Looking for a cake that’s rich, buttery, and perfectly fluffy, you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m sharing my Mile High Pound Cake Recipe—a dessert that never fails to impress.
This cake is the perfect balance of dense yet light, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, and you don’t need any fancy ingredients. A beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is easy to follow and yields amazing results.
I love how this cake looks and tastes, and I’m sure you will too! So, let’s dive into making this delightful Mile High Pound Cake Recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.
Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?
This Mile High Pound Cake Recipe is a must-try for any cake lover because it offers the perfect combination of rich flavor and light, airy texture.
What sets it apart is how simple it is to make with just a handful of basic ingredients, yet the results are absolutely impressive.
The cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the sour cream, and has a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes each bite a treat.
An experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and delivers a stunning result every time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served on any occasion,
From casual family meals to special celebrations. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will become a regular in your baking rotation!
How To Prepare Mile High Pound Cake Recipe
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern American
Yield: 1 large pound cake (approximately 12 servings)
Equipment Needed
- 10-inch bundt pan or a loaf pan
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Cake tester or toothpick
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
- 1 cup sour cream (for added moisture and richness)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder (optional, for extra lift)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, for a citrusy twist)
How To Make Mile High Pound Cake Recipe
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease your bundt pan or loaf pan generously with butter or non-stick spray. You can also dust it with flour to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Cream them for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This is an essential step for a smooth, airy cake.
3. Add the Eggs
Next, add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. This helps to create a smoother batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Incorporate the Flavorings
Mix in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest for a subtle, flavorful touch. These add extra depth to your cake.
5. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the batter in three parts, alternating with the sour cream.
Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
6. Bake the Pound Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake at 325°F for 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving. This will help the texture set nicely and prevent it from crumbling.
Special Note:
Given the substantial volume of this batter, it’s essential to use a pan with at least an 18-cup capacity to prevent overflow.
If such a pan isn’t available, the wax paper extension method mentioned earlier can be a helpful alternative.
Additionally, ensure all refrigerated ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature before starting. This ensures a smoother batter and a finer crumb in the finished cake.
Nutrition Facts Mile High Pound Cake Recipe
Calories: 340 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 200mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 30g
Vitamin A: 8% DV
Calcium: 2% DV
Iron: 4% DV
Helpful Guides For Beginners
New to baking, this Mile High Pound Cake Recipe is a perfect starting point! The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple to find.
To ensure success, always use room temperature ingredients—this helps the batter mix more evenly and results in a fluffier cake.
When creaming the butter and sugar, take your time to mix them until light and fluffy. This is key to achieving a light, airy texture. Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients, as it can make the cake dense.
Make sure to test your cake with a toothpick before removing it from the oven—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go! With these simple tips, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time!
Helpful Baking Tools
Having the right tools can make all the difference when baking this Mile High Pound Cake Recipe. A good electric mixer or stand mixer is essential for creaming the butter and sugar to perfection, ensuring a light, fluffy texture.
A 10-inch bundt pan or a loaf pan is ideal for this recipe, providing enough space for the cake to rise beautifully.
Measuring cups and spoons are a must for accurate ingredient measurements, which helps the cake turn out just right.
A rubber spatula is great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring everything gets mixed evenly.
Finally, a cooling rack is essential for letting the cake cool properly without becoming soggy. These simple tools will make your baking process smoother and more enjoyable!
Pound Cake Tips + Tricks
When baking the perfect pound cake, a few tips and tricks can make all the difference.
1. First, use room temperature ingredients—butter, eggs, and sour cream should all be at room temperature. This helps them mix together more smoothly and results in a lighter texture.
2. Cream the butter and sugar well, beating them until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, making the cake rise higher and become more tender.
3. Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake. Instead, fold the flour in gently until just combined.
4. Lastly, test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. These simple tricks will help you bake a perfect, mile-high pound cake every time!
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
While a slice of Mile High Pound Cake Recipe is definitely a treat, it does offer some nutritional benefits in moderation.
The eggs in the recipe provide a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
The butter adds healthy fats, particularly saturated fats, which are necessary for energy and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E.
Additionally, sour cream contributes calcium, promoting healthy bones and teeth. Though this cake is indulgent, enjoying a slice now and then can fit into a balanced diet.
Remember, it’s all about moderation! By pairing it with a balanced meal, you can enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors of this cake while still getting some nutritional
How Do I Make My Pound Cake Rise Higher?
To make your pound cake rise higher, be sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly. This step incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cake rise.
Additionally, use fresh baking powder (if included in the recipe) and sift the dry ingredients to prevent clumps.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour, as overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Also, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature, as this promotes even mixing and better rising.
Why Is It Called Mile High Pound Cake?
The name Mile High Pound Cake Recipe refers to the cake’s impressive height and light, fluffy texture. This cake rises taller than a traditional pound cake due to the careful incorporation of air during mixing and the right balance of ingredients.
It’s called “mile-high” because, when properly baked, it achieves a lofty, airy rise that makes it stand out among other cakes.
What Size Pan For Mile High Pound Cake?
For a Mile High Pound Cake Recipe, a 10-inch bundt pan or a loaf pan works best. These pans provide enough space for the cake to rise beautifully without spilling over.
A larger pan helps the cake maintain its height and structure, ensuring it bakes evenly. Just be sure to grease the pan well to prevent sticking, and remember to adjust the baking time based on your pan size if needed.
What Toppings Pair Well With This Cake?
This Mile High Pound Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings. You can serve it with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
Whipped cream adds a creamy, light touch, while a lemon glaze can enhance its rich, buttery flavor.
For a more indulgent option, drizzle it with chocolate ganache or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These toppings complement the cake’s flavor and add extra layers of sweetness.
How Do I Store The Cake?
To store your Mile High Pound Cake Recipe, keep it covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you need to store it longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing it for up to 3 months.
When ready to serve, let it thaw at room temperature. Be sure to slice it just before serving for the freshest taste!
Conclusion
To wrap up, this Mile High Pound Cake Recipe is a true winner when it comes to creating a delicious, buttery dessert that everyone will love.
The light, fluffy texture and rich flavor make it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a special celebration, or simply a treat for yourself.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make yet yields such impressive results. It’s a timeless classic that never disappoints.
I hope you enjoy baking and tasting this cake as much as I do. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a masterpiece. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven!
Hi, I’m Delina, a housewife, mother of two living in the suburbs of Vancouver, Canada. I’m a professional recipe developer and food photographer behind thefoodscraft.com. Although I was trained in biological technology for lab work, my heart is in the kitchen. Growing up, family dinners were a nightly tradition, and as a single mom of two, I was determined to keep that alive. With limited ingredients, I discovered the magic of transforming basic items into cozy family meals, which inspires all my recipes. In 2017, I started thefoodscraft.com, sharing budget-friendly recipes and tips.