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
Scale
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
