If you’re searching for a delightfully timeless treat that never goes out of style, look no further than this Easy Vanilla Pound Cake. With its tender crumb, just-right richness, and irresistible aroma, this classic bake delivers pure comfort in every slice. Whether you’re serving it for dessert, pairing it with coffee, or dressing it up for special occasions, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again thanks to its simplicity and foolproof results.

Easy Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Vanilla Pound Cake is truly in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, from butter that gives richness to vanilla that infuses every bite with warmth. Here’s what you’ll need—and why they matter:

Unsalted butter, softened: Creams up beautifully and provides that unmistakable buttery flavor pound cake is famous for.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake to perfection and creates a light, tender crumb when mixed with butter.
Large eggs: Add structure, moisture, and extra richness for a classic, dense-yet-delicate pound cake texture.
Vanilla extract: The star of the show; it brings a gorgeous depth of flavor and sweet aroma.
All-purpose flour: Forms the body of the cake, giving it a soft yet sturdy structure.
Baking powder: Offers just enough lift for a tender crumb without losing that iconic density.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness so nothing feels overwhelming.
Whole milk: Locks in moisture and ensures your loaf bakes up perfectly soft and smooth.

How to Make Easy Vanilla Pound Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s hot and ready when your batter is. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to keep the cake from sticking. Taking this small step makes turning out your finished Easy Vanilla Pound Cake a complete breeze (and there’s nothing sadder than losing a corner to the pan!).

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about three minutes. This creaming process is essential—it works air into the batter, which is the foundation for that hallmark pound cake texture you love.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures the batter stays smooth and emulsified. Then, pour in the vanilla extract, letting its sweet aroma set the tone for your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake’s comforting flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. This helps distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly so there are no clumps—and every bite tastes just as good as the last.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the milk to your batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Mixing this way helps prevent overworking the gluten, keeping your cake soft, but with that signature pound cake crumb. Stir gently—just until everything is combined.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the heavenly scent of Easy Vanilla Pound Cake as it bakes to a golden, crackly-topped finish.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This makes slicing neat and easy, and means your cake will hold together perfectly when served.

How to Serve Easy Vanilla Pound Cake

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of simple glaze, or a scattering of fresh berries. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream never hurt, either! These additions highlight the cake’s vanilla notes and make every serving feel just a little more special.

Side Dishes

If you want to turn your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake into an event, serve it alongside tangy lemon curd, macerated strawberries, or a bowl of seasonal fruit salad. Pairing with a cup of strong coffee or soothing tea makes for a universally loved afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cubing the cooled pound cake for easy trifle layers with fruit and cream, or slicing it thin for playful mini-cakes at brunch. For an elegant dessert, toast slices lightly and serve with homemade jam or rich chocolate sauce. However you slice it, Easy Vanilla Pound Cake rises to every occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, wrap your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and tender for up to three days, making it perfect for prepping ahead or snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the entire loaf after wrapping well in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a fresh-from-the-oven experience anytime.

Reheating

Enjoying your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake warm is never a bad idea! Pop slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast them lightly for a crisp edge and delightfully soft center. Warm cake pairs especially well with cold toppings like whipped cream or ice cream.

FAQs

Can I substitute skim or low-fat milk for whole milk?

You can, but whole milk adds a richer flavor and a tender crumb. If you only have skim or low-fat on hand, your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake will still turn out tasty—just a little less luscious.

Can I make this cake gluten free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Check that your baking powder is gluten free as well, and you’ll have a lovely gluten-free Easy Vanilla Pound Cake everyone can enjoy.

Why did my pound cake crack on top?

A cracked top is totally normal for pound cakes, thanks to the dense batter and extended baking time. It’s a beloved hallmark that shows your cake baked up just right—and provides the perfect spot for decorative glazes or sprinkles.

How do I know the cake is done?

Start checking at about 55 minutes: insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake is ready to come out. If the top is browning quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

What’s the best way to get the cake out of the pan?

Let your Easy Vanilla Pound Cake cool for at least 10 minutes in its pan so it firms up. Gently run a knife along the edges, then invert onto a cooling rack. Prepping your pan with both grease and flour means it will slide out beautifully every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a reliable, impressive, and utterly delicious dessert, this Easy Vanilla Pound Cake is it. It delivers gorgeous results even for novice bakers and is endlessly adaptable for any occasion. I hope you’ll try it out soon—slice, savor, and share the love!

Easy Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of this Easy Vanilla Pound Cake. With a tender crumb and a hint of vanilla, this classic dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry and Wet: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.

Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with sour cream or add almond extract.
Great for layering with berries and whipped cream or enjoying with coffee or tea.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American