Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe
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If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a treasured family secret yet is incredibly easy to make, this Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Dense, buttery, and beautifully moist, each slice melts in your mouth with velvety richness and a hint of vanilla that lingers pleasantly. This classic pound cake stands tall as a perfect centerpiece for gatherings or simply a cozy afternoon treat paired with a cup of tea or coffee. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your absolute favorites, cherished for its simplicity and unbeatable flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe is a joy because each one is straightforward yet crucial for achieving that perfect balance of taste and texture. Every element plays its part—flour gives structure, sugar adds sweetness, butter keeps it moist and tender, eggs bind everything beautifully, and the vanilla and almond extracts provide that signature aroma and depth.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cake, giving it that firm yet tender crumb that’s so satisfying.
- 3 cups granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and helping to create a soft, golden crust.
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened: The star of the show, butter adds richness and moistness, making every bite decadent.
- 8 large eggs: They provide structure and moisture, ensuring the cake is dense but not dry.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and keeps the cake wonderfully tender.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth that feels both comforting and inviting.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Just a touch enhances the flavor complexity, making it truly memorable.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the other flavors.
How to Make Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Be sure to grease a 10-inch tube or bundt pan thoroughly—this ensures your cake releases smoothly without any sticky surprises, preserving the beautiful shape that makes this cake so classic.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because it traps air in the batter, helping your cake achieve a soft, tender texture despite its dense appearance.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Incorporate the eggs individually, mixing well after each addition. This careful approach helps maintain the emulsion and ensures your cake will have a smooth, consistent batter without any curdling.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Alternately
Whisk the flour and salt separately. Then, gradually add the flour mixture to your creamed butter and sugar, alternating with milk—beginning and ending with the flour. This back-and-forth mixing technique gently incorporates the ingredients without overworking the batter, preserving that delicate crumb.
Step 5: Stir in Extracts
Finally, fold in the vanilla extract along with the optional almond extract. These aromatic additions elevate the cake’s flavor profile from wonderful to unforgettable, imbuing it with a lovely, inviting scent.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top for an even rise. Bake for about 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Patience during baking results in that rich, moist texture everyone raves about.
Step 7: Cool and Unmold
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes after baking—this brief wait helps it set up fully so it won’t crack or break. Then invert it gently onto a wire rack to cool completely. The anticipation is worth it because this cake is a showstopper both in flavor and appearance.
How to Serve Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can accentuate the golden crust and add a touch of elegance. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream bring vibrant color and complementary freshness that enhance each slice without overwhelming it. A drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce can also turn this classic into a grand dessert experience.
Side Dishes
This pound cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool contrast, or alongside fresh fruit compotes that provide subtle tartness. For an afternoon treat, a cup of rich coffee or a fragrant tea can round out the experience, making every bite even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe into thick wedges and layering with layers of mascarpone and fruit for an elegant trifle. You can also use it as a base for mini cakes topped with seasonal fruit and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for an impressive yet effortless presentation. Get creative with flavors to keep this beloved cake feeling fresh and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap the pound cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to retain moisture. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature, making it perfect for preparing a day or two in advance of your celebrations.
Freezing
Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing its beloved texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge and then gently heat them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This will revive the cake’s fresh-baked softness and bring back that inviting aroma that makes this pound cake so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cake too salty. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level more precisely, which is why it’s preferred.
Why bake the cake at a low temperature for so long?
Baking at 300°F allows the cake to cook evenly from edge to center without drying out. This gentle heat helps develop a moist texture and prevents the crust from becoming too dark or tough.
Is almond extract necessary in the recipe?
The almond extract is optional, but it adds a subtle, nutty depth that really enhances the flavor. If you’re allergic or prefer to keep it simple, the vanilla extract alone will still yield a delicious cake.
Can I make this cake in different-sized pans?
While a 10-inch tube or bundt pan is ideal for even baking, you can use other pans but keep in mind that baking time will vary. Always use a toothpick test to decide doneness.
How can I make this cake extra moist?
Using room temperature ingredients, creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly, and gently folding in the flour will help keep the cake moist. Also, avoid overbaking—checking with a toothpick close to the end of the baking time is key.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and satisfying about baking a cake that feels both timeless and indulgent, which is exactly what the Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe delivers. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake invites you to create moments of joy and sweetness for yourself and those you care about. I hope you’ll dive into making this delicious pound cake and watch it become a beloved classic in your own kitchen. Happy baking!
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Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
This Million Dollar Pound Cake is a rich, moist, and buttery dessert made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Perfectly baked at a low temperature, it yields a tender crumb and a golden crust, ideal for any special occasion or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a 10-inch tube or bundt pan thoroughly to ensure easy release of the cake after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
- Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed batter, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined to prevent overmixing.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) to add depth to the cake’s flavor.
- Pour and Smooth: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to maintain a tender crumb.
- Using a tube or bundt pan helps the cake bake evenly and creates a beautiful shape.
- Optional almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the vanilla.
- Store the pound cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh for several days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
