Pound cake

Pound cake is a type of cake that is made with a pound of each of the four main ingredients: flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. Its origins are unknown, but it is thought to have originated in England or America. The first pound cake recipe was published in America in 1796, and the cake became very popular in the 19th century. Pound cake was often served at parties and was a favorite of President Thomas Jefferson.

Pound cake fell out of favor in the 20th century as lighter, airier cakes became popular. However, it has experienced a resurgence in recent years as people have rediscovered its simple, rich flavor. There are now many variations on the traditional pound cake recipe, including chocolate, lemon, and marble pound cake.

Advice

If you are looking to make the perfect pound cake, it is important to use good quality ingredients and take your time. Begin by preheating your oven and greasing your baking pan. Then, cream your butter and sugar together until it is light and fluffy. Next, add your eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. After combining all your ingredients, be sure to mix gently yet thoroughly. Finally, bake your cake at the correct temperature for the recommended time and you will end up with a delicious and perfect pound cake.

Questions

What is the secret to a good pound cake?

The secret to a good pound cake is using high-quality ingredients, such as butter and eggs, and not overmixing the batter. Make sure to use room temperature butter and beat the butter and sugar together until they are light and fluffy. Finally, make sure to bake the cake until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

What makes a pound cake different from a regular cake?

A pound cake is denser and heavier than a regular cake because it contains a pound each of flour, sugar, butter and eggs. It also has a more buttery flavor and a richer texture than a regular cake.

Why is it called a pound cake?

The term "pound cake" comes from its traditional recipe, which called for a pound of each of the four main ingredients: flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. These cakes usually have a dense, rich texture and a slightly sweet flavor. The name has been used since the 18th century.

What is the difference between pound cake and Bundt cake?

Pound cake is a type of cake that is dense and rich, usually made with a pound of each of four main ingredients: flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. It has a slightly sweet, buttery flavor and a dense, crumbly texture. A Bundt cake, on the other hand, is a type of cake that is baked in a Bundt pan, giving it a distinctive ring shape. It is usually made with a lighter, sweeter cake batter and can be topped with a glaze or a streusel topping. Bundt cakes tend to be more moist and airy than pound cakes, with a light, fluffy texture.

How long do you leave pound cake in the pan before removing?

Most pound cakes should be cooled in the pan for 10-15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Is milk or water better for pound cake?

Milk is generally better for pound cake as it adds more moisture and flavor than water does.

Jump to: Ingredient Breakdown Insights

Recipes

 

Chocolate-Coconut Pound Cake

3.7/5 - 464 votes

• salt
• vanilla extract
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• cocoa powder
• virgin coconut oil
• butter
• coconut flake
• buttermilk
• egg
• baking powder

 

Coconut Pound Cake

4/5 - 894 votes

• coconut milk
• sugar
• sweetened coconut
• salt
• all purpose flour
• baking powder
• egg
• coconut oil
• butter

 

Condensed Milk Pound Cake

4/5 - 600 votes

• vanilla bean seed
• butter
• dulce de leche
• sugar
• salt
• all purpose flour
• vanilla extract
• egg
• sweetened condensed milk
• baking powder

 

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

5/5 - 141 votes

• butter
• salt
• cornstarch
• vanilla extract
• sugar
• all purpose flour
• egg
• cream cheese

 

Go-To Vanilla Pound Cake

5/5 - 57 votes

• egg yolk
• vanilla extract
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• sour cream
• baking powder
• salt
• butter
• egg

 

Lemon Pound Cake

4.7/5 - 118 votes

• butter
• sugar
• powdered sugar
• baking powder
• salt
• all purpose flour
• egg
• lemon
• milk

 

Pound Cake with Grand Marnier–Poached Apricots

3.9/5 - 167 votes

• sweetened whipped cream
• salt
• vanilla extract
• ginger
• heavy cream
• tartar cream
• cardamom
• butter
• apricot
• sugar
• grand marnier
• sugar
• all purpose flour
• egg

 

Pineapple Pound Cake

4.5/5 - 97 votes

• pineapple
• baking powder
• vanilla extract
• confectioners sugar
• butter
• vegetable shortening
• all purpose flour
• milk
• sugar
• egg

 

Classic Two Egg Vanilla Pound Cake

4/5 - 130 votes

• vanilla extract
• sugar
• all purpose flour
• egg
• butter
• milk
• baking powder
• salt

 

Buttermilk-Pumpkin Pound Cake

5/5 - 81 votes

• buttermilk
• butter
• sugar
• cinnamon
• baking soda
• nutmeg
• salt
• pumpkin
• allspice
• clove
• dark brown sugar
• baking powder
• ginger
• vanilla extract
• all purpose flour
• egg

 

Easy Lemon Pound Cake

5/5 - 166 votes

• baking powder
• all purpose flour
• butter
• milk
• lemon juice
• sugar
• salt
• egg

 

Chocolate Pound Cake

4.2/5 - 65 votes

• vanilla ice cream
• butter
• milk
• cocoa
• vegetable shortening
• baking powder
• salt
• vanilla extract
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• egg

 

Easter Lamb-Shaped Pound Cake

4/5 - 110 votes

• sweetened coconut
• cake
• cream cheese frosting
• food coloring

 

Black & White Pound Cake

4.3/5 - 36 votes

• Pound Cake
• egg yolk
• milk
• vanilla extract
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• sour cream
• baking powder
• salt
• butter
• egg
• black cocoa powder
• Streusel
• all purpose flour
• light brown sugar
• black cocoa powder
• salt
• butter

 

Buttermilk Pound Cake

4.4/5 - 58 votes

• buttermilk
• vanilla extract
• salt
• butter
• cake flour
• sugar
• egg

 

Amanda's Cheese Pound Cake

5/5 - 133 votes

• vanilla
• cream cheese
• butter
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• egg

 

Lemon Lavender Pound Cake

4.5/5 - 57 votes

• confectioners sugar
• butter
• lemon
• baking soda
• salt
• sugar
• lemon
• water
• lavender flower
• cake flour
• egg
• lemon juice
• sour cream

 

7-UP Pound Cake

4.5/5 - 55 votes

• powdered sugar
• butter
• lemon extract
• vegetable shortening
• all purpose ​flour
• sugar
• egg
• lemon lime soda

 

Pumpkin Pound Cake With Maple Pecan Glaze

4.5/5 - 51 votes

• pumpkin
• sugar
• baking soda
• vanilla
• confectioners sugar
• ginger
• nutmeg
• salt
• clove
• butter
• baking powder
• cinnamon
• all purpose flour
• heavy cream
• maple syrup
• pecan
• brown sugar
• egg

 

Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake

4.95/5 - 20 votes

• lemon extract
• vanilla extract
• cream cheese
• butter
• salt
• lemon zest
• powdered sugar
• lemon juice
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• egg

 

Cardamom Pound Cake

3.8/5 - 86 votes

• tea poached plum
• sugar
• cardamom
• baking powder
• crème fraîche
• almond
• milk
• all purpose flour
• egg
• butter
• almond extract
• salt
• vanilla extract

 

Copycat Starbucks Lemon Pound Cake

5/5 - 35 votes

• sugar
• powdered sugar
• lemon juice
• milk
• lemon extract
• all purpose flour
• butter
• baking powder
• salt
• sour cream
• baking soda
• lemon zest
• vanilla extract
• egg
• icing
• salt

 

Ricotta Cornmeal Pound Cake

4.4/5 - 46 votes

• whipped cream
• nonstick oil spray
• all purpose flour
• white
• sugar
• ricotta cheese
• egg yolk
• butter
• baking powder
• sour cream
• vanilla extract
• egg
• salt

 

Chocolate Pound Cake

3.7/5 - 40 votes

• honey
• vanilla extract
• salt
• butter
• espresso
• egg yolk
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• dutch cocoa powder
• bittersweet chocolate
• semisweet chocolate
• butter
• egg

 

Peach Pound Cake

5/5 - 16 votes

• sour cream
• butter
• powdered sugar
• salt
• milk
• baking soda
• peach
• vanilla extract
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• egg

 

Gluten Free Lemon Pound Cake

4.59/5 - 29 votes

• greek yogurt
• powdered sugar
• gluten-free flour
• sugar
• canola oil
• salt
• vanilla
• baking powder
• lemon zest
• lemon juice
• egg

 

Sour Cream Pound Cake

4/5 - 57 votes

• confectioners sugar
• sour cream
• vanilla extract
• baking soda
• salt
• milk
• butter
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• egg

 

Chocolate Mascarpone Pound Cake with Coffee Meringue Icing

2.7/5 - 38 votes

• vegetable oil spray
• mascarpone cheese
• vanilla extract
• baking powder
• salt
• coffee
• sugar
• vegetable oil
• tartar cream
• all purpose flour
• egg
• egg white
• butter
• cocoa powder

 

Peach Cobbler Pound Cake

4.85/5 - 26 votes

• confectionerand# sugar
• cinnamon
• baking powder
• salt
• vanilla extract
• brown sugar
• milk
• butter
• nutmeg
• sugar
• bourbon
• milk
• all purpose flour
• peach
• egg
• cream cheese
• butter

 

Strawberry Pound Cake

5/5 - 19 votes

• lemon
• baking powder
• strawberry extract
• vanilla extract
• salt
• baking soda
• powdered sugar
• butter
• sugar
• strawberry
• strawberry puree
• red coloring
• all purpose flour
• sour cream
• egg

 

Lemon Pound Cake

4.95/5 - 51 votes

• sugar
• powdered sugar
• butter
• all purpose flour
• butter
• sour cream
• baking powder
• baking soda
• lemon juice
• lemon zest
• lemon juice
• egg

 

Blood Orange Rosemary Pound Cake

4.6/5 - 19 votes

• nonstick spray
• powdered sugar
• rosemary
• salt
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• butter
• blood orange soda
• blood orange
• eggs yolk

 

Coconut Pound Cake

5/5 - 11 votes

• vanilla extract
• cream cheese
• butter
• confectionersand# sugar
• baking powder
• salt
• sweetened coconut
• coconut extract
• sweetened coconut
• milk
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• egg

 

Orange Pound Cake with Orange Syrup and Orange Glaze

4.92/5 - 12 votes

• salt
• vanilla extract
• sugar
• baking powder
• baking soda
• oranges orange zest
• powdered sugar
• butter
• orange juice
• all purpose flour
• buttermilk
• egg

 

Sticky Mandarin-Vanilla Pound Cake

5/5 - 13 votes

• Mandarin-Vanilla Pound Cake
• egg yolk
• sugar
• orange liqueur
• vanilla paste
• baking powder
• butter
• salt
• orange juice
• baking soda
• all purpose flour
• orange zest
• vegetable oil
• Mandarin Marmalade Topping
• orange liqueur
• orange juice
• sugar

 

Carrot Pound Cake With Cream Cheese Glaze

5/5 - 36 votes

• buttermilk
• butter
• carrot
• coconut
• walnut
• sugar
• almond extract
• ginger
• nutmeg
• salt
• vanilla extract
• cinnamon
• allspice
• clove
• pineapple
• dark brown sugar
• vanilla extract
• powdered sugar
• milk
• all purpose flour
• cream cheese
• egg

 

Dairy-Free Lemon Pound Cake

4.5/5 - 19 votes

• coconut oil
• egg yolk
• vanilla extract
• salt
• lemon juice
• sugar
• baking powder
• baking soda
• lemon zest
• all purpose flour
• dairy sour cream
• egg

 

Candied-Lemon Pound Cake

3.8/5 - 19 votes

• sugar
• all purpose flour
• heavy cream
• lemon
• butter
• vanilla extract
• egg
• confectioners sugar

 

Lemon-Lavender Pound Cake

3.1/5 - 90 votes

• powdered sugar
• lemon
• all purpose flour
• butter
• vanilla bean
• baking soda
• buttermilk
• lavender
• egg
• lemon juice
• sugar
• baking powder
• salt
• lemon zest

 

Rich Amaretto Pound Cake

4.5/5 - 16 votes

• amaretto
• almond extract
• salt
• baking powder
• sugar
• milk
• all purpose flour
• egg
• cream cheese
• butter

 

Old-Fashioned Cream Cheese Pound Cake

4.8/5 - 22 votes

• butter
• vanilla extract
• cake flour
• sugar
• egg
• cream cheese

 

Greek Yogurt Vanilla Pound Cake

4.88/5 - 25 votes

• sugar
• all purpose flour
• butter
• greek yogurt
• baking soda
• salt
• vanilla extract
• egg

 

Banana Pound Cake With Caramel Cream Cheese Glaze

5/5 - 31 votes

• buttermilk
• butter
• salt
• vanilla extract
• dark brown sugar
• sugar
• caramel sauce
• overripened banana
• milk
• cinnamon
• vanilla extract
• powdered sugar
• all purpose flour
• cream cheese
• egg
• cooking spray

 

Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake

4.73/5 - 22 votes

• lemon zest
• water
• lemon
• butter
• almond extract
• powdered sugar
• sugar
• vanilla extract
• baking powder
• all purpose flour
• lemon juice
• sour cream
• egg
• butter
• lemon zest

 

Sour Cream Pound Cake

4.81/5 - 31 votes

• sugar
• all purpose flour
• butter
• sour cream
• baking soda
• salt
• vanilla extract
• egg

 

Classic Pound Cake

4.79/5 - 19 votes

• butter
• sugar
• all purpose flour
• egg

 

Blueberry Lemon Pound Cake

5/5 - 11 votes

• blueberry
• powdered sugar
• vanilla greek yogurt
• sugar
• lemon juice
• lemon zest
• all purpose flour
• lemon juice
• vegetable oil
• all purpose flour
• vanilla extract
• salt
• baking powder
• egg
• lemon zest

 

The Best Pound Cake

4.92/5 - 23 votes

• cake flour
• vanilla extract
• butter
• salt
• milk
• egg
• sugar
• baking powder

 

Peach Cobbler Pound Cake

4.5/5 - 10 votes

• sugar
• peach
• baking powder
• cinnamon
• light brown sugar
• butter
• nutmeg
• salt
• all purpose flour
• vanilla extract
• egg

 

Cinnamon-Roll Pound Cake

4.2/5 - 14 votes

• SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
• bundt
• CAKE BATTER
• cooking spray
• sour cream
• vanilla extract
• salt
• butter
• baking soda
• vegetable oil
• sugar
• cake flour
• egg
• CINNAMON SWIRL
• all purpose flour
• vanilla extract
• cinnamon
• light brown sugar
• butter
• ICING AND ASSEMBLY
• vanilla extract
• powdered sugar
• milk
• cream cheese
• butter

 

Lemon-Elderflower Pound Cake

4.2/5 - 14 votes

• STRAWBERRIES
• st germain
• strawberry
• sugar
• CAKE
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• heavy cream
• baking powder
• salt
• lemon zest
• vanilla extract
• st germain
• egg
• butter
• GLAZE AND ASSEMBLY
• vanilla extract
• lemon juice
• salt
• st germain
• butter
• sugar

 

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

5/5 - 8 votes

• lime
• powdered sugar
• nutmeg
• spearmint
• cream cheese
• lime juice
• butter
• zest
• baking powder
• vanilla flavor
• sugar
• all purpose flour
• butter
• water
• egg
• nonstick spray

 

Butter-Toasted Vanilla Pound Cake with Macerated Strawberries

4.5/5 - 6 votes

• black pepper
• all purpose flour
• cake flour
• strawberry
• vanilla extract
• baking powder
• sugar
• salt
• almond
• salt
• balsamic vinegar
• cream cheese
• almond extract
• butter
• scoops vanilla ice cream
• vanilla cake
• egg
• butter

 

Basil Sugar Pound Cakes From Thalia Ho

4.7/5 - 5 votes

• Basil Sugar
• lemon zest
• sugar
• basil
• Cakes
• lemon zest
• vanilla extract
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• buttermilk
• salt
• egg
• butter
• baking powder

 

Cold Oven Pound Cake

4.7/5 - 13 votes

• baking powder
• salt
• butter
• milk
• lemon juice
• vanilla extract
• sugar
• lemon juice powder
• all purpose flour
• egg
• lemons zest

 

7UP Pound Cake

5/5 - 5 votes

• 7up
• lemon
• vanilla extract
• baking powder
• lemon
• lime
• butter
• confectionersand# sugar
• 7up
• baking soda
• lemon
• salt
• sugar
• all purpose flour
• egg

 

Southern Pound Cake

5/5 - 5 votes

• vanilla extract
• salt
• butter
• milk
• baking powder
• sugar
• all purpose flour
• egg

 

Chocolate Vanilla Swirl Pound Cake

4.8/5 - 4 votes

• place sweetener
• concentrated fruit sweetener
• vanilla extract
• turbinado cane sugar
• fantasy fudge sauce
• baking soda
• salt
• all purpose flour
• applesauce
• egg
• milk
• baking powder
• cocoa powder
• butter

 

Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake

5/5 - 5 votes

• buttermilk
• butter
• milk
• baking soda
• salt
• blueberry
• powdered sugar
• lemon juice
• lemon peel
• sugar
• all purpose flour
• egg

 

Gluten-Free Tuesday: Buttermilk Pound Cake Recipe

4.8/5 - 4 votes

• cake
• Cake
• glaze
• buttermilk
• sugar
• vanilla extract
• cornstarch
• butter
• baking powder
• salt
• xanthan gum
• egg
• sweet rice flour
• white rice flour
• Glaze
• lemon juice
• powdered sugar

 

Sweet Potato Pound Cake

5/5 - 4 votes

• nutmeg
• baking soda
• sweet potato
• baking powder
• orange zest
• vanilla extract
• salt
• sour cream
• butter
• salt
• powdered sugar
• heavy cream
• cinnamon
• vanilla extract
• all purpose flour
• brown sugar
• brown sugar
• sugar
• egg
• butter

 

Bay Laurel Pound Cake

5/5 - 4 votes

• sugar
• baking powder
• butter
• crème fraiche
• salt
• all purpose flour
• egg
• bay leaf
• powdered sugar

 

Chocolate Velvet Pound Cake with Chocolate Glaze

3.5/5 - 4 votes

• powdered sugar
• all purpose flour
• egg
• sugar
• yogurt
• light brown sugar
• milk
• dutch process cocoa
• dutch process cocoa powder
• baking powder
• baking soda
• salt
• vanilla
• espresso powder coffee crystal
• egg white
• butter

 

Sour Cream Pound Cake

5/5 - 3 votes

• sour cream
• butter
• vanilla
• baking soda
• salt
• sugar
• all purpose flour
• egg

 

Blueberry Pound Cake

5/5 - 3 votes

• sour cream
• powdered sugar
• butter
• salt
• milk
• baking soda
• blueberry
• vanilla extract
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• egg

 

Browned Butter Pound Cake

4/5 - 3 votes

• sugar
• salt
• vanilla bean
• baking powder
• all purpose flour
• confectioners sugar
• butter
• milk
• cream cheese
• egg

 

Polenta Pound Cake with Mascarpone and Rosemary

5/5 - 2 votes

• mascarpone
• fig
• mascarpone cheese
• heavy cream
• vanilla bean
• sugar
• Cake
• lemon juice
• cake flour
• polenta
• sugar
• vanilla extract
• butter
• egg
• salt
• Rosemary Syrup
• honey
• rosemary
• water

 

Martha Stewart's Whole-Lemon Pound Cake With Pomegranate Glaze

5/5 - 2 votes

• glaze
• lemon
• salt
• vanilla extract
• baking powder
• sugar
• cups all purpose flour
• pomegranate aril
• butter
• pomegranate juice
• confectioners sugar
• egg

 

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

5/5 - 2 votes

• butter extract
• vanilla extract
• butter
• vanilla
• salt
• powdered sugar
• sugar
• cake flour
• butter
• milk
• egg
• cream cheese

 

Marbled Blueberry Pound Cake

4.7/5 - 2 votes

• nonstick spray
• sugar
• salt
• demerara sugar
• salt
• blueberry
• unrefined coconut oil
• cardamom
• cinnamon
• sour cream
• vegetable oil
• all purpose flour
• baking powder
• egg

 

Brown Sugar Pound Cake

5/5 - 2 votes

• brown sugar
• sugar
• pecan
• milk
• baking powder
• sweetened condensed milk
• toffee
• butter
• salt
• vanilla extract
• brown sugar
• butter
• all purpose flour
• egg

 

Old Fashioned Pound Cake

5/5 - 2 votes

• buttermilk
• vanilla extract
• butter
• baking powder
• salt
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• egg

 

Blue Ribbon Pound Cake

5/5 - 1 votes

• confectioners sugar
• strawberry
• milk
• baking powder
• salt
• nutmeg
• butter
• lemon extract
• sugar
• all purpose flour
• egg

 

Chocolate Hazelnut Pound Cake with Shiny Chocolate Glaze

5/5 - 1 votes

• almond
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• sugar
• hazelnut
• light corn syrup
• water
• salt
• butter
• semisweet chocolate
• egg

 

Chocolate Brownie Pound Cake

5/5 - 1 votes

• cocoa powder
• baking powder
• salt
• butter
• buttermilk
• baking soda
• all purpose flour
• butter
• vanilla
• vanilla extract
• sugar
• egg
• egg white

 

Fresh Ginger-Lemon Pound Cake

4.8/5 - 5 votes

• sugar
• salt
• all purpose flour
• ginger
• lemon zest
• butter
• egg

 

Lemon-and-Orange-Glazed Pound Cake

4/5 - 2 votes

• Cake
• heavy cream
• orange zest
• lemon juice
• salt
• egg
• lemon zest
• vanilla extract
• orange juice
• butter
• sugar
• all purpose flour
• Glaze
• lemon juice
• lemon zest
• orange zest
• confectioners sugar
• orange juice

 

Matcha Pound Cake with Almond Glaze

5/5 - 1 votes

• Cake
• milk
• butter
• salt
• sugar
• almond extract
• all purpose flour
• matcha powder
• vanilla extract
• egg
• Glaze
• powdered sugar
• almond extract
• milk

 

Red, White & Blue Berry Pound Cake Bites

5/5 - 1 votes

• heavy cream
• cake
• blueberry
• strawberry
• vanilla bean paste
• coconut milk
• powdered sugar

 

Eggnog Pound Cake

5/5 - 1 votes

• powdered sugar
• sugar
• baking powder
• all purpose flour
• eggnog
• butter
• mccormick vanilla extract
• mccormick rum imitation extract
• cinnamon
• mccormick imitation rum extract
• nutmeg
• salt
• egg
• eggnog

Ingredient Breakdown