Spice Pound Cake 🍰
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 1 pound cake
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Spice Pound Cake, perfect for slicing thin and serving with fresh fruits or a scoop of nutmeg ice cream. Originally featured in Bon Appétit’s March 1982 edition, this recipe promises a delightful treat with warm spices and a tender crumb.

Ingredients
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
2 cups | Flour |
1/2 tsp | Baking powder |
1/8 tsp | Salt |
1 1/2 cups | Sugar |
1 cup (2 sticks) | Butter |
1 1/2 tbsp | Margarine |
1/2 tsp | Lime zest |
1/2 tsp | Ground nutmeg |
1/4 tsp | Cinnamon |
3 | Eggs |
1/2 cup | Milk |
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your pound cake bakes evenly to golden perfection.
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Prepare Pan: Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, ensuring the cake releases easily once baked, leaving behind no delicious crumbs stuck to the sides.
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Sift Flour: Take your 2 cups of flour and sift it, ensuring a light and airy texture for your cake.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the sifted flour with the baking powder and salt. Sifting the flour twice ensures a smooth and lump-free batter.
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Prepare Spice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, butter, margarine, lime zest, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon. This aromatic blend sets the stage for a flavorful cake.
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Beat Ingredients: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the sugar and spice mixture on high speed for about 5 minutes. This incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy pound cake.
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Add Eggs: Reduce the mixer speed to medium and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step ensures a smooth and creamy batter.
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Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the bowl, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the milk, ensuring everything is well combined after each addition.
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Pour Batter: Once the batter is smooth and velvety, pour it into the prepared loaf pan. The aroma of spices will start to fill your kitchen, promising a delightful treat.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
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Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently turn it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
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Serve and Indulge: Once cooled, slice this Spice Pound Cake into thin, decadent slices. Pair it with fresh fruits for a refreshing contrast or a scoop of nutmeg ice cream for a delightful treat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 4008.3
- Fat: 206.4g
- Saturated Fat: 124.7g
- Cholesterol: 1139.6mg
- Sodium: 2055.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 500g
- Fiber: 7.7g
- Sugar: 302g
- Protein: 50.8g
Keywords
Weeknight, Mixer, Oven, Small Appliance, < 4 Hours
Recipe Notes
- For a twist, try adding a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruits to the batter.
- Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer enjoyment.
Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this Spice Pound Cake, a timeless classic perfect for any occasion. Whether shared with loved ones or savored alone, each bite promises a taste of nostalgia and pure delight. 🍰✨