Best Old Fashioned Sour Cream Pound Cake

Ingredients for the Best Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Pound Cake

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 5 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make the Best Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Pound Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for an extra non-stick guarantee.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This is a crucial step for creating a smooth and airy texture in your cake.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredients and the sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed to avoid over-mixing, just until everything is combined. Over-mixing can lead to a denser cake, so keep the mixing gentle.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and spread it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using a tube pan, it may take slightly less or more time, so keep an eye on it!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze or whipped cream for added sweetness.

Toppings and Variations

• Fruit Topping: Serve the cake with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. A drizzle of fresh cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the soft, rich texture of the cake.
• Citrus Glaze: If you want to add a pop of flavor, drizzle a simple lemon or orange glaze over the cake. To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar with freshly squeezed citrus juice until you reach a smooth consistency.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or sweetened whipped cream can turn this cake into an indulgent dessert. It’s perfect for parties, holidays, or any celebration!
• Add-ins: While the original recipe is simple, you can customize it by folding in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even adding a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Tips for the Best Sour Cream Pound Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them combine more easily and evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so always check your cake by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it has some wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes to bake.
• Let it Cool: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This ensures it won’t stick to the pan, and you’ll get a smooth release.

Why This Cake Stands the Test of Time

The Best Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Pound Cake is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients and classic techniques. It’s the type of cake you’ll find at family gatherings, holiday tables, and in the hearts of bakers who appreciate the comforting taste of a homemade treat. With its perfect balance of sweetness and tang, it’s no surprise that this cake has remained a favorite for generations.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this pound cake will never go out of style. Its moist texture, delicate flavor, and versatility make it the ultimate go-to cake for any dessert lover.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake up a batch of this timeless dessert—you’ll be glad you did!