Description
This Old Fashioned Sour Cream Pound Cake is a moist, buttery cake with a tender crumb, flavored with real vanilla and rich full-fat sour cream. Perfectly baked at a low temperature to ensure a delicate texture, this classic dessert delivers nostalgic comfort and pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups plain all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature (only use real butter!)
- 2 2/3 cups sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 8 ounces full-fat sour cream
- 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract (not imitation)
Instructions
- Prepare Pound Cake Pan: Lightly grease the pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all surfaces are well coated.
- Dust the Pan: Lightly dust the greased pan with flour, tapping out any excess to prevent sticking and help the cake release easily after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until smooth and well combined. This can be done using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment for best results.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Use medium-low speed if using a mixer to incorporate them gradually.
- Mix Sour Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the baking soda and vanilla into the sour cream, beating for about 30 seconds until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Sift the flour into the butter mixture, then add the sour cream mixture. Stir thoroughly, scraping the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a rubber spatula to scrape out all the batter.
- Bake Initially: Place the cake pan on the middle rack of a cold oven. Set the oven to 300°F and bake for 1 hour without opening the door to maintain even baking.
- Increase Temperature: After 1 hour, increase the oven temperature to 325°F. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in Pan: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool on a rack inside the pan for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from Pan: To release the cake, invert the pan and rack or plate together, tap the bottom gently, and lift the pan off. Transfer the cake to a cooling rack or plate to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use only real butter and not margarine or butter substitutes for the best flavor and texture.
- Room temperature ingredients help ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
- Do not open the oven door during the initial baking period to prevent the cake from collapsing.
- Using full-fat sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the pound cake.
- For storage, keep the cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American