Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a cake that’s buttery, rich, and indulgent with a perfectly dense yet soft texture, then let me introduce you to Million Dollar Pound Cake. This classic southern recipe lives up to its name with every bite, and trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket for every special occasion (or just because!). With a golden, melt-in-your-mouth crumb and that decadent buttery flavor, this pound cake is truly fit for royalty. So whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply enjoying it with a cup of coffee, this cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Pound Cake

Here’s why this cake is truly “million-dollar”:

Buttery Perfection: The amount of butter in this recipe gives the cake a richness that’s simply unbeatable. It’s soft, moist, and melts in your mouth with every bite.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a few basic ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, this cake delivers big on flavor without being fussy.

Dense and Moist: Unlike some pound cakes that can be dry, this one is perfectly moist with a dense texture that makes it feel like an indulgent treat.

Versatile: Whether you serve it as-is, topped with fruit, drizzled with icing, or paired with whipped cream, this cake is versatile and perfect for any occasion.

Easy to Make: While it may sound fancy, this cake is surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple steps.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, buttery pound cake:

• Butter (softened): The star ingredient, providing that rich, buttery flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness without being overpowering.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the cake that light, airy texture.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the cake and balances out the sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake. Be sure to measure properly for the best results.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and gives it that perfect crumb.
• Salt: A pinch to enhance the sweetness and balance out the flavors.
• Sour cream or buttermilk: Adds moisture to the cake and gives it a slightly tangy, smooth texture.
• Milk: Keeps the cake soft and adds to the moistness.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make this buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cake!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan to ensure your cake comes out clean and doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The butter should turn pale and smooth.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help evenly distribute the baking powder and prevent lumps in your cake batter.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk (start and end with the dry ingredients). Mix each addition just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake may become dense.

Step 6: Add the Sour Cream or Buttermilk

Finally, add the sour cream or buttermilk and mix until smooth. This will help keep the cake moist and add a slight tang that balances the sweetness.

Step 7: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Every oven is a little different, so check for doneness starting at the 1-hour mark.

Step 9: Cool and Remove from Pan

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Be patient—this will help the cake set and prevent it from falling apart.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Million Dollar Pound Cake as-is, or get creative with toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy every buttery, delicious bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 310
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrate: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 15%
Calcium: 3%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How to Serve Million Dollar Pound Cake

This cake is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate it:

With Fresh Fruit: Top slices with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.

With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch that complements the cake’s richness.

As a Dessert with Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite flavor for an indulgent treat.

For Breakfast or Tea: A slice of this cake alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea will make any day feel a little more special.

Drizzled with Icing: Add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish that makes it extra decadent.

Additional Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream (or buttermilk) are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps everything blend together more smoothly and gives the cake a better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make your pound cake dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
• Test for Doneness Early: Start checking your cake around the 1-hour mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is done!
• Customize the Flavor: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a twist on the classic flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pan?
A2: Yes! If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a tube pan or a regular round cake pan, but keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly.

Q3: What if I don’t have sour cream?
A3: You can substitute sour cream with buttermilk, plain yogurt, or even crème fraîche for a similar creamy texture.

Q4: How can I make the cake more moist?
A4: Adding a little more sour cream or buttermilk will increase the moisture level. You could also add a tablespoon of vegetable oil for extra moisture.

Q5: How do I know when the cake is done?
A5: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The cake should also pull away from the edges of the pan.

Q6: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A6: Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour, but be sure to check for any other ingredients that may contain gluten.

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A7: Definitely! You can fold in about 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist on the classic flavor.

Q8: How do I store the cake?
A8: Store the cooled cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q9: Can I drizzle the cake with icing?
A9: Yes, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk would be perfect! You can drizzle it over the cake once it’s cooled.

Q10: Can I make this cake in a smaller size?
A10: Yes, you can use a smaller pan, but adjust the baking time. Start checking for doneness 10-15 minutes earlier if using a smaller pan.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Pound Cake is a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, buttery flavor and soft, dense texture, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it plain or with your favorite toppings, this cake is a sweet treat that feels like a little luxury. So go ahead, bake up a batch, and treat yourself to a slice of this golden, melt-in-your-mouth pound cake!

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