Classic Pound Cake Loaves Recipe

Classic Pound Cake Loaves Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar

4 large eggs, at room temperature

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease small loaf pans or line them with parchment paper. If using aluminum pans like in the image, no need to grease.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. This step is essential for a fluffy texture.

Add the Eggs:

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.

Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Add Milk and Vanilla:

With the mixer on low speed, add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense cake.

Pour the Batter:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans, filling each about 2/3 of the way full. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes (depending on the size of your loaf pans) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown with a slight crack.

Cool and Serve:

Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Variations:

Lemon Pound Cake: Add the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.

Vanilla Glaze: Make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cooled cakes for added sweetness.

Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a delightful chocolate version.

Tips:

Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.

Do not overmix the batter; mixing too much after adding the flour can make the cake dense.

Enjoy these classic pound cake loaves with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat for any occasion!