Easy Paula Deen Pound Cake

by

Indulge in the timeless allure of a classic dessert with this Easy Paula Deen Pound Cake recipe. With its rich buttery flavor and moist texture, this pound cake is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 2 sticks butter (plus more for pan)
  • ½ cup vegetable shortening (such as Crisco)
  • 5 eggs
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for pan)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cup confectioner’s sugar for glaze

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously grease and flour a tube or bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Shortening: In a mixing bowl or with a hand-held mixer, cream together the butter and vegetable shortening until smooth and creamy.
  3. Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the sugar to the butter mixture while continuing to mix until well combined and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined.
  6. Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined after each addition.
  7. Flavor with Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  8. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare Glaze: In a bowl, combine the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth and well combined.
  11. Glaze Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the prepared glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for an elegant finishing touch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes | Servings: 20

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Slice and Serve: Slice the pound cake into thick, generous portions and serve on dessert plates for a classic presentation.
  2. Accompaniments: Pair slices of pound cake with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
  3. Tea or Coffee: Enjoy a slice of pound cake with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
  4. Special Occasions: Dress up slices of pound cake with a dollop of flavored whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a special touch at parties and celebrations.
  5. Brunch Option: Serve slices of pound cake alongside a selection of other brunch favorites like fresh fruit salad, yogurt, and breakfast casseroles for a delightful brunch spread.

Storage Tips:

  1. Room Temperature: Store leftover pound cake at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2-3 days.
  2. Refrigeration: To extend the shelf life, refrigerate the pound cake for up to one week. Place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
  3. Freezing: Pound cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  4. Reviving Stale Cake: If the pound cake starts to become slightly dry or stale, revive it by gently heating individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or by toasting them lightly in a toaster oven.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Easy Paula Deen Pound Cake remains fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.

Variations:

  1. Lemon Pound Cake: Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist.
  2. Chocolate Chip Pound Cake: Fold in chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent chocolatey treat.
  3. Almond Pound Cake: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a nutty flavor.
  4. Orange Cranberry Pound Cake: Mix in dried cranberries and orange zest to the batter for a burst of fruity flavor.
  5. Coconut Pound Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
  6. Marble Pound Cake: Create a marble effect by swirling chocolate or strawberry sauce into the batter before baking.
  7. Spiced Pound Cake: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the batter for a cozy, autumn-inspired treat.
  8. Vanilla Bean Pound Cake: Use vanilla bean paste or scraped vanilla beans for an intense vanilla flavor and speckled appearance.
  9. Raspberry Swirl Pound Cake: Swirl raspberry jam or fresh raspberry puree into the batter before baking for a delightful fruity swirl.
  10. Glazed Pound Cake: Drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for an extra touch of sweetness.
  11. Berry Swirl Pound Cake: Swirl in a mixture of fresh or frozen berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) into the batter before baking for a burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color.
  12. Nutty Crunch Pound Cake: Fold chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, into the batter for added crunch and nuttiness.
  13. Caramel Drizzle Pound Cake: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the cooled cake for a sweet and indulgent finish.
  14. Maple Glazed Pound Cake: Top the cooled cake with a glaze made from maple syrup and powdered sugar for a delightful maple flavor.
  15. Lavender Honey Pound Cake: Infuse the batter with dried culinary lavender buds and drizzle honey over the finished cake for a delicate floral and sweet taste.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
    • Yes, you can use salted butter, but adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe accordingly.
  2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can bake the pound cake in advance and store it properly. See the storage tips for guidance.
  3. Can I freeze the pound cake?
    • Absolutely! Pound cake freezes well. Follow the storage tips for freezing instructions.
  4. Can I omit the vegetable shortening?
    • While vegetable shortening contributes to the texture of the cake, you can replace it with an equal amount of butter if desired.
  5. Can I use a different type of flour, like cake flour?
    • All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter texture.
  6. Can I use low-fat ingredients to make a healthier version?
    • You can try using reduced-fat versions of certain ingredients, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the cake.
  7. How can I prevent my pound cake from sticking to the pan?
    • Make sure to generously grease and flour the pan before adding the batter to prevent sticking.
  8. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the batter?
    • Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
  9. What can I use instead of confectioner’s sugar for the glaze?
    • You can use granulated sugar, but it may result in a different texture. Confectioner’s sugar is preferred for a smooth glaze.
  10. Can I double the recipe to make a larger cake?
    • Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger cake, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a delightful dessert after dinner, this Easy Paula Deen Pound Cake is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.