Pound Cake Recipe
This classic Pound Cake recipe delivers a moist, tender, and buttery loaf with a hint of apple cider flavor, topped with a smooth cinnamon-spiced glaze. Perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack, it’s easy to prepare and baked in a loaf pan to achieve a golden crust and soft crumb.
- Author: lea
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Pound Cake
- 3/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup apple cider
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1–2 tbsp apple cider
- Pinch cinnamon
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×5″ loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy cake removal. Set the pan aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating well-aerated batter.
- Add Eggs: Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure complete incorporation and a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Apple Cider: Gradually add portions of the dry ingredient mixture alternated with the apple cider into the wet batter, mixing well after each addition until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Prepare the Pan and Transfer Batter: Spray the parchment-lined loaf pan liberally with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top as needed.
- Remove Air Bubbles: Gently drop the filled pan onto the counter 1-2 times to release trapped air bubbles for an even crumb.
- Bake: Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a butter knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Remove Cake: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan. Run a clean knife around the edges to loosen, then carefully lift the cake out using the parchment paper flaps.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cake onto a wire cooling rack and allow it to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, apple cider, and a pinch of cinnamon together until smooth and combined.
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled pound cake, spreading gently if necessary to coat the top.
- Set and Serve: Allow the glaze to set before slicing the cake. Serve and enjoy your delicious pound cake.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is fully softened to achieve a smooth creaming process.
- Use freshly sifted powdered sugar for a lump-free glaze.
- Apple cider adds a subtle fruity note but can be substituted with apple juice if preferred.
- For best results, avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking to prevent the cake from collapsing.
- The glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more powdered sugar if too runny or more cider if too thick.
Keywords: pound cake, apple cider, glazed pound cake, classic pound cake, easy dessert, loaf cake