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Moist Classic Pound Cake Recipe Easy Homemade with Buttery Golden Crust

moist classic pound cake - featured image

A moist classic pound cake with a buttery golden crust that is tender inside and perfect for any occasion. This easy homemade recipe uses simple ingredients and yields a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Β½ teaspoon salt
  • Β½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: lemon zest or orange zest
  • Optional: a few drops almond extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 2 cups granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until pale, fluffy, and smooth.
  3. Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and Β½ teaspoon salt. Whisk to combine.
  5. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry flour mixture in three parts, alternating with Β½ cup whole milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
  6. Use a rubber spatula to fold and scrape down any flour stuck to the bowl.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake on the center rack for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if crust browns too fast.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Run a knife around edges, invert onto a cooling rack, and peel off parchment if used. Cool completely.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix after adding flour to avoid tough texture. Grease and flour pan well for perfect crust. Let cake cool completely on a wire rack to keep crust crisp. For variations, add citrus zest, almond extract, or fold in fresh berries or nuts. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations available.

Nutrition

Keywords: pound cake, classic pound cake, moist pound cake, homemade pound cake, buttery crust, easy dessert, vanilla cake