She Strengthens

The Sweet Simplicity of Vanilla Pound Cake

Vanilla, the humble hero of the dessert world, often takes a backseat to more flashy flavors. But in this tender pound cake, the subtle beauty of vanilla shines bright.

A Deliciously Simple Recipe

With just a few ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast treat or a satisfying dessert, this recipe has got you covered.

Elevate Your Cake Game

Take your pound cake to the next level by topping it with a rich sabayon or serving it with a drizzle of coffee sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with a tangy lemon curd for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Get Baking!

Yields: 1 (9-inch) loaf
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for coating the pan
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for coating the pan
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise and scraped, seeds reserved (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

Instructions:

Preheat and Prepare

Heat your oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the upper third. Coat a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan with butter and flour, tapping out the excess flour.

Mix and Mingle

Combine the measured flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to aerate and break up any lumps. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla seeds and mix until well combined.

Add Eggs and Flour

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture in two additions, mixing each until just incorporated.

Bake and Enjoy

Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the top of the cake is puffed and golden. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!