Description
A reliable, moist Southern-style pound cake that is perfect for meal prep. This recipe uses simple pantry staples and room temperature ingredients to create a tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated white sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until pale yellow and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Reduce mixer speed to low. Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes. Do not open the oven door for the first 45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil after 40 minutes.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients (butter, eggs, sour cream) are at room temperature for proper emulsification. Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid a tough texture. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off, rather than scooping directly. For gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Variations include adding lemon zest, cocoa powder, or fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: pound cake, moist pound cake, meal prep dessert, southern baking, vanilla cake, easy baking, make ahead dessert