Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe

By Danielle Nieman

This Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe is the BEST. It’s buttery, moist, and topped with a delicious glaze made with cream cheese and lemon.

This post is all about how to make Old Fashioned Pound Cake.

This pound cake is pretty easy to throw together, and it just happens to be one of the most delicious recipes. Why? I think it’s the buttery, soft cake that melts in your mouth with each bite. The smooth lemon and cream cheese glaze adds even more insane goodness!

If you grew up eating your grandma’s old-school butter pound cake, then you will absolutely appreciate this old fashioned recipe that’s tried and true. You can enjoy this cake and serve it any time of the day – breakfast, afternoon tea, and dessert.

It’s essential to know that making a pound cake is relatively simple, but it’s crucial to follow the instructions closely because it will make or break the taste of the cake. Below, I will discuss specific do’s and don’ts to follow to make the best pound cake recipe. And know there is a bit of easy prep time involved before you can start mixing the ingredients. So, let’s get to it!

Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe

What Is The Secret To A Good Pound Cake?

Traditionally, this cake was made with a pound of four ingredients that included butter, flour, sugar, and eggs. Today, most bakers use smaller amounts and add other delicious components to upgrade the taste.

Now, getting to the real SECRET. The first secret to a good pound cake is that it should be moist when you cut into the cake with an even crumb. To get that result check out the do’s and don’ts below.

The Do’s And Don’ts For The Best Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe

Do’s:

• Allow your eggs, butter, and sour cream to be at room temperature. Set them out on the counter for at least two hours. Generally, room temperature is around 68-72 degrees F.

• Cream your butter and sugar with a mixer at medium speed for four minutes. This allows the sugar to dissolve into the butter, making for a fantastic cake texture.

• Use the “Spoon and Level Method” for measuring dry ingredients. Spoon the dry ingredients into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.

• Add the dry ingredients in gently at a low mixing speed, 1/2 cup at a time. This method prevents overmixing of the batter.

• Follow the baking time! Use a toothpick and stick it in the thickest part of the cake. If it comes out clean, then the pound cake is finished baking.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use cold eggs, and do not melt your butter in the microwave. Melted butter does not allow proper creaming, and cold eggs will prevent a perfect cake texture. The eggs and butter must be at the same room temperature.

• Please don’t skip the creaming stage of this recipe because it will affect the pound cake’s texture.

• Don’t scoop or pack down the dry ingredients. Scooping could result in 50% more flour used.

• Don’t add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar all at once.

• Don’t forget to set a timer and don’t overbake the cake.

Ingredients You’ll Need For This Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe:

• Cake Flour, 3 cups, sifted – Cake flour is the BEST flour for pound cake because it’s extra-fine, resulting in a more tender cake.

• White Granulated Sugar, 3 cups

• Salted Butter, 2.5 sticks aka 1.25 cups (room temperature)

• Eggs, 6 (room temperature)

• Sour Cream, 1 cup aka 8 ounces (room temperature)

• Salt, 1/4 teaspoon

• Baking Soda, 1/4 teaspoon

• Vanilla Extract, 1 teaspoon

• Almond Extract, 1 teaspoon

• Crisco, aka shortening

Ingredients For Cream Cheese And Lemon Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar, 1.5 cups

• Whipped Cream Cheese, 1/2 cup (room temperature)

• Lemon Juice, 1.5 tablespoons

• Lemon Zest, 1/2 tablespoon, optional but recommended.

Equipment Needed:

• Stand Mixer

• Tube Cake Pan

• Oven

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

• Spatula

• Wire Cookie Rack

How To Make An Old Fashioned Moist Pound Cake From Scratch, Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Step 2: Measure the cake flour with the “Spoon and Level Method.” Next, sift the cake flour, salt, and baking soda into a medium bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Add the butter (room temperature) and sugar to a mixing bowl. At low speed, begin combining the sugar and butter. Once incorporated, turn the mixer on high for four minutes to cream the butter mixture. During the four minutes, stop the mixer to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl.

Step 4: Next, add the (room temperature) eggs to the mixing bowl one at a time. This stage ensures the eggs get incorporated evenly into the sugar and butter batter. Be sure to scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl.

Step 5: Add the vanilla extract and almond extract to the batter. Mix until the liquids are combined.

Step 6: Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. At low to medium-low speed, add 1/2 cup of dry ingredients at a time. To avoid overmixing the batter, keep the mixing pace low and mix until the 1/2 cup of ingredients are incorporated, no more than 15 seconds for each 1/2 cup.

Step 7: Grease the sides and bottom of your pan with Crisco, aka shortening. It’s easiest to use your fingers to coat the entire pan with an even layer of grease. Avoid clumps of shortening in the pan.

Step 8: Add the (room temperature) sour cream 1/2 cup at a time to the batter. Mix on low until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are mixed.

Step 9: Using a spatula, add and spread the batter evenly to the greased pan. Shake the pan or bang it carefully onto the counter so the batter settles into the pan evenly.

Step 10: Cook the pound cake for 1 hour and 15 minutes at 325 degrees F. Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s finished baking. If not, bake the cake for another 10 to 15 minutes and repeat the toothpick test. *Remember, every oven performs differently.*

Step 11: While the pound cake is baking, you can make the cream cheese and lemon glaze. Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl or bowl. Using a mixer or whisk, incorporate the elements. The glaze’s consistency should be thick like honey.

Step 12: Set the pan on a wire rack to cool for 10-15 minutes after the cake has finished baking. Set a timer.

Step 13: After 10 to 15 minutes, use a butter knife to run around the outer edges of the cake to help release it from the pan. Next, turn the tube pan upside down onto a serving dish. Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake. The glaze topping will begin to soak into the pound cake.

Step 14: Serve a piece immediately!

How Do You Make Pound Cake Moist?

The secret ingredient to moist pound cake is sour cream! Most old-fashioned pound cakes do not call for this ingredient, which is why it’s a secret.

In the chemistry of baking, sour cream is the ultimate powerhouse combination of acid and fat, resulting in a more tender cake. It also adds moisture without thinning the batter, giving a more velvety texture.

FAQs For This Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe

What are the essential tips for a perfect, homemade pound cake?

Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature, spoon & level the dry ingredients, and take the time to cream your butter and sugar.

Is milk or water better for pound cake?

Pound cake does not require milk or water. This is a common misconception about this recipe.

What is the recipe for grandma’s old fashioned pound cake?

Grandma’s recipe mainly consisted of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs since those are the traditional four ingredients used for this old-fashioned cake. However, the extracts and sour cream used in this recipe are well worth it!

Is this classic pound cake recipe easy to make?

Yes, this recipe is easy! However, prep is involved, and patience and time are required.

Can you make a pound cake in a bundt cake pan?

Absolutely! I used a tube pan, but you can use a bundt cake pan if you prefer.

Is this recipe similar to Southern Old Fashioned Pound Cake?

Classic Southern pound cakes, sometimes called Million Dollar Pound Cakes, often call for sour cream or cream cheese. This recipe calls for sour cream.

Why do some call it an old-school butter pound cake?

Old school is just another name for old-fashioned, and the recipes are the same thing.

Are there any serving recommendations for this cake?

Serving this pound cake with cream cheese and lemon glaze topping is excellent. Some also enjoy a side of fresh strawberries with their slice as well.

How do I store leftovers?

If you’re adding the glaze on top of the cake, it should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container because it contains cream cheese. If you’re skipping the glaze, you could keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for no more than a couple of days.

Can I freeze this old fashioned pound cake recipe?

Yes! After a couple of days at room temperature or five days in the fridge, you should freeze the leftovers to ensure freshness. Slice the rest of the cake up if you prefer and place the pieces in an airtight container for freezing or use a food vacuum sealer.

How long can you keep this cake in the fridge?

It’s best not to keep this old-fashioned pound cake in the fridge for more than five days.

Are there any make-ahead tips for this recipe?

You could make this recipe the day before serving it to guests, and it just might be more delicious because the glaze would have had proper time to seep into the cake. But don’t get me wrong, this cake tastes fantastic if you serve it the same day.

Can pound cake recipes be made with other flavors besides this classic butter variation?

Yes! Chocolate and lemon pound cake seems to be the most popular flavors to follow behind the classic butter.

Why is this the best pound cake recipe?

This recipe is the best old-fashioned pound cake because of the unique glaze topper, the sour cream, and the detailed step-by-step instructions that will ensure you also make the best pound cake.

Final Thoughts On This Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe

I’m confident you will LOVE this Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe! As long as you follow the step-by-step instructions, you’ll be on your way to making the best pound cake you’ve ever tasted. Please share this recipe with friends and family on social media if you find it insanely delicious!

Follow career girl meets… on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more home decor ideas, recipes, and gift guides.

Related Recipes:

Easy Chocolate Bread Recipe

How To Make The Best Cinnamon Roll Recipe With Cream Cheese Frosting

Bourbon-Soaked Cherries Recipe