Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or tube pan to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter for about 2 minutes until it becomes creamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
3️⃣ Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated.
4️⃣ Mix Dry & Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk and heavy cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) until everything is well combined.
5️⃣ Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 90-100 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake toward the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
6️⃣ Cool the Cake: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This will ensure it maintains its perfect shape and texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Pound Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to help the batter come together smoothly.
- Do Not Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense.
- Use a Bundt Pan: A bundt pan or tube pan is ideal for this recipe to help the cake bake evenly and ensure it has a beautiful shape.
- Check for Doneness Early: Every oven is different, so start checking your cake for doneness at around 90 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Pound Cake:
- Rich and Buttery: The combination of butter and cream gives this cake a luxurious flavor and moist texture.
- Classic Flavor with a Twist: The hint of almond extract adds depth to the vanilla flavor, making this cake more than just your average pound cake.
- Perfectly Dense: This cake has a nice, dense texture that’s perfect for serving with a cup of coffee or tea.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 60g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQ About Million Dollar Pound Cake:
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for the best freshness.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw it at room temperature for a few hours.
Can I make this cake without almond extract?
Yes, you can omit the almond extract if you prefer a more classic flavor. The cake will still be delicious with just the vanilla extract.
Common Problems and Fixes:
Cake Too Dense?
If your cake is too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to mix only until the ingredients are combined.
Cake Not Rising?
Ensure your baking powder is fresh, and that the oven temperature is correct. Also, check that you didn’t overmix the batter, which could cause it to lose air and not rise properly.
Flavor Variations You Can Try:
- Lemon Million Dollar Pound Cake: Add the zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Chocolate Chip Pound Cake: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips for a rich chocolate addition.
- Cinnamon Swirl Pound Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and a swirl of cinnamon sugar to the batter for a comforting spiced version.
Why This Million Dollar Pound Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion:
This cake is the epitome of indulgence and luxury with its buttery texture and sweet flavor. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special gathering where you want to serve something truly memorable.
Success with Million Dollar Pound Cake:
With its rich texture and perfectly balanced sweetness, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit every time. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion and will leave everyone impressed by your baking skills.
For more decadent pound cake recipes, check out Vanilla Bean Pound Cake or Maple Bacon Pound Cake.
Loved this Million Dollar Pound Cake? Share the recipe with your friends on social media and leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out!
