Yellow Pound Cake
When it comes to timeless classics, Yellow Pound Cake holds a special place in the world of comfort baking. It’s rich, buttery, and perfectly dense with a fine, tender crumb and golden hue that comes from a generous use of egg yolks and real butter. This cake is all about simplicity no need for frosting or fancy add-ons, though it plays well with just about any topping.
Why You’ll Love This Yellow Pound Cake
Buttery and Rich: It’s made with real butter and eggs for a full-bodied flavor.
Golden and Gorgeous: That lovely yellow hue says it all rich, homemade, and inviting.
Perfectly Dense and Moist: A tight crumb that melts in your mouth.
Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze slices for a rainy-day treat.
Versatile: Serve with fruit, whipped cream, ice cream or just a cup of coffee.
Ingredients in Yellow Pound Cake
Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
The key to that rich, smooth flavor and classic pound cake texture.
Granulated Sugar
Creamed with butter to create a fluffy, sweet base.
Eggs + Egg Yolks
Whole eggs provide structure while extra yolks deepen the golden color and richness.
All-Purpose Flour
Gives the cake its body.
Baking Powder
For a subtle rise while maintaining that dense crumb.
Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Whole Milk
Adds moisture and ensures a soft interior.
Vanilla Extract
Essential for depth and warmth.
(Full measurements and steps included in the recipe below.)

Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a bundt pan.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until pale, light, and fluffy—about 4–5 minutes using an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add Eggs Gradually
Add eggs and yolks one at a time, beating well after each. Scrape down the bowl to keep the batter smooth.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Combine
Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with the flour. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Cool
Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10–12
Calories per slice: ~320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: 70–80 minutes
How to Serve Yellow Pound Cake
- Sliced and dusted with powdered sugar
- With whipped cream and strawberries
- Topped with lemon glaze or chocolate drizzle
- Toasted lightly and spread with butter
- Cubed for trifles or layered desserts
Additional Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and best rise
- Don’t overmix once the flour is added to avoid toughness
- For an extra moist crumb, wrap the cooled cake in plastic and let it rest overnight
- Add a splash of almond or rum extract for a flavor twist
- Freeze extra slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months
FAQ’s
1. Why is it called a “pound cake”?
Traditionally, it used a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. This version is more modern—but just as rich.
2. Can I bake this in a bundt pan?
Yes! Just make sure to grease and flour the pan well.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce it slightly, but keep enough for proper texture and browning.
4. Why the extra egg yolks?
They enhance richness, moisture, and give that beautiful yellow hue.
5. Can I use buttermilk instead of whole milk?
Yes! It’ll add a slight tang and tenderize the crumb even more.
6. Is this cake good for layering?
Absolutely—just slice and layer with cream, jam, or frosting.
7. How do I know it’s fully baked?
The top will be golden and a toothpick should come out clean from the center.
8. Can I add lemon or orange zest?
Definitely it adds brightness and balances the richness.
9. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, for a finer crumb. Use 2 tablespoons more per cup if substituting.
10. How should I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer.
Conclusion
Yellow Pound Cake is a buttery, tender classic that never fails to impress. Whether enjoyed plain, topped with cream and berries, or transformed into a show-stopping dessert, this cake is all about warmth, tradition, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down and with one bite, you’ll see why.
Print
Yellow Pound Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Yellow Pound Cake is a rich, buttery classic with a dense yet tender crumb and a golden yellow hue. It’s perfect on its own or as a base for fruit toppings, glazes, or whipped cream. Ideal for celebrations or an everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a Bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
- Make sure ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- This cake freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Serve with berries and whipped cream or a simple glaze for added flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: yellow pound cake, buttery pound cake, classic loaf cake, Southern cake, rich vanilla cake