Mama Pound Cake

(Rich, Buttery, and Baked with Love)

There’s something incredibly special about a Mama Pound Cake. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a memory. This classic, old-fashioned pound cake is the kind that showed up on kitchen counters wrapped in foil, sliced thick for after-school snacks, church gatherings, Sunday dinners, and quiet evenings with coffee. Simple, rich, and perfectly dense, Mama Pound Cake is all about tradition, patience, and real ingredients.

This recipe stays true to the roots of a classic Southern-style pound cake: buttery, moist, and golden, with a tender crumb that holds together beautifully. No fancy fillings, no frostings—just pure, timeless flavor.

Why You’ll Love Mama Pound Cake

Classic, old-fashioned flavor
Dense yet tender texture
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for slicing and sharing
Even better the next day

This is the kind of cake that doesn’t need decoration—it speaks for itself.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20–30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 50 minutes
Oven Temperature: 325°F (165°C)
Yield: 12–16 slices
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups granulated sugar
1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
5 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Flavor Additions:

½ teaspoon almond extract
Zest of 1 lemon or orange

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan, making sure to coat all the crevices well.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the sugar, beating for another 4–5 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is key to a tender pound cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything mixes evenly.

Step 5: Alternate Flour and Milk

With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions. Begin and end with the flour. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Add Vanilla

Stir in the vanilla extract (and almond extract or citrus zest if using) until just incorporated.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 1 hour 20–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Perfect Mama Pound Cake

Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
Cream butter and sugar thoroughly—this creates structure and tenderness.
Bake low and slow to avoid a dry or cracked cake.
Do not overmix after adding flour.
Let the cake cool fully before slicing for clean cuts.

Variations

Lemon Pound Cake: Add lemon zest and replace vanilla with lemon extract.
Vanilla Bean Pound Cake: Use vanilla bean paste for deeper flavor.
Buttermilk Pound Cake: Replace milk with buttermilk for extra tang.
Glazed Pound Cake: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze if desired.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Serve plain with coffee or tea
Add fresh berries and whipped cream
Toast slices lightly and spread with butter
Top with a spoonful of fruit preserves

Final Thoughts

Mama Pound Cake is a reminder that the best recipes are often the simplest ones. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you get a cake that’s rich, comforting, and filled with nostalgia. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, invites conversation, and makes any day feel a little more special.