Vanilla Bean Pound Cake
Vanilla Bean Pound Cake is a rich, buttery dessert featuring real vanilla beans for a deep flavor. Its dense, moist texture makes it perfect for pairing with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar. Ideal for any celebration or casual gathering.
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Vanilla bean scraper (optional)
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 vanilla beans seeds scraped out
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your loaf or bundt pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- 2.Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the Eggs:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix the Batter:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Incorporate Vanilla:
- Gently fold in the scraped seeds from the vanilla beans and the vanilla extract, ensuring even distribution.
Pour into Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
Cool:
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Serve:
- Slice and serve plain or with toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a simple glaze.