Andrea’s Pound Cake Recipe

🍰 Andrea’s Pound Cake Recipe 🍰

📜 History:
Pound cake has a rich history dating back to Europe in the 18th century. The name “pound cake” comes from its original recipe, which called for one pound each of four key ingredients: flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. Over time, variations and flavorings were added, but the basic concept of a dense, buttery cake has endured.

🧁 Components:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch (25 cm) tube or bundt pan.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter-sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition.

6. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.

7. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before removing it from the pan. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Serve: Once cooled, slice and serve your delicious pound cake. It’s great on its own or with a scoop of ice cream and fresh berries!

⏰ Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Baking: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Cooling: Varies (typically about 1 hour)

Enjoy making and savoring Andrea’s Pound Cake! 🍰🎉

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a standard slice (approximately 1/12th of the cake) of Andrea’s Pound Cake:

• Calories: Approximately 330 calories per slice
• Total Fat: About 15 grams
  • Saturated Fat: About 9 grams
• Cholesterol: Around 80 milligrams
• Sodium: Roughly 180 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 44 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: Negligible
  • Sugars: About 28 grams
• Protein: Approximately 4 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderation: Pound cake is a delicious treat but is high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional indulgence.

2. Portion Control: Consider smaller portion sizes to manage calorie intake. A smaller slice or sharing can help.

3. Balance: Pairing pound cake with fresh fruit or a light yogurt can balance the richness of the cake with some nutritional value.

4. Sugar: Pound cake tends to be high in sugar, so be mindful if you’re watching your sugar intake.

5. Saturated Fat: The cake contains a significant amount of saturated fat due to the butter. High intake of saturated fats may contribute to heart health issues, so it’s important to consume in moderation.

6. Variations: You can make slightly healthier versions by reducing sugar or using alternatives like whole wheat flour or a sugar substitute.

Remember, while pound cake is a delightful treat, it should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, and portion control is key for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 🍰🍎🥗