The Best Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1

This cake is baked in an oven that starts cold, so there's no need to preheat it. Grease a bundt pan very well and lightly dust it with flour. You can also use 2 standard loaf pans that have been lightly greased and lined with parchment paper.

Step 2

In the bowl of an electric mixer cream the butter, sugar and vanilla extract very well, for at least 10 -15 minutes. The aim is to incorporate as much air as possible into the creamed base of the batter. Scrape the sides and the bottom of the bowl several times during the creaming process.

Step 3

Add the eggs, one at a time and beat for at least a minute or two before adding the next egg.

Step 4

Sift together the flour, cake floor and baking powder.

Step 5

Fold the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture alternately with the undiluted evaporated milk. Always begin and end the folding process with the dry ingredients. As a general rule, I add the dry ingredients in three portions and the milk in two portions.

Step 6

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan/s, spreading the top with the back of a spoon to level it.

Step 7

Place in a cold oven and turn the temperature to 325 degrees F. Baking times will vary on the size of the cake pans. My bundt pan took 1 hour and 30 minutes. Loaf pans should be checked after an hour. As always, let the wooden toothpick or skewer test be your guide. Insert a wooden toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake and when it comes out clean the cake is done. Watch it closely and only add extra time in 5 minute intervals, checking with a clean toothpick each time, so that you will not over bake the cake.

Step 8

Let the cake/s rest in the pans for 10 - 15 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

Delicious served with ripe strawberries and freshly whipped cream.