There’s something deeply soul-satisfying about a traditional black people pound cake – that golden, buttery masterpiece that’s graced Southern tables for generations.
This old fashioned black people pound cake recipe isn’t just dessert; it’s heritage baked into every dense, moist slice.
Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or discovering this classic for the first time, this copycat black people pound cake delivers that authentic, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor that makes it the crown jewel of Southern baking.
With simple pantry ingredients and time-honored techniques, you’ll create a recipe for black people pound cake that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
What Does It Taste Like?
This old fashioned black people pound cake is pure buttery heaven in every bite. The flavor is rich and deeply satisfying, with prominent notes of sweet cream butter and vanilla that dance on your palate.
The optional lemon extract adds a subtle citrus brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. The texture is gloriously dense yet tender – not dry or crumbly like some cakes, but moist with a fine, tight crumb that practically melts on your tongue.
Each slice has a golden-brown crust that’s slightly crisp, giving way to a soft, velvety interior. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the pure, clean flavors of quality butter and vanilla to shine through with an elegance that’s simply unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1.5 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp baking powder (optional, for a slightly lighter texture)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half or buttermilk)
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon extract (optional, but traditional for Southern flavor)
Kitchen Utensils and Equipment
- 10-inch Bundt pan or tube pan
- Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
- Wooden skewer or toothpick (for testing doneness)
- Sifter or fine-mesh strainer (optional)
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 70-90 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12-16 slices
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Thoroughly grease your 10-inch Bundt or tube pan with butter or non-stick spray, making sure to get into all the crevices. Dust with flour, tapping out any excess. This ensures your black people pound cake releases perfectly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This crucial creaming process incorporates air and creates that signature tender texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Reduce mixer speed to medium and add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Allow each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. The mixture should look smooth and cohesive.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder (if using), and salt. This distributes the leavening and seasoning evenly throughout your old fashioned black people pound cake recipe.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Wet and Dry Ingredients
With your mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined after each addition – don’t overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
Step 6: Add the Extracts
Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon extract (if using) with a rubber spatula, folding gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Bake for 70-90 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes – this prevents it from breaking. Carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Your copycat black people pound cake is now ready to serve!
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. Classic Cream Cheese Glaze
Whip together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk for a tangy-sweet glaze that complements the buttery richness. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for an elegant presentation that adds both visual appeal and flavor contrast.
2. Fresh Berry Compote
Simmer fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, or mixed berries with a touch of sugar and lemon juice until thickened. This bright, fruity topping cuts through the cake’s density and adds a pop of color. Serve warm or chilled alongside each slice.
3. Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Transform your recipe for black people pound cake into a show-stopping dessert by coating it with a zesty lemon cream cheese frosting. The citrus notes enhance the optional lemon extract in the cake while adding moisture and tang.
4. Toasted Pecan Butter Sauce
Create a Southern-style sauce by browning butter with toasted pecans, a splash of bourbon or vanilla, and brown sugar. This decadent topping turns your pound cake into a restaurant-worthy dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.
5. Ice Cream and Caramel Pairing
Serve slightly warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean or butter pecan ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. The temperature contrast and added creaminess make this combination absolutely irresistible.
6. Coconut Rum Soak
For an adult twist, poke holes in the warm cake and brush with a mixture of coconut rum and simple syrup. Top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical variation that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
7. Fresh Whipped Cream and Seasonal Fruit
Keep it simple yet elegant with homemade whipped cream (sweetened with vanilla and a touch of sugar) and whatever fresh fruit is in season – sliced peaches in summer, pears in fall, or citrus segments in winter.
Essential Tips for Perfect Pound Cake
1. Room Temperature Ingredients Are Critical
This is the golden rule for making a perfect old fashioned black people pound cake. When butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature (around 65-70°F), they emulsify properly, creating a smooth batter that bakes evenly. Cold ingredients can cause the butter to seize, resulting in a dense, uneven texture. Set everything out 1-2 hours before baking.
2. Don’t Rush the Creaming Process
Those 5-10 minutes of creaming butter and sugar aren’t just a suggestion – they’re essential for incorporating air into your batter. This is what gives pound cake its tender crumb despite being dense. The mixture should nearly double in volume and turn pale yellow. If it looks grainy or yellow, keep beating.
3. Add Eggs One at a Time
Adding all the eggs at once can cause the batter to break or curdle, creating a greasy, separated cake. Add them individually, beating for about 30 seconds after each addition. If the mixture looks slightly curdled, add a tablespoon of your flour mixture to bring it back together.
4. Use the Proper Mixing Technique
Once you start adding flour, switch to low speed and mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which creates a tough, chewy texture instead of the tender crumb you want in your copycat black people pound cake. You should still see a few small flour streaks when you stop mixing – they’ll incorporate as you fold.
5. Test for Doneness Carefully
Pound cakes can be tricky because they’re so dense. Start checking at the 70-minute mark by inserting a wooden skewer into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs – not wet batter. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. An instant-read thermometer should register 200-210°F in the center.
6. Avoid Opening the Oven Door Too Early
Resist the temptation to check on your cake before at least 60 minutes of baking time. Opening the oven door causes temperature fluctuations that can make your pound cake sink in the middle or bake unevenly. The low and slow baking at 325°F is intentional for even heat distribution.
7. Cool Properly to Prevent Sticking
Let the cake cool in the pan for exactly 10-15 minutes – not longer. Too short and it might break; too long and it will stick to the pan. Run a thin knife around the edges before inverting. If it does stick, place a warm, damp towel over the bottom of the inverted pan for a few minutes to help release it.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store your black people pound cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
Common Queries and FAQs
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about this recipe
Why is it called a pound cake?
Traditional pound cake recipes originally called for one pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour – making it easy to remember! While modern recipes like this old fashioned black people pound cake recipe have adjusted the ratios for improved texture and flavor, the name stuck. The “black people pound cake” or “Black folks pound cake” specifically refers to the Southern African American tradition of pound cake making, which often includes distinctive touches like lemon extract or buttermilk and emphasizes a particularly moist, dense texture.
Can I make this pound cake without lemon extract?
Absolutely! The lemon extract is optional, though it does provide that authentic Southern flavor profile. If you omit it, you can increase the vanilla extract to 1.5 tablespoons, or try almond extract (use only 1/2 teaspoon as it’s potent). Your recipe for black people pound cake will still be delicious with just vanilla – the lemon simply adds a subtle brightness.
Why did my pound cake sink in the middle?
A sunken center usually happens from opening the oven door too early, incorrect oven temperature, or underbaking. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 325°F (use an oven thermometer to verify), don’t open the door before 60 minutes, and bake until a skewer comes out clean. Overmixing the batter can also cause sinking by developing too much gluten.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but it’s not recommended for this copycat black people pound cake. Unsalted butter lets you control the exact salt content, and different brands of salted butter contain varying amounts of salt. If you must use salted butter, omit the 0.5 teaspoon of salt in the recipe, though the flavor balance may not be perfect.
What’s the difference between using milk, buttermilk, or half-and-half?
Whole milk creates a classic, balanced flavor. Buttermilk adds tanginess and extra tenderness due to its acidity, which is very traditional in Southern baking. Half-and-half makes the cake richer and more decadent. All three work beautifully – choose based on what you have on hand and your flavor preference. Buttermilk is the most authentically Southern option.
How do I know when my butter is properly softened?
Properly softened butter should be cool to the touch but yield easily when pressed with a finger, leaving an indentation. It should not be melted, shiny, or greasy. Think of it like the consistency of ice cream – soft enough to spread easily but still holding its shape. This typically takes 1-2 hours at room temperature.
Can I add other flavors to this pound cake?
Yes! This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Popular variations include adding 1/4 cup cocoa powder for chocolate pound cake (reduce flour by 1/4 cup), folding in 1 cup of toasted pecans, adding 2 tablespoons of rum or bourbon, or incorporating citrus zest. Just avoid adding too much moisture, which can affect the texture.
Why is my pound cake dry?
Dryness usually comes from overbaking, too much flour, or not enough fat. Make sure you’re measuring flour correctly (spoon it into the measuring cup and level off – don’t pack it). Check your cake at 70 minutes and remove it as soon as the skewer comes out clean. Also ensure your butter is properly softened before creaming.
Do I need to use the baking powder?
The baking powder is optional in this old fashioned black people pound cake recipe. Traditional pound cakes rely solely on the air incorporated during creaming for leavening, creating that signature dense texture. The 0.5 teaspoon of baking powder makes the cake slightly lighter and higher without sacrificing authenticity. For the densest, most traditional texture, omit it.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but bake it in two separate pans rather than one large one. Pound cake batter is very dense and a doubled recipe in one pan would take too long to bake, causing the outside to overbake while the center remains underdone. Two 10-inch Bundt pans work perfectly, and baking time should remain approximately the same.
What should I do if my cake is browning too quickly on top?
If the top is getting too dark before the center is done, tent it loosely with aluminum foil about halfway through baking. This slows the browning while allowing the inside to continue cooking. This is more common if your oven runs hot, so consider checking your oven temperature with a thermometer.
Is there a way to make this cake lighter?
While pound cake is meant to be dense, you can make it slightly lighter by: separating the eggs and beating the whites to soft peaks, then folding them in at the end; using the full 0.5 teaspoon of baking powder; or replacing up to half the butter with vegetable oil. Note that these changes will alter the traditional texture somewhat.
This old fashioned black people pound cake recipe is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of Southern baking tradition and family heritage.
With its rich, buttery flavor, perfectly dense yet tender crumb, and versatility for any occasion, this copycat black people pound cake deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.
Whether you serve it plain, dressed up with glazes and fruit, or alongside your favorite beverage, every slice delivers comfort and nostalgia.
Now that you have all the tips and techniques, it’s time to preheat that oven and create your own delicious memories!
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