcal | 6g protein | 72g carbs
“The ultimate comfort cake – simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary!”
Baking this? Show us your beautiful cracked tops! 📸👇
