Easy Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for the coziest, most delightful bake to brighten any day, look no further than this Easy Vanilla Pound Cake. Picture a golden, buttery crust giving way to a tender, aromatic crumb with a classic vanilla fragrance that absolutely fills the house as it bakes. This recipe is my go-to whenever I crave something sweet but simple, equally perfect for an afternoon treat or dressed up for special occasions. Trust me, you’ll fall in love after one bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes an Easy Vanilla Pound Cake so reliably lovely is how it leans into pure, wholesome ingredients. Each component is simple but brings far more than meets the eye—flavor, structure, or that signature golden hue. Gather these essentials, and you’re halfway to cake bliss!

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The key to a rich, tender cake; be sure to soften it for easy creaming!
• Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Not only sweetens but helps create that beautifully light, fluffy texture.
• Large Eggs (4): Provide structure and moisture, making each slice wonderfully tender.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Gives that unbelievably warm and fragrant vanilla aroma that makes this cake irresistible.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The sturdy base that keeps everything together for a moist, sliceable loaf.
• Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough lift; don’t skip it for that classic pound cake crumb.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors—really, a little goes a long way.
• Whole Milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and balances the batter for a soft, fine crumb.

How to Make Easy Vanilla Pound Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Before you do anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray to ensure your pound cake slips out easily later. This quick and simple prep helps make your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake completely stress-free when it comes time to serve.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer) to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is absolutely essential for creating that iconic, melt-in-your-mouth pound cake texture, so don’t rush!

Step 3: Add the Eggs One by One

Crack in the eggs and add them to your creamed butter and sugar, one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully mixed in before you add the next. This helps the batter emulsify and stay smooth, giving you a pound cake with lovely, even crumb.

Step 4: Stir in the Vanilla

Now for the star of the show: stir in that whole tablespoon of vanilla extract. Your kitchen will already start to smell amazing—that’s when you know you’re making a true Easy Vanilla Pound Cake!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed before being folded into your wet mixture, so you won’t end up with any pockets of flour or uneven rising.

Step 6: Alternate Mixing Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix gently, just until combined—the secret to a velvety, never-tough cake is to avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Pour Batter and Bake

Spoon the thick, creamy batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the pound cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Easy Vanilla Pound Cake

Garnishes

Elevate your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a zippy lemon glaze, or a handful of fresh berries. For an extra treat, top slices with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Each simple garnish adds its own delightful twist while letting the cake’s classic vanilla shine.

Side Dishes

Pair your pound cake with a fresh fruit salad, hot coffee, or chilled iced tea for a blissful afternoon snack. If you’re feeling fancy, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or tangy yogurt on the side—perfect contrasts to the smooth, buttery crumb of this Easy Vanilla Pound Cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your pound cake into cubes for individual trifles, or layer slices with berry compote in parfait glasses for a wow-worthy dessert. Toast a slice lightly and serve with caramelized bananas, or make mini pound cake sandwiches filled with sweetened ricotta. There are endless playful, delicious ways to showcase your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake extra-moist by storing any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. The cake stays fresh for up to three days, making it a fabulous make-ahead treat or a delightful snack the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the entire cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight bag or container. Pop it in the freezer, and it’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature for a perfectly fresh slice anytime!

Reheating

If you love your pound cake warm, give slices a 10-second zap in the microwave, or toast them lightly for a crisp edge and soft center. Either way, your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake will taste just as dreamy as when it first came out of the oven.

FAQs

Why is my pound cake dense or heavy?

Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients are the usual culprits. Be sure to use softened butter, mix just until combined, and follow the instructions for adding eggs and dry ingredients gradually for a tender, light crumb every time.

Can I use low-fat milk or a milk alternative?

Whole milk gives the cake extra richness, but you can swap in 2 percent milk or a mild dairy-free alternative like oat milk if needed. Just note that the texture might be a touch less plush, but your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake will still taste wonderful.

How do I know when the pound cake is baked through?

Check for a golden-brown top and insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your cake is ready to come out of the oven. Err on the side of checking a little early to avoid overbaking!

Can I double this recipe for a larger gathering?

Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans, or bake in a bundt pan, being sure to adjust the baking time as needed. This Easy Vanilla Pound Cake easily scales up for a crowd.

What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can use an 8-inch or 9-inch cake pan instead—just keep a close eye on the baking time, as thinner cakes will bake more quickly. The Easy Vanilla Pound Cake’s versatile batter can adapt to different shapes!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Vanilla Pound Cake is the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re baking for loved ones or just treating yourself. I truly hope you’ll fall for its classic flavor, irresistible simplicity, and all the sweet moments it brings to your table. Happy baking!

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