Simple Butter and Sugar Pound Cake with Salt and Vanilla

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A straightforward pound cake highlighting the richness of butter and the subtle flavor of vanilla, perfect for beginners. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 80 minutes, layers unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large eggs into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 275 calories and feeds 10, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 65 min Serves 10 American cuisine 275 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup room temperature unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and pale, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp salt.
  5. Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract by hand until evenly distributed.
  7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 60-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
  9. Step 9: Remove from oven and cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Butter and Sugar Pound Cake with Salt and Vanilla take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (15 min prep + 65 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Simple Butter and Sugar Pound Cake with Salt and Vanilla?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Butter and Sugar Pound Cake with Salt and Vanilla?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Simple Butter and Sugar Pound Cake with Salt and Vanilla for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Simple Butter and Sugar Pound Cake with Salt and Vanilla?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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