Five-Flavor Pound Cake
The Five-Flavor Pound Cake is a classic dessert that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. Rich, buttery, and perfectly moist, this pound cake is infused with a blend of five complementary flavors—vanilla, almond, citrus, nutmeg, and rum (or an optional extract)—that elevate it beyond the traditional pound cake. This cake is ideal for holidays, afternoon tea, or as a special treat any time of year.
With a tender crumb and delicate sweetness, the Five-Flavor Pound Cake is both elegant and comforting, making it a favorite for family gatherings or gifting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Moist, buttery texture with a fine crumb
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Aromatic flavor from five distinct yet harmonious flavors
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Simple ingredients, classic technique
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Great for gifting or serving at parties
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Pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of ice cream
Ingredients
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1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon almond extract
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1 teaspoon grated lemon or orange zest
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½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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2 tablespoons rum or rum extract (optional)
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½ cup (120 ml) milk, room temperature
Optional Glaze:
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1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
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1–2 tablespoons milk or citrus juice
Equipment
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9×5-inch loaf pan
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Electric mixer or whisk
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Mixing bowls
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Rubber spatula
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Cooling rack
Prep Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Bake: 60–70 minutes
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Cooling: 15 minutes
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Total time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender, airy cake.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 5: Add Flavorings
Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, citrus zest, and rum (if using) until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Tip: Cover with foil for the last 10–15 minutes if the top starts to brown too quickly.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For a glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk or citrus juice and drizzle over the cooled cake.
Tips for Perfect Pound Cake
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Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing and texture.
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Don’t overmix once flour is added—this keeps the crumb tender.
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Ensure the eggs are beaten well to create a light, fluffy batter.
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Fresh citrus zest adds brightness and aroma.
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Let the cake cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Variations
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Chocolate Five-Flavor Pound Cake: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the flour mixture
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Nutty: Fold in ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
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Citrus Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with orange or lemon juice for a refreshing finish
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Spiced: Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves for extra warmth
Serving Suggestions
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Serve slices with tea or coffee for an afternoon treat
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Top with fresh berries or whipped cream for dessert
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Perfect for gifting—wrap in parchment and tie with ribbon
Storage
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
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Refrigerate for up to 1 week
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Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving
A Classic Treat with a Twist
The Five-Flavor Pound Cake takes a traditional favorite and elevates it with a fragrant blend of extracts, citrus, and nutmeg. Its buttery, moist crumb and aromatic flavor make it a versatile dessert or gift-worthy treat that will impress anyone who tastes it.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 60–70 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices