Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe

There’s just something magical about Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake—a buttery, golden classic that embodies everything we love about homemade desserts. With its rich flavor, tender crumb, and irresistible aroma, this is the kind of cake that brings people together and stands the test of time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake is how such simple staples—flour, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla—join forces to create pure dessert magic. Each ingredient is lovingly chosen for its role in the cake’s incredible flavor and classic, golden crumb.

• Bob’s Red Mill Organic Unbleached White All Purpose Flour (4 cups): This provides a sturdy yet tender crumb—don’t skip on unbleached for authentic color and texture.
• Butter (1 pound, 4 sticks): Unsalted, high-quality butter is the heart of this cake. It brings depth, richness, and that signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Granulated Sugar (3 cups): Sweetens the cake and helps achieve that irresistible golden crust.
• Eggs (6, yolks and whites separated): The yolks add richness while the beaten whites lighten the batter, making the cake tender every time.
• Whole Milk (¾ cup): Adds moisture, ensuring a soft crumb and smoothing out the batter.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): A generous dose is crucial for that nostalgic, homemade aroma and the perfect finishing note.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make Grandma Blanche’s classic your own! It’s easy to tweak this recipe to suit your pantry, special occasions, or dietary needs without losing its iconic character.

• Lemon Pound Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for a zesty, fragrant twist that brightens every bite.
• Almond or Citrus Extracts: Swap out part of the vanilla for almond or orange extract for a subtle, nutty, or citrus dimension.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend—just keep an eye on texture as it bakes.
• Marble Pound Cake: Swirl in a few spoonfuls of cocoa powder mixed with a bit of batter for a beautiful chocolate swirl effect.

How to Make Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Generously grease and flour a large tube or bundt pan to ensure your pound cake comes out clean and picture-perfect every single time. Gather all your ingredients and set the butter out to soften—it’ll blend so much easier!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a stand or hand mixer on high speed, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and doubled in volume. This step guarantees that beautiful fine crumb and golden exterior.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks

Separate your eggs, then blend in the egg yolks one at a time. Scrape down the sides to ensure everything is seamlessly combined. The yolks lend a gorgeous richness and color that makes Grandma Blanche’s cake so memorable.

Step 4: Alternate Flour and Milk

With the mixer on low, add the flour and milk in 2-3 batches—starting and ending with the flour. Be gentle and mix only until just incorporated; this keeps the cake delightfully tender, never tough.

Step 5: Add Vanilla and Whipped Egg Whites

No need for stiff peaks—simply beat the egg whites until light and foamy. Gently add the vanilla extract and then fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in batches, taking care not to deflate all that lovely air. This step gives the cake a signature lift and delicate crumb.

Step 6: Bake the Pound Cake

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to pop any air bubbles. Bake at 325°F for about 90 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and the cake is golden and fragrant. Let it cool before removing from the pan—anticipation is half the fun!

How to Serve Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake

Garnishes

This cake shines all on its own, but you can dress it up with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a lavish drizzle of lemon glaze, or a few dollops of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a scattering of toasted nuts add extra color and crunch, making each slice a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Side Dishes

Pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a spoonful of homemade jam. For brunches, try it alongside a platter of citrus or a hot mug of strong coffee—it’s the kind of cake that complements anything from afternoon tea to festive celebrations.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into elegant wedges for plated desserts, cube it for luscious trifle layers, or toast slices lightly and serve with a smear of sweet cream cheese. For parties, transform it into petit fours with a thin glaze and fresh flower petals—the possibilities are endless with Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cake has cooled completely, wrap leftover slices snugly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and delicious for up to 4 days—if it even lasts that long!

Freezing

Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you love a warm slice, just pop a piece into the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast gently in the oven until heated through. The flavor intensifies, making each bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a tried-and-true dessert that never lets you down, Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake is the ultimate treat. It’s warmth, nostalgia, and pure deliciousness in every buttery bite—so gather your favorite people and make some sweet new memories!

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