This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe is a delightful treat that brings back memories of family gatherings and celebrations. Dense and buttery, this classic dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple afternoon tea. Its rich flavor serves as an excellent base for various toppings, from fresh fruit glazes to whipped cream, making it versatile and appealing to all.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cake
- How to Make Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Prepare the Pan
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Step 4: Add Eggs Gradually
- Step 5: Incorporate Flour
- Step 6: Bake
- Step 7: Cool Down
- How to Serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- With Fresh Berries
- Drizzled with Fruit Glaze
- Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- As a Dessert Sandwich
- Paired with Ice Cream
- With a Cup of Tea or Coffee
- How to Perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Reheating Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Old Fashioned Pound Cake different?
- Can I add flavors to my Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
- How do I know when my pound cake is done?
- Can I make Old Fashioned Pound Cake ahead of time?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor: The rich, buttery taste of this pound cake will remind you of home-baked goodness.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Base: Enjoy it plain or dress it up with your favorite toppings like berries or icing.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy family dinner, this cake fits right in.
- Generous Servings: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it great for sharing with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking your Old Fashioned Pound Cake, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tube pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Tube pan: This type of pan allows for even baking and provides the classic shape of pound cakes.
- Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless and helps achieve the right texture.
- Rubber spatula: A rubber spatula is perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
How to Make Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cake will bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease and flour a tube pan thoroughly. This will prevent your cake from sticking once it’s baked.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until light in color—a pale yellow hue indicates it’s ready.
Step 4: Add Eggs Gradually
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix continuously until each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour
Slowly add in the flour, about half a cup at a time. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared tube pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Down
Allow your cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove it from the pan onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you prefer it plain or dressed up, there are numerous serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve slices of Old Fashioned Pound Cake topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.
Drizzled with Fruit Glaze
- A light fruit glaze made from your favorite fruit preserves can add sweetness and moisture to the cake, enhancing its rich buttery taste.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream pairs beautifully with the dense texture of pound cake, making each bite feel indulgent.
As a Dessert Sandwich
- Create a dessert sandwich by placing a layer of whipped cream and berries between two slices of pound cake for an inviting treat.
Paired with Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla or your favorite ice cream on top of warm pound cake creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
With a Cup of Tea or Coffee
- Enjoying Old Fashioned Pound Cake with a hot beverage enhances its comforting qualities, making it perfect for afternoon tea or coffee breaks.

How to Perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake
To achieve the best Old Fashioned Pound Cake, follow these simple tips that will ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.
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Use room temperature ingredients – Let your eggs and butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps create a smoother batter.
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Measure flour correctly – Spoon flour into your measuring cup without packing it down. Too much flour can make the cake dense instead of light.
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Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until all ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture in your pound cake.
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Check for doneness – Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check if it’s done. If it comes out clean, your pound cake is ready!
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Cool properly – Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart.
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Store correctly – Keep leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Pairing side dishes with Old Fashioned Pound Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this classic treat well.
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Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds vibrancy and freshness, balancing the rich flavors of the pound cake.
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Chocolate Sauce – Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over slices creates an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Coconut Cream – This creamy topping provides tropical notes, enhancing the buttery taste of the pound cake beautifully.
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Caramel Sauce – Sweet caramel sauce adds depth and richness that pairs perfectly with the simplicity of Old Fashioned Pound Cake.
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Nut Topping – Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch and contrast to the soft texture of the cake.
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Lemon Curd – The tartness of lemon curd brightens up each bite, making it a refreshing companion to the dense dessert.
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Ice Cream Flavors – Pairing with varied ice cream flavors like chocolate chip or mint chocolate chip offers exciting contrasts in flavor and texture.
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Yogurt Parfait – Layering yogurt with fruit and crumbled pound cake makes for a deliciously unique breakfast option!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Old Fashioned Pound Cake can be simple, but small errors can ruin your dessert. Here are common mistakes to avoid.
- Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can prevent proper mixing. Always let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much after adding flour can create a dense texture. Mix just until combined for the best results.
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing and flouring the pan can lead to sticking. Always prepare your tube pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal.
- Not checking oven temperature: An inaccurate oven can affect baking time. Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is at the correct temperature.
- Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into the cake too soon can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the fridge for up to one week.
- Container: Place in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
Freezing Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Duration: Freeze for up to three months.
- Container: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap the cake in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cooking gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Old Fashioned Pound Cake different?
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is denser and richer than other cakes due to its high butter content. The traditional recipe uses equal parts of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs.
Can I add flavors to my Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
Absolutely! You can incorporate vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest for added flavor. This allows you to customize it to your taste.
How do I know when my pound cake is done?
To check if your Old Fashioned Pound Cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!
Can I make Old Fashioned Pound Cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake stores well and tastes great after a day or two. You can prepare it ahead of time for gatherings or special occasions.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its rich flavor pairs wonderfully with fruits or whipped cream. Feel free to customize with your favorite flavors or toppings. Try this recipe today for a delightful dessert experience!
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Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful essence of Old Fashioned Pound Cake, a timeless dessert that evokes fond memories of family gatherings and celebrations. This cake is rich in flavor and boasts a dense, buttery texture that makes it perfect for any occasion—be it a festive holiday feast or a cozy afternoon tea. Versatile and easy to prepare, it serves as an excellent base for a variety of toppings, from fresh fruit to whipped cream. With every slice, you’re treated to home-baked goodness that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease and flour a tube pan thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Slowly incorporate the flour, mixing gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 212mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 107mg