If you’ve ever craved a dessert that perfectly balances rich, buttery goodness with tender crumb and a hint of vanilla and almond, then the Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe is exactly what you need to try. This classic southern dessert is a true showstopper, boasting a moist, velvety texture that melts in your mouth and a golden crust that adds just the right touch of crunch. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon treat, this pound cake recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this cake just right is all about simple, quality ingredients that work together to create that perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in making this pound cake spectacular.
- Unsalted butter (1 lb/2 cups): Softened to room temperature for easy creaming, it forms the rich, decadent base of the cake.
- Granulated sugar (3 cups): Provides sweetness and contributes to the fluffy texture when beaten with butter.
- Large eggs (6): Added one at a time, eggs bind the ingredients and add structure and richness to the cake.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation of the cake’s tender crumb, sifted for best results.
- Whole milk (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and helps create a soft, buttery consistency.
- Almond extract (1 tsp): Infuses the cake with a subtle nutty flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors and adds warmth to the cake.
How to Make Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-inch tube or bundt pan—this step is essential for the cake to release easily after baking and to ensure even cooking throughout.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy. Slowly add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creaming process is what gives the cake its light texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Beat in the eggs individually, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This method helps keep the batter stable and airy, which translates to a tender cake crumb.
Step 4: Alternate Adding Flour and Milk
Begin by adding a portion of the flour, then some milk, and continue alternating, finishing with the flour. Be careful to mix just until smooth—overmixing can make the cake dense instead of delicate and fluffy.
Step 5: Stir in Extracts and Pour Batter
Gently fold in the almond and vanilla extracts to infuse the batter with warm, inviting flavors. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly to ensure an even bake.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes up to 1 hour and 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures it sets perfectly and makes slicing easier.
How to Serve Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a classic presentation, lightly dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries add a burst of color and a fresh contrast to the richness of the cake. A dollop of whipped cream also elevates the dessert to a delightful experience.
Side Dishes
Pair your Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for a luscious treat. A side of macerated fruits or a tart fruit compote can balance the cake’s buttery sweetness beautifully, making every bite exciting and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider slicing the cake into smaller pieces and serving with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Layer thin slices with fresh fruit and cream in dessert glasses for an elegant trifle. You can also toast slices lightly and serve as a base for ice cream or fruit toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pound cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, retaining its soft texture and buttery flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake, either whole or sliced. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pound cake can last up to 3 months and is great for pre-planning desserts.
Reheating
To enjoy your pound cake warm, simply microwave a slice for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm it gently in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and makes the flavors even more pronounced.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but skip adding any extra salt to the recipe if you do. Using unsalted butter is typically recommended so you can control the salt level more precisely.
What makes this cake so special compared to other pound cakes?
The combination of two extracts—almond and vanilla—gives this cake a unique flavor depth. Plus, the slow baking at a low temperature ensures it stays moist and tender throughout.
Is it necessary to alternate flour and milk when mixing?
Alternating helps incorporate the ingredients smoothly without overworking the batter, which keeps the cake light and avoids a dense texture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware the texture may change slightly. Be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.
How should I slice the pound cake for serving?
A serrated knife works best to slice without compressing the soft crumb. Cut into slices about one inch thick for a perfect portion size.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe truly lives up to its glamorous name with incredible flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking it for a celebration or a simple indulgence, it’s a dessert that invites smiles and creates warm memories. Give it a try and watch it shine as your new go-to classic dessert!
Print
Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Million Dollar Pound Cake is a rich, buttery, and moist classic Southern dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, and milk, it delivers a tender crumb flavored with almond and vanilla extracts. It bakes low and slow to perfection and is delicious served on its own or alongside fresh berries and whipped cream.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb (2 cups) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and grease and flour a 10-inch tube or bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the creamed butter, beating well to combine and create a fluffy mixture.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure each egg is fully blended into the batter.
- Alternate Flour and Milk: Add the flour and milk alternately to the batter, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until smooth to avoid overworking the batter.
- Add Extracts: Stir in the almond and vanilla extracts evenly throughout the batter to infuse flavor.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
- This pound cake is delicious on its own or served with fresh berries and whipped cream.
