This Old Fashioned Pound Cake is a beloved family recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to every gathering. Its dense, buttery texture makes it the perfect base for your favorite fruit glazes or a dollop of whipped cream. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon treat, this classic cake never goes out of style. The simplicity of the ingredients used ensures that anyone can master this recipe, creating delicious memories in the kitchen.

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 Slowly
- Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Step 7: Cool
- How to Serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- With Fresh Berries
- With Whipped Cream
- With Fruit Glaze
- A La Mode
- With Nuts
- 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 an Old Fashioned Pound Cake different?
- Can I add flavors to my pound cake?
- How do I know when my Old Fashioned Pound Cake is done?
- Can I use substitutes for ingredients?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Timeless Flavor: Enjoy the rich, buttery taste that has made pound cake a favorite for generations.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect on its own or dressed up with toppings like fresh fruit or chocolate sauce.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, even beginner bakers can create this delightful dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual coffee breaks to festive celebrations, this cake fits right in.
- Great Storage: The cake stays fresh for days, making it ideal for meal prep or last-minute dessert plans.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing your Old Fashioned Pound Cake is simple with the right tools at hand. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tube pan
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Tube pan: This ensures even baking and allows the cake to rise beautifully.
- Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl is essential for mixing all ingredients without spills.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy and effective for fluffy texture.
Ingredients
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe is one my mother made often throughout my childhood. Dense and buttery, this traditional pound cake is the perfect blank canvas for a fruit glaze or whipped topping.
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. Ensuring it’s hot before you bake will help your cake rise properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease and flour a tube pan thoroughly. This step prevents sticking and allows for easy removal after baking.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light in color. Aim for a pale yellow hue, which indicates air has been incorporated.
Step 4: Add Eggs Gradually
Add each egg one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well after each addition until fully incorporated before adding the next egg.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour Slowly
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Do this in increments of half a cup while mixing at low speed to avoid lumps.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared tube pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
Once baked, allow the pound cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
With these straightforward steps, you’ll have a delightful Old Fashioned Pound Cake ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. Its dense and buttery texture makes it a versatile treat, perfect for various occasions. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your pound cake experience.
With Fresh Berries
- Strawberries – Slice fresh strawberries and serve them on top of your pound cake for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Blueberries – A handful of blueberries adds a pop of color and flavor, enhancing the cake’s richness.
With Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream – Light and airy, this classic topping complements the dense texture of the cake perfectly.
- Flavored Whipped Cream – Try adding vanilla or almond extract to your whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.
With Fruit Glaze
- Berry Glaze – Drizzle a homemade berry glaze over the sliced cake for added sweetness and juiciness.
- Citrus Glaze – A light lemon or orange glaze can brighten the flavors, giving a refreshing twist.
A La Mode
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve a warm slice of pound cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
- Chocolate Ice Cream – For chocolate lovers, pair with chocolate ice cream to create an indulgent combination.
With Nuts
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – Adding chopped nuts provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft cake.
- Toasted Almonds – Sprinkle toasted almonds on top for an elegant touch and nutty flavor.

How to Perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake
To achieve the best results with your Old Fashioned Pound Cake, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.
- Use room temperature ingredients – This allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Cream butter and sugar thoroughly – Make sure to beat until light and fluffy; this incorporates air into the batter for a lighter texture.
- Don’t overmix – Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Check doneness with a toothpick – Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
- Cool properly – Let the cake cool in the pan briefly before transferring it to a wire rack to avoid sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Pairing side dishes with Old Fashioned Pound Cake can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delicious side dish ideas:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the pound cake.
- Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over slices for an indulgent treat that appeals to chocolate lovers.
- Caramel Sauce – A sweet caramel drizzle adds depth and pairs beautifully with the buttery flavor of the cake.
- Cream Cheese Frosting – Spread or pipe on cream cheese frosting for an extra creamy touch that complements the density of the pound cake.
- Coconut Whipped Topping – Use coconut cream whipped into peaks for a tropical twist that enhances each bite.
- Coffee or Tea – Serving alongside coffee or tea creates a delightful pairing, perfect for afternoon gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking an Old Fashioned Pound Cake, small missteps can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. Cold ingredients don’t mix well and can lead to a dense cake.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise measurements of flour and sugar.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined after adding flour. Overmixing can create a tough texture instead of a tender crumb.
- Skipping the greasing step: Always grease and flour your pan well to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees. An inaccurate oven temperature can affect the rise and texture of the cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
-
- Timeframe: Keep your Old Fashioned Pound Cake in the fridge for up to one week.
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- Container: Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Freezing Old Fashioned Pound Cake
-
- Timeframe: The cake can be frozen for up to three months.
-
- Container: Wrap slices or whole cakes in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for extra protection.
Reheating Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
- Stovetop: For a warm slice, place it in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Old Fashioned Pound Cake.
What makes an Old Fashioned Pound Cake different?
An Old Fashioned Pound Cake is known for its dense, buttery texture, which comes from using equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
Can I add flavors to my pound cake?
Yes! You can customize your Old Fashioned Pound Cake by adding vanilla extract, lemon zest, or almond extract for added flavor.
How do I know when my Old Fashioned Pound Cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your cake is done baking.
Can I use substitutes for ingredients?
You can substitute unsalted butter with margarine, but this may slightly change the flavor. For healthier options, consider using Greek yogurt in place of some butter.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its rich, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with fresh fruit or whipped cream. Feel free to experiment with various glazes or toppings to make it uniquely yours! Give this classic recipe a try; you’ll find it’s perfect for any occasion!
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Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of our Old Fashioned Pound Cake, a timeless family favorite that embodies warmth and comfort. This rich, buttery cake features a dense texture, making it the perfect canvas for delightful toppings like fresh fruit or whipped cream. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a cozy afternoon treat, this classic pound cake is sure to impress. With only a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create this delicious dessert that evokes cherished memories. Serve it at gatherings or simply enjoy a slice with your morning coffee—the options are endless!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a tube pan to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it 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 slice (100g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 116mg