Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe

There’s something absolutely magical about Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake—a buttery, golden masterpiece, known for its tender crumb and soul-soothing flavor. This is the kind of cake people dream of sneaking a second slice of, and once you’ve tasted it, you’ll see exactly why it’s a beloved family heirloom recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This classic cake comes together with simple pantry staples, but don’t let that fool you—each ingredient plays a vital part in creating that signature richness and perfectly moist crumb. It’s all about quality and tradition here.

• Bob’s Red Mill Organic Unbleached White All Purpose Flour: The foundation for this cake’s structure—choose a high-quality flour for the most tender crumb.
• Butter (1 pound, 4 sticks): Go for real, unsalted butter—the star of the show, it creates that delicious melt-in-your-mouth texture and golden hue.
• Granulated Sugar (3 cups): The sweetness balances the richness of the batter and helps create that irresistible crisp crust.
• Eggs, yolks and whites separated (6): Yolks add richness and color, while whipped whites make the cake extra light and fluffy.
• Whole Milk (¾ cup): Adds moisture for a tender, supple crumb. Don’t skimp—whole milk is best here.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Rounds everything out with a hint of cozy, aromatic warmth.

Variations

The beauty of Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake is how easy it is to personalize. Toss in your favorite flavors or tweak for any occasion—it’s like a blank canvas just waiting for your creative twist!

• Citrus Zest: Add finely grated lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, sunny note that pairs beautifully with the buttery crumb.
• Almond Extract: Swap in a teaspoon of almond extract for a delightful, nutty undertone that transforms the cake.
• Marbled Chocolate Swirl: Gently fold in a bit of melted chocolate to part of the batter and swirl it through before baking for a fun visual and a touch of decadence.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend so everyone can enjoy a slice (be sure to check ingredient origins for any sensitivities).

How to Make Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Give your tube or bundt pan a generous greasing with butter or nonstick spray, then lightly dust with flour. Gather all your ingredients and let the butter and eggs come to room temperature for the fluffiest results.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar together on high speed until light, pale, and fluffy—about 4–5 minutes. Don’t rush this step! The more you cream, the more air you’ll whip into the batter, giving you a lovely, tender cake.

Step 3: Add the Egg Yolks

One at a time, drop in the egg yolks, mixing well after each addition. You’ll see the batter become beautifully smooth and rich, which sets the stage for that classic golden crumb everyone loves in Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake.

Step 4: Alternate the Flour and Milk

On low speed, add the flour in 2–3 batches, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with flour to ensure an even, lump-free batter. Only mix until each addition is just incorporated—don’t be tempted to overmix.

Step 5: Stir in Vanilla Extract

Pour in that glorious tablespoon of vanilla extract and give the batter a gentle stir. This is your aromatic finishing touch!

Step 6: Whip and Fold in Egg Whites

In a separate clean bowl, whip the egg whites just until they’re light and foamy—not stiff peaks. With your mixer on low, gradually add these whipped whites to the batter, then use a spatula to gently fold everything together until you see no streaks. This step creates that surprisingly luscious, delicate texture.

Step 7: Bake and Enjoy the Aroma!

Spoon your batter into the prepared pan, then tap it firmly on the counter to pop any pesky air bubbles. Bake in the center of your oven for about 90 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, savor, and get ready for recipe requests!

How to Serve Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake

Garnishes

This cake is dreamy on its own, but it absolutely shines with a finishing touch! Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a spoonful of fresh seasonal berries. Even a drizzle of zesty citrus glaze will make your Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake ready for any occasion.

Side Dishes

Pair this star dessert with a simple fruit salad, a cup of strong coffee, or even a refreshing scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a special brunch, I love offering it with lemon curd and fresh berries on the side—it turns a slice into something truly celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive centerpiece, slice the cake and layer it with whipped cream and berries in a trifle dish. You can also cube leftover pieces for parfaits, or cut thick slabs and grill them lightly to caramelize for a unique twist. However you present it, Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake always feels special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cake stays moist and delicious—sometimes, it’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Freezing

Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake freezes beautifully! Wrap slices or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for best results.

Reheating

To freshen up a frozen or day-old slice, pop it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This brings back that dreamy, buttery tenderness and irresistible aroma.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There isn’t anything quite like sharing a thick slice of Grandma Blanche’s Famous Old Fashioned Pound Cake with the people you love. It’s the kind of recipe that carries stories, brightens celebrations, and brings comfort on the toughest days. Give it a try—you’ll soon make it your own cherished tradition.

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