Name: the best pound cake recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 225g (1 cup) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Ensure it’s softened, not melted, for a fluffy texture.; 200g (1 cup) Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and aids in creaming with butter.; 4 Large Eggs, at Room Temperature: Emulsify easily for a smoother texture.; 250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; spoon and level for accuracy.; 1 tsp (5ml) Baking Powder: Leavening agent for a light and airy cake.; ½ tsp (2.5ml) Fine Sea Salt, plus a pinch for glaze: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.; 1 tsp (5ml) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity.; 60ml (¼ cup) Whole Milk: Adds moisture and binds ingredients.; 1 tsp (5ml) Fresh Orange Zest: Delivers intense citrus aroma and flavor.; 150g (1 ¼ cup) Powdered Sugar, Sifted: Ensures a smooth, lump-free glaze.; 30ml (2 tbsp) Fresh Orange Juice: Provides a bright, tangy flavor.; ¼ tsp (1.25ml) Ground Cardamom: Adds warm, aromatic spice.; 1 tsp (5ml) Toasted Sliced Almonds, Chopped (optional): Adds crunch and nutty flavor.; A few fresh mint leaves, for garnish: Provides color and a refreshing aroma.

Description

This Orange Cardamom Glazed Pound Cake is a comforting and flavorful dessert, featuring a tender, buttery crumb infused with orange zest and warm cardamom spice, finished with a glossy glaze. It’s perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to brighten your day.

Ingredients

Scale

225g (1 cup) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Ensure it’s softened, not melted, for a fluffy texture.
200g (1 cup) Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and aids in creaming with butter.
4 Large Eggs, at Room Temperature: Emulsify easily for a smoother texture.
250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; spoon and level for accuracy.
1 tsp (5ml) Baking Powder: Leavening agent for a light and airy cake.
½ tsp (2.5ml) Fine Sea Salt, plus a pinch for glaze: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
1 tsp (5ml) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity.
60ml (¼ cup) Whole Milk: Adds moisture and binds ingredients.
1 tsp (5ml) Fresh Orange Zest: Delivers intense citrus aroma and flavor.
150g (1 ¼ cup) Powdered Sugar, Sifted: Ensures a smooth, lump-free glaze.
30ml (2 tbsp) Fresh Orange Juice: Provides a bright, tangy flavor.
¼ tsp (1.25ml) Ground Cardamom: Adds warm, aromatic spice.
1 tsp (5ml) Toasted Sliced Almonds, Chopped (optional): Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
A few fresh mint leaves, for garnish: Provides color and a refreshing aroma.

Instructions

Prepare Pan & Oven: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease/flour a loaf pan.
Cream Butter & Sugar: Cream butter and sugar for 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
Add Eggs: Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
Mix Flavorings: Stir in vanilla and orange zest.
Combine Ingredients: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with flour.
Bake the Cake: Pour into pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, cardamom, and salt.
Glaze & Garnish: Drizzle glaze over warm cake and sprinkle with almonds and zest.
Set & Serve: Let glaze set before slicing and serving.

Notes

Using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing are key to a tender crumb.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 30 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: pound cake,orange,cardamom,glaze,baking,dessert,citrus,spice,cake