The name comes from the original ratio of a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, and that balance is still what makes it work. The whole cake rises on air beaten into the butter, so cream it long and add the eggs slowly to keep the emulsion from breaking.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook70 min
Makesone 9x5 loaf or bundt
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for9x
Butter
The flavor and the leavening; use good unsalted and have it truly softened but not greasy.
Fresh zest brightens the rich crumb; grate it just before mixing so the oils stay lively.
1 lemon
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
CreamBeat butter and sugar on medium-high for a full 5 minutes until pale and fluffy; this is the only leavening.
Add eggsAdd eggs one at a time, beating 30 seconds after each so the batter stays emulsified and does not look curdled.
Fold in flourBeat in the vanilla and lemon zest, then add the flour and 1/2 tsp salt in three parts alternating with the milk, mixing on low just until combined.
Bake low and slowScrape into a greased loaf pan and bake at 325F for 65-75 minutes until a skewer comes out clean and the top is deep golden.
CoolCool in the pan 15 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to finish; slicing warm will tear it.
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Pound Cake? — Yes
Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.
Can you make Pound Cake ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is Pound Cake gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Pound Cake vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
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