Old Fashioned Southern Pound Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Old Fashioned Southern Pound Cake is a classic, rich, and buttery dessert that never goes out of style. Perfectly moist with a tender crumb, it’s a comforting treat that pairs wonderfully with tea or fresh fruit.

Ingredients

• 2 sticks of butter, softened
• 1/2 cup Crisco shortening
• 3 cups sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Generously grease and flour a tube pan, then set it aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and Crisco shortening until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Step 6: Alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
7. Step 7: Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
8. Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and bake for 60 to 90 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, try folding in 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or toasted coconut before baking.
• Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a slightly tangier, richer cake.
• To ensure even baking, rotate the pan halfway through baking.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. Warm slices gently in the microwave before serving to restore freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable oil instead of Crisco shortening?

Vegetable oil can be substituted, but it may change the texture slightly, making the cake less tender and buttery. Using shortening helps maintain the traditional dense, moist texture.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done baking. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.

Old Fashioned Southern Pound Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 57 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Old Fashioned Southern Pound Cake is a classic, rich, and buttery dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection in a tube pan, it delivers a moist, tender crumb with a deep vanilla flavor that embodies Southern baking tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Butter Mixture

• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 1/2 cup Crisco shortening
• 3 cups sugar
• 5 large eggs

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Generously grease and flour your tube pan to ensure the cake will release easily after baking. Set the prepared pan aside.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the cake.
3. Cream Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, Crisco shortening, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to incorporate fully.
5. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and remove any lumps.
6. Combine Ingredients: Alternately add the sifted flour mixture and milk to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until fully combined. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract for flavor.
7. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured tube pan, smoothing the top evenly.
8. Bake Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 90 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of this classic Southern pound cake.

Notes

• Be sure to soften the butter completely for easier creaming and better texture.
• The baking time can vary depending on your oven; start checking at 60 minutes.
• Using a toothpick test is the best way to ensure the cake is fully baked.
• You can store leftover cake wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
• For a subtle variation, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Southern pound cake, classic butter cake, vanilla pound cake, old fashioned dessert, tube pan cake