This Vanilla Pound Cake is a timeless classic—soft, buttery, and full of rich vanilla flavor. With only a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this cake is a staple for easy homemade baking. Perfect on its own or paired with fresh berries, maple syrup, or a scoop of ice cream, it’s a versatile dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples you likely already have.
- Easy Method – Minimal prep with a reliable result.
- Versatile Dessert – Delicious plain, with coffee or tea, or dressed up with toppings.
- Perfect Texture – Buttery, moist, and soft without being overly sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter – softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray or butter a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step is key for that perfect pound cake texture.
4. Add Eggs, Milk & Vanilla
Mix in the eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix.
6. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, covering loosely with foil during the last 20 minutes to prevent over-browning. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
7. Cool & Slice
Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Recipe Tips
- Grease the pan well to avoid sticking.
- Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother batter.
- Mix after each egg to fully incorporate air for a fluffier cake.
- Add dry ingredients gradually—no need to overbeat.
- Serving idea: Enjoy with whipped cream, fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or simply with coffee or tea.
Storage
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
- Fridge – Keeps well for up to a week.
- Freezer – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaws beautifully!
Tools I Love for This Recipe
- Hand Mixer – Makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze.
- Nonstick Loaf Pan – Durable and reliable for perfect bakes.
- Spatula & Mixing Bowls – For scraping down and combining ingredients smoothly.
Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Pour batter into loaf pan, bake 60–70 minutes.
- Cool before slicing and serving.
This cake is soft, buttery, and filled with classic vanilla flavor—perfect for any occasion!