The BEST Buttermilk Pound Cake Recipe
So easy even a child can make this cake!
I taught kindergarten for many years and I baked or cooked something with my classes at least once a month. I learned that it is an "art" to tackle a cooking project with young children. Since I have 7 grandchildren, I am trying to revive that art in my life. My husband and I "care" (that is a fancy short word for babysit) for at least one of the grands every week. What you are about to read is my pound cake-making adventure with one of those 7 grands. Oh, my family recipe for this homemade pound cake is included! And it is FREE!
First of all, I want to stress that if you are a real stickler for neatness, then do not even think of making a scratch cake with a child under the age of 5 years. Next, if you do choose this challenge, then do not wear anything black. (I speak from experience.) If you do not have an apron, now might the the time to think about buying one. Here is a link to some cute and highly rated ones on Amazon.com: Cute Aprons to keep the flour of a black dress!
Thirdly, have all of your ingredients measured out before you begin making my pound cake recipe with your child. Making a recipe can be a real chore (but, a pleasant one!) with a child who asks questions about every ingredient (What is "ingredient", Gigi?) so, it is a good idea to think like Rachel Ray and have your stuff on the counter and measured out before you start your work of Art. Be Prepared!
As my pound cake is baking in the oven, I am writing this page while the experience is still fresh in my mind. I want to share every detail of my artful baking project made with the help of one of my much loved grand-babies.
All cake baking images (good and mediocre) belong to me. The photo of the child with the pound cake is most definitely by me. That is my grand-daughter smiling at you! Do not use without permission. Mickie Goad - all rights reserved.
The product images are from Amazon.com.
A much used recipe card!
The crisp crust is what makes this Buttermilk Pound Cake a favorite!
The Buttermilk Pound Cake recipe below is one that a friend shared with me more than 25 years ago. It seems like I have made it a million times--the beat up and stained recipe card will vouch for me!
The reason I chose to make this pound cake with my grand-daughter is because I had just cut up some fresh Chilton County (Alabama) peaches and they needed a cake to lie on. Most importantly, the pound cake recipe has only 7 ingredients! Except for the buttermilk, I always have those on hand. I must tell you that I keep 
I decided that this very day would be perfect to introduce my grandbaby to baking "Gigi-style".
The reason my family loves this buttermilk pound cake is the delectable "sugar cookie" like crust. The golden yellow inside cake is also full of buttery flavor. This cake is Excellent as a base for fresh strawberries or peaches!
Baker's Tips:
1.) I used unsalted butter, but I think salted butter would be fine since salt is not an ingredient.
2.) It is best to have the butter and eggs and buttermilk at room temperature.
3.) I used unbleached white flour.
4.) I used non-fat buttermilk because I am counting calories, but whole buttermilk might result in a more flavorful cake. Anyway, what difference does a few calories make when one is using real butter?
5.) I normally use organic sugar, but my supply was running low and I used common granulated white sugar today.
6.) Use good quality vanilla extract. Do NOT use imitation vanilla!
6.) A stand mixer makes this recipe much easier and makes for a lighter textured cake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 3 cups white sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- While the oven is pre-heating, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla and blend well.
- If using a stand mixer, alternate adding flour and buttermilk while the mixer is running. Begin with one cup of flour, then add 1/3 cup buttermilk. It is helpful to use measuring cups for adding 1 cup and 1/3 cups. Blend well after each addition. In the last portion of buttermilk add the baking soda before adding it to the batter. Mix well.
- Prepare you fluted or angel-food pan with "Pam for Baking" or "Baker's Choice" spray. If you prefer, you can evenly grease your pan with solid "shortening" (like Crisco) then sprinkle flour over the pan and gently shake it to cover all the shortening.
- Evenly pour the batter into the pan.
- Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes. Another NOTE: I tested for doneness with a "Cake Tester" at 1 hour and took the cake out of the oven because the crust was nicely browned.
- I allowed the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then I inverted the pan on a cake plate. Remove the pan from the cake and continue to cool. It is best to let the cake cool throughly before cutting it. However, my grand-daughter and I could not wait to cut a test piece while the pound cake was still warm. Yes, it crumbled when cut, but it was sooooo good. Store lightly covered. (I use a "tupperware" type cake keeper.)
Cake Tester-- - an essential kitchen tool for cake baking!
I have at least two cake testers so I can easily find at least one in my kitchen tool drawer. My grandmother used to use a long toothpick, but I find that a cake tester is better. It is so thin that it leaves no mark in your cake, cupcakes or muffins.
What happens when you bake a pound cake with a child: - a mess!
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What you might need to make a family favorite pound cake recipe: - From least expensive up.
You might already have all of the below items, but if you do not I would like to recommend the ones listed here. I have the used the products (or ones similar to them) in my kitchen and have included my comments. Baking can be fun if you have the right stuff. The only product that I used in making the pound cake on this page that I would not recommend is the fluted pan that I have. I bought it at a garage sale to replace a very old pan. I should have saved my money and not brought it home. Why? The blue fluted pan you see in my photos, does not have a non-stick finish. It is coated inside with a white enamel kind of finish. I have two excellent "angel" cake tube pans that would have resulted in a better looking cake with no hunks missing from the crust. I do love the fluted cakes and I will buy the one that I found on Amazon (see it below) when I earn enough money from this article! So, buy something I recommend, please.
Disclaimer: Mickie_G is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
My KitchenAid at home after the cake making is done!
Finished pound cake! - Yes, baking with a child can be considered an "art".
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See if you can find a bundt in this movie! - I used a bundt pan to bake the pound cake in this article.
My daughter (the mother of the darling little girl shown on this page) married a young man who is Greek. One of my favorite scenes in the movie has become a common joke in our own multicultural family. Remember the "bundt" cake the groom's mom brought to the future in-laws? I have made several bundts for family occasions and we always have a laugh. One time I put a geranium plant in the hole just like in the movie!
![My Big Fat Greek Wedding (10th Anniversary Special Edition) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51JVKImU4bL._SL160_.jpg)
I find making a cake with a child an easy first baking task. Muffins are another good item to bake. If you have ever made an edible recipe with a child, what was it? Was it an easy recipe for a child to help you with? Did you find teachable moments during your baking adventure? Please feel free to share any helpful tips or even a recipe or two.
Thanks for visiting. Hoped you learned something about the "art" of baking with children.
© 2013 Mickie Gee
