The smell of freshly baked pound cake wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone's mouth water. And when it comes to classic Southern desserts, there's nothing quite like a half a pound cake. This simple yet delicious recipe has been passed down through generations, and for good reason - it's easy to make and oh so satisfying to eat. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of this beloved dessert and share a tried and true southern living recipe for you to try at home.
The Origins of Half a Pound Cake
The origins of pound cake can be traced back to Europe in the 1700s. The name comes from the traditional recipe, which calls for a pound each of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that this rich and buttery cake made its way to the American South.
Southern living has always been synonymous with hospitality and good food, and pound cake quickly became a staple dessert in many Southern households. It was a simple and affordable treat that could be served on any occasion, from Sunday suppers to church picnics.
The Half a Pound Cake Recipe
While the traditional recipe calls for a pound of each ingredient, many home cooks have adapted the recipe to make it more manageable. This
half a pound cake recipe is the perfect example. It still yields a rich and decadent cake, but with half the amount of ingredients.
To make this
southern living classic, you'll need:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of whole milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until well combined, then add in the vanilla extract.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Get Creative with Your Half a Pound Cake
While this
southern living recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to get creative with it. Add in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a little extra texture, or top it with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a summery twist.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this
half a pound cake recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. So go ahead and give it a try - your taste buds will thank you!
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The Origins of Half a Pound Cake
The origins of pound cake can be traced back to Europe in the 1700s. The name comes from the traditional recipe, which calls for a pound each of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that this rich and buttery cake made its way to the American South.
Southern living has always been synonymous with hospitality and good food, and pound cake quickly became a staple dessert in many Southern households. It was a simple and affordable treat that could be served on any occasion, from Sunday suppers to church picnics.
The Half a Pound Cake Recipe
To make this southern living classic, you'll need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until well combined, then add in the vanilla extract.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Get Creative with Your Half a Pound Cake
While this southern living recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to get creative with it. Add in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a little extra texture, or top it with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a summery twist.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this half a pound cake recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. So go ahead and give it a try - your taste buds will thank you!