Description
A rich and buttery Southern pound cake with a moist, velvety crumb and classic vanilla flavor enhanced by hints of lemon and coconut extracts for a timeless homemade dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with shortening and lightly dust with flour.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the sugar while mixing on low speed. Continue beating for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition until just combined.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon extract, and coconut extract.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan and tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 1 hour 10 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan until warm, then carefully remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve once cooled. The flavor improves even more the next day.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter and best texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent gummy streaks.
- Measure flour carefully to avoid a dry cake.
- The coconut extract is optional but adds subtle depth of flavor.
- The cake can be baked in two loaf pans instead of a Bundt pan.
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
- Serve plain or with berries, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
