Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you cherish the moments spent in the cozy embrace of your kitchen, whisking away and creating delightful treats. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a gem of a recipe that is as straightforward as it is satisfying: the 4-Ingredient Pound Cake. Yes, you read that right, only four ingredients standing between you and a beautiful loaf of pound cake. Imagine biting into a slice that is rich, buttery, and just sweet enough to brighten your day. Ready to grab your mixing bowl? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This 4-Ingredient Pound Cake
You might wonder why a simple recipe like this one is worth your time and effort. Well, for starters, this pound cake is all about the gorgeous, pure flavors of its few ingredients. With each bite, you’ll experience that satisfying buttery richness, tempered by a light sweetness that works wonders for your soul.
What makes this recipe extra special is its versatility. You can dress it up or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar, telling your taste buds a different story each time you serve it. It’s perfect for any occasion, be it a casual Sunday brunch, an elegant afternoon tea, or a relaxing evening dessert at home.
But perhaps the best reason to whip up this pound cake is the joy it brings, with minimal fuss! You’ll be able to revel in the bliss of homemade cake without losing valuable hours in the kitchen. And isn’t that what we really crave? Cake that tastes amazing and doesn’t require a bakery’s worth of effort? Yes, please!
How to Make 4-Ingredient Pound Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 eggs
- 1⅔ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for garnish)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Start by greasing your bundt pan with cooking spray and then dusting it with a light coating of flour. Tap it gently to remove any excess flour, that way, your cake will have a flawless release!
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat this mixture for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy. Trust me, the fluffy texture will be key to your pound cake’s success!
Next, add the eggs to the buttery mix, continuing to cream everything together until fully incorporated.
Fold in the flour gently. Be careful not to overmix, just stir until the flour is evenly dispersed throughout your wet mixture. This step makes sure we keep that beautiful, tender crumb.
Now it’s time to pour your batter into the prepared bundt pan. It should look golden and rich at this point!
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top turns a lovely golden brown and a cake tester comes out clean when poked in the center.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before carefully removing it.
Finally, you might want to garnish it with powdered sugar, giving it that lovely finishing touch before serving.
Now, who’s ready to enjoy a slice of homemade bliss?
Best Ways to Serve 4-Ingredient Pound Cake
Serving this pound cake is where your creativity can shine! While it’s utterly delicious on its own, there are countless ways to elevate it:
- Classic Side: Serve with fresh berries or a scoop of your favorite ice cream to balance the cake’s richness.
- Whipped Cream Delight: Top with lightly whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a luxurious touch.
- Coffee Pairing: Alternatively, pair a slice with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for the ultimate cozy vibe.
Remember, you can customize your presentation based on the season or occasion. The key is to make it feel like a celebration, because every slice of homemade pound cake deserves to be celebrated!
Storage Tips for 4-Ingredient Pound Cake
Now that you’ve made a delicious pound cake, how do you keep it fresh? Here are some handy tips for storage:
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan on enjoying it within a couple of days. Cover it with plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
Refrigeration: If you’d like to keep it for longer, refrigerate the cake, but make sure to place it in an airtight container to avoid it becoming dry or absorbing any odd odors.
Freezing: For long-term storage, wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
By taking these steps, your pound cake will remain delightful for many days ahead!
Expert Tips for Perfect 4-Ingredient Pound Cake
As with any baking endeavor, a few tips can elevate this recipe from good to excellent:
Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This step assists in creating that fluffy texture we’re after.
Don’t Overmix: Folding your flour in carefully will prevent the cake from being tough.
Check Oven Temperature: If you find that your cakes tend to bake unevenly, consider investing in an oven thermometer. It’s a game changer!
Add Flavor: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of almond extract to the batter for a new flavor twist!
Delicious Variations of 4-Ingredient Pound Cake
While this recipe is delightful as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize your pound cake:
Lemon Zest: Add some zest from a lemon or two to bring a vibrant citrus note to your cake.
Nutty Goodness: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Lover: Mix in cocoa powder or chocolate chips to create a chocolaty delight that satisfies your sweet tooth.
The variations are endless, and they add that personal touch to the standard recipe.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Absolutely! Just skip adding any additional salt in the recipe, and you’ll still have a delicious cake.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
Stored properly, the pound cake can last up to a week at room temperature and up to three months in the freezer.
Can I make this recipe in a different pan?
Yes! You can use a loaf pan or smaller cake pans. Just adjust the baking time, keep an eye on it after the 30-minute mark!
Baking this 4-Ingredient Pound Cake is not just about the ingredients or the technique; it’s about creating an experience. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some sweet memories together! Happy baking, friends!
Print
4-Ingredient Pound Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and satisfying pound cake made with just four ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 eggs
- 1⅔ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan with cooking spray, then dust with flour.
- Cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar for 8 to 10 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs to the mixture and combine until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the flour gently, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown and a cake tester comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before removing it.
- Garnish with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Serve with fresh berries or a scoop of ice cream. Customize with toppings like whipped cream or chocolate sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 140mg