Deliciously Moist Recipe for Butter Pound Cake Loaf: A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
If you’re on the hunt for a classic dessert that never goes out of style, look no further than this **recipe for butter pound cake loaf**. This delightful c……
If you’re on the hunt for a classic dessert that never goes out of style, look no further than this **recipe for butter pound cake loaf**. This delightful cake is known for its rich, buttery flavor and dense, moist texture, making it an ideal choice for everything from afternoon tea to special celebrations.
### Ingredients
To make this scrumptious butter pound cake loaf, you will need the following ingredients:
- **1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter**, softened to room temperature
- **2 cups granulated sugar**
- **4 large eggs**
- **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
- **3 cups all-purpose flour**
- **1 teaspoon baking powder**
- **1/2 teaspoon salt**
- **1 cup whole milk**
### Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 5 minutes and is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which helps the cake rise.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely aromatic flavor to the cake.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. **Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.
6. **Pour into the Loaf Pan**: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. **Bake**: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool**: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
### Serving Suggestions
This **butter pound cake loaf** is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further by serving it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or fresh berries. For a more indulgent treat, consider pairing it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
### Storage Tips
To keep your butter pound cake loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature.
### Conclusion
This **recipe for butter pound cake loaf** is not only simple to follow but also yields a delightful cake that is sure to impress family and friends. Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or just treating yourself to a slice of homemade goodness. With its rich flavor and moist texture, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the process of making it and the delicious results that follow!