A deliciously rich and buttery classic vanilla pound cake. Serve alone or dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple vanilla glaze. The perfect no-fuss cake for all occasions.
PREPARATION TIME
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:60 minutes
Total Time:75 minutes
INGREDIENTS
For Pound Cake
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 cup (135 g) cake flour, spooned and leveled
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, plus 4 egg yolks, room temperature
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
For Vanilla Bean Glaze
1 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
5–6 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
INSTRUCTIONS
For Pound Cake
Preheat oven to 325°.
Lightly grease a 9 x 5″ loaf pan. Line the bottom and short sides with parchment paper, allowing the ends to hang over for easy removal of the loaf after baking. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. About 4-5 minutes.
Add the sugar slowly with the mixer on medium low. Mix until well incorporated.
Add the eggs and egg yolks, one at time, until fully incorporated. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the vanilla, mixing until well combined.
Beat the mixture until light and fluffy on medium high speed, about 1 to 2 minutes. We want to incorporate air into the batter.
Add the flour to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Do not overmix.
Once combined, pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan using an offset spatula to smooth the top.
Bake for about 60 minutes, checking the cake at 50 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the top loosely with aluminum foil.
The cake is done when it springs back when gently pressed on top. A toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few crumbs remaining. Do not overbake or the cake will be dry.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
Using the parchment paper ends, pull the loaf from the pan and place on a cooling rack to cool completely.
For Vanilla Bean Glaze
Add confectioner’s sugar and vanilla bean paste to a medium bowl. Add the whole milk or heavy cream and whisk to combine. If glaze is too thick, continue adding milk one tablespoon at a time until you have the desired consistency. If too thin, add more confectioner’s sugar. You want the glaze to be thick, but pourable.
Spoon the glaze over the top of the completely cooled pound cake, allowing the glaze to drop over the sides. Let sit for 15 minutes to set before slicing.
NOTES
Store cake tightly covered in a cool, dry place for up to 4 days.
Cake is best the day after it is made as the flavor develops over time.
Cake may be frozen. Freeze the cake before adding the glaze and defrost at room temperature before serving.
