If you have a sweet tooth and a love for classic desserts, this Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Rich, buttery, and decadently moist, this pound cake strikes the perfect balance between old-fashioned charm and irresistible flavor. Every bite melts in your mouth like a little slice of heaven, making it an ideal treat for gatherings, special occasions, or simply whenever you want to indulge in a truly timeless dessert. Trust me, once you’ve made this cake, you’ll understand why it’s called “million dollar” — it’s pure gold!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, working together to create a tender crumb, a moist texture, and that unforgettable rich flavor that pound cake lovers crave.
- 1 pound unsalted butter, softened: The star of the show, providing richness and a velvety texture to the cake.
- 3 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly while helping with moisture retention.
- 6 large eggs: These bind the ingredients and add to the cake’s fluffy, tender crumb.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The base, providing structure without weighing the cake down.
- 3/4 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and keeps every bite delectably soft.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty depth that makes this pound cake truly stand out.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Classic and essential for rounding out the flavor.
How to Make Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This gentle temperature helps the cake bake evenly without drying out. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan thoroughly — this ensures your cake will release easily after baking, keeping that beautiful shape intact.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes and is key to incorporating air, which gives your cake a wonderful light texture despite its richness.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This slow incorporation helps maintain the emulsion in your batter, which will keep the cake tender and moist.
Step 4: Combine Flour and Milk
Next, gradually add the flour to the batter, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can lead to a denser cake, so keep it gentle and deliberate.
Step 5: Flavor It Up
Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract. These give the cake its signature mouthwatering aroma and sophisticated flavor that truly sets this Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe apart from your everyday pound cake.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for between 1 hour 30 minutes and 1 hour 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The slow baking ensures the cake cooks thoroughly while staying luscious and moist.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before carefully removing it. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely — this step helps maintain the cake’s texture and prevents sogginess.
How to Serve Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake shines brightest with simple, elegant touches. Consider dusting it lightly with powdered sugar for an understated sweet finish. A few fresh berries on the side or a dollop of whipped cream adds a refreshing balance to the cake’s buttery richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your slice of Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a truly comforting experience. For a more decadent pairing, fresh fruit compotes or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce complement the cake’s flavor beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box by turning slices into mini trifles, layering pound cake cubes with whipped cream, berries, and a splash of liqueur. This not only adds a festive flair but elevates the cake’s appeal for special gatherings or holiday meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. At room temperature, it will stay moist and tasty for up to three days, perfect for enjoying little indulgences throughout the week.
Freezing
This Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to retain that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy the cake warm, simply microwave slices for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a low oven for 5-10 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and makes every bite feel like a cozy treat.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract if I don’t have any?
If almond extract isn’t on hand, you can omit it, but the cake will have a slightly less complex flavor. Alternatively, a little extra vanilla extract or a teaspoon of lemon zest can add a lovely twist.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter allows you to better control the salt level in the cake. However, if you only have salted butter, cut back on any additional salt in your recipe (though this one doesn’t call for any), and the cake should still turn out delicious.
Why bake the cake at a low temperature for so long?
Baking at 300°F ensures the cake cooks evenly without drying out or forming a crust that’s too hard. The low-and-slow method helps the cake retain moisture, resulting in a tender and rich crumb.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to help the cake hold together properly.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The best test is to insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe has earned its reputation as a southern classic and a favorite for so many. It’s simple, dependable, and utterly delicious — the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this pound cake will bring warmth and joy to every occasion. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bite!
Print
Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Million Dollar Pound Cake is a rich, buttery, and incredibly moist classic Southern dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and a touch of almond and vanilla extracts, this old-fashioned pound cake bakes to golden perfection with a tender crumb and a luscious flavor that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound (2 cups) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan or tube pan thoroughly to ensure the cake won’t stick.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, approximately 4–5 minutes.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate and maintain a smooth batter.
- Incorporate dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour to the batter, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently just until the ingredients are combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Add extracts: Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract evenly into the batter to enhance the flavor.
- Fill pan and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack and cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For extra decadence, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.
- This pound cake freezes beautifully and often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.
