Description
Augusta National’s Sour Cream Pound Cake is a classic, tender, and moist dessert made with real butter, full-fat sour cream, and a perfect balance of sweetness. This rich pound cake is baked low and slow for a dense yet delicate crumb, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or elegant afternoon treats.
Ingredients
For the Pound Cake
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature (use real butter only)
- 2 2/3 cups sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 8 ounces full-fat sour cream
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract (not imitation)
Instructions
- Prepare Pound Cake Pan: Lightly grease the cake pan using butter or non-stick cooking spray. Make sure every surface is evenly coated to prevent sticking.
- Dust the Pan: Sprinkle flour over the greased surface and tap out any excess. This creates an additional barrier for easy cake release after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Use a medium-low speed if using a mixer to blend thoroughly.
- Prepare Sour Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the baking soda and vanilla into the sour cream for about 30 seconds to fully integrate the flavors.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted flour and sour cream mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Stir thoroughly, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure an even batter.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer all the batter into the prepared pan using a rubber spatula to scrape it clean from the bowl.
- Bake at Low Temperature: Place the pan on the middle oven rack of a cold oven. Set the oven temperature to 300°F and bake for 1 hour without opening the oven door.
- Increase Temperature and Finish Baking: After 1 hour, increase oven temperature to 325°F and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in Pan: Let the pound cake cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes in the pan before removal to set its shape.
- Remove and Cool Completely: Carefully invert the cake onto a plate or wire rack by holding both firmly and tapping the bottom of the pan. Remove the pan and allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use only real butter for authentic flavor and texture; margarine or butter substitutes will alter the cake’s consistency.
- Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth batter and even baking.
- Do not open the oven door during initial baking to prevent the cake from collapsing.
- Ensure the sour cream is full fat to maintain moisture and richness in the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to preserve its structure and avoid crumbling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American