The Ultimate Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Baking a million dollar pound cake promises pure culinary magic that will captivate your dessert dreams.

Generations of southern bakers have perfected this decadent treat with luxurious ingredients and tender love.

Soft butter, quality vanilla, and precise measurements create a tender crumb that melts effortlessly on your palate.

Rich cream cheese adds unexpected depth to each velvety slice.

Smooth and dense, this classic cake represents comfort wrapped in buttery elegance.

Delicate notes of vanilla dance through each perfectly golden bite.

You’ll want to slice this masterpiece and savor every single crumb.

FAQs

• What makes this pound cake different from other pound cake recipes?

This recipe uses a unique combination of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, creating an incredibly rich and dense texture that sets it apart from traditional pound cakes.

• Can I substitute the almond extract?

While almond extract adds depth to the flavor, you can omit it or replace it with additional vanilla extract if you prefer a pure vanilla taste or have nut allergies.

• Why is the baking temperature lower than most cake recipes?

The low 300F temperature ensures even baking, prevents burning, and helps create a moist, tender crumb that’s characteristic of a classic pound cake.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

A bundt pan is traditional, but you can also use a tube pan or standard loaf pan. Just adjust baking time slightly for different pan sizes.

What Makes Million Dollar Cake Shine

• Bake with Simplicity: This pound cake recipe offers an uncomplicated baking experience perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to impress family and friends with its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb that suits multiple occasions from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy this classic cake plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or dressed up with fresh berries and whipped cream for a delightful dessert that adapts to any taste preference.
• Comfort Food Classic: Delivers nostalgic homemade goodness that evokes warm memories of traditional southern baking with its straightforward ingredients and timeless preparation method.

Million Dollar Pound Cake Ingredient List

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides a luxurious texture and deep flavor to the pound cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender, golden-brown crust.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients together.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the cake's sturdy yet delicate crumb and gives the cake its classic pound cake consistency.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender cake texture.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Contribute complex, aromatic notes that elevate the cake's overall flavor profile.

• Butter, Flour: Used to grease and prepare the bundt pan, ensuring the cake releases easily and has a beautiful shape.

How to Bake the Million Dollar Way

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 300F (150C).

Generously coat a bundt pan with butter and sprinkle flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat butter and sugar together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one by one, giving each a thorough beating to create a smooth, silky base.

Step 4: Blend Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently fold in flour and milk in alternating waves, starting and ending with flour.

This technique ensures a perfectly balanced cake texture.

• Flour
• Milk

Step 5: Enhance with Flavor

Stir in vanilla and almond extracts to infuse the cake with a rich, aromatic essence.

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Pour the velvety batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Release

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your Million Dollar Pound Cake!

Tips for Pound Cake That Holds Up

• Cream butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud-like mixture for maximum cake tenderness.
• Add eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate for a smooth, even batter texture.
• Bake at a low 300F to ensure gentle, even cooking that prevents burning while creating a rich, golden exterior.
• Use both vanilla and almond extracts to create a complex, deeper flavor profile that elevates the traditional pound cake.
• Allow cake to rest in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack, preventing potential structural damage and ensuring a perfect release.

Sweet Variations for Pound Cake Flavor

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Citrus Kick: Swap almond extract for lemon or orange zest to create a bright, refreshing flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and substitute vegan butter for traditional butter to make the cake lactose-free.
• Reduced Sugar Edition: Cut sugar by one-third and add mashed ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness and moisture.

Foods That Go with Pound Cake

• Sweet Tea Companion: Serve a chilled glass of southern sweet tea alongside each slice for a classic flavor pairing.
• Fruity Fresh Topping: Garnish with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the cake's rich texture.
• Creamy Indulgence: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the cake's buttery warmth and create a decadent dessert experience.
• Afternoon Elegance: Present the cake on a beautiful cake stand during afternoon tea time, perfectly sliced and ready to delight guests with its moist, delicate crumb.

Saving Leftover Pound Cake Correctly

• Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep cake in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Slice cake, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Keep covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring out the cake's rich flavors.

Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern bakers cherish this million dollar pound cake recipe as a classic dessert perfected through generations. Rich butter and quality ingredients create a luxurious cake that delights palates with its tender crumb and elegant simplicity. You will love how it elevates any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 4 sticks (1 pound/454 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (600 grams) granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) whole milk

Extracts:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a bundt pan by generously coating with butter and dusting with flour, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth, fluffy texture.
3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, thoroughly blending each one before adding the next to maintain a consistent, creamy base.
4. Gradually fold in flour, alternating with milk in small increments, always beginning and concluding with flour to achieve a silky, well-integrated batter.
5. Enhance the flavor profile by gently stirring in both vanilla and almond extracts, distributing the aromatic essences evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, carefully smoothing the surface to ensure an even bake and attractive presentation.
7. Position the pan in a preheated oven at 300F (150C) and bake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges completely clean.
8. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then delicately release and transfer to a wire cooling rack, permitting it to cool thoroughly before serving.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and optimal cake texture.
• Sift flour before measuring to prevent dense, heavy cake and achieve a lighter crumb.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
• Enhance flavor by toasting chopped nuts or adding citrus zest to the batter for a subtle, sophisticated twist.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 44 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 77 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg