๐ฐ Another Good Pound Cake: A Delectable Delight ๐ฐ
History:
The pound cake, a beloved classic in the world of baking, has a rich history dating back centuries. Its origins can be traced to Northern Europe in the 18th century. The name “pound cake” stems from its traditional recipe, which called for a pound each of four basic ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. This simple yet indulgent cake quickly gained popularity due to its ease of preparation and delicious taste.
Components:
- Butter: Provides richness and flavor.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Give structure and moisture to the cake.
- Flour: Forms the cake’s structure and texture.
Additional flavorings like vanilla extract, lemon zest, or almond extract can be added to enhance the cake’s taste.
Steps to Prepare Another Good Pound Cake:
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Prep Your Ingredients:
- Ensure your butter, eggs, and any additional ingredients are at room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 325ยฐF (163ยฐC).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan or use parchment paper for easy removal.
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Creaming:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter until it’s creamy and pale.
- Gradually add 2 cups of granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Adding Eggs:
- Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Beat in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (or your preferred flavoring).
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Incorporating Flour:
- Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet mixture.
- Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as it can make the cake dense.
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Baking:
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cooling:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Optional Glaze:
- You can drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of milk or lemon juice over the cooled cake for added sweetness.
Total Time:
- Preparation: 15-20 minutes
- Baking: 60-70 minutes
- Cooling: 1-2 hours (approximately)
This timeless recipe results in a delicious, buttery, and moist pound cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece! ๐๐๐ฉโ๐ณ
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical slice (about 1/12th of the cake) of a classic pound cake:
- Calories: Approximately 320-350 calories per slice.
- Total Fat: Around 18-20 grams, primarily from butter.
- Saturated Fat: Typically 10-12 grams, due to the butter content.
- Cholesterol: About 90-100 milligrams, largely from eggs.
- Sodium: Roughly 180-200 milligrams, depending on ingredients.
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 38-40 grams, mostly from sugar and flour.
- Dietary Fiber: Negligible; pound cake is not a significant source of fiber.
- Sugars: Around 20-22 grams, primarily from added sugar.
- Protein: Approximately 4-6 grams, contributed by eggs and flour.
Health Information:
- Pound cake is a delicious treat, but it’s considered a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie, sugar, and saturated fat content.
- The cake is rich in butter, which is a source of saturated fat. High intake of saturated fat can contribute to heart health issues, so it’s advisable to limit consumption.
- Pound cake is not a significant source of vitamins, minerals, or dietary fiber, so it should not be relied upon for nutritional benefits.
- Pairing a small slice of pound cake with fresh fruit or a light topping can help balance the sweetness and add some vitamins and fiber to your dessert.
Remember, while pound cake is a delightful treat for special occasions, it’s best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence as part of a balanced diet.
