Dinner

Aunt Faye’s Pound Cake

Aunt Faye’s Pound Cake is the kind of recipe that carries stories in every slice. The moment I pull this beauty out of the oven…

12–16 slicesServings
Aunt Faye’s Pound Cake

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Take your time here — this cake rewards patience.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour your Bundt or tube pan generously.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy. Don’t rush this step — it’s key to that perfect texture.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
  6. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with milk. Begin and end with flour. Mix just until combined — do not overmix.
  7. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
  8. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan. Smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. The golden top, the crack down the center, the smell — pure heaven!!
  11. Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack. Let cool completely before slicing.

Aunt Faye’s Pound Cake is the kind of recipe that carries stories in every slice. The moment I pull this beauty out of the oven, I think of handwritten recipe cards, flour-dusted countertops, and the way Aunt Faye would say, “Now don’t rush it — good cake takes patience.” And oh, was she right. This pound cake is rich, buttery, perfectly dense, and melts in your mouth with every bite.

Before we dive in, I’d love for you to subscribe and get this recipe (and more treasured classics) sent straight to your inbox. I’m so grateful you’re here, and sharing family recipes like this truly means the world to me.

Why You’ll Love Aunt Faye’s Pound Cake

This isn’t just any pound cake — it’s the kind that becomes a tradition.

You’ll love it because it’s:

  • Rich and buttery
  • Perfectly moist
  • Made with simple pantry ingredients
  • Ideal for holidays or Sunday dinner
  • Even better the next day

The smell when this cake is baking? Absolutely incredible. Warm butter, sweet vanilla, and that golden crust forming — it fills the entire house with comfort.

What Does Aunt Faye’s Pound Cake Taste Like?

It’s dense but tender, with a fine crumb and deep buttery flavor. The outside forms a slightly crisp, golden crust while the inside stays soft and velvety. It’s not overly sweet, which makes it perfect with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or just a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Anything but boring!!

Benefits of This Classic Pound Cake

  • No complicated steps
  • Stays fresh for days
  • Freezes beautifully
  • Versatile for toppings and variations
  • Perfect base for strawberry shortcake

This is the cake you make once — and then forever.

Ingredients for Aunt Faye’s Pound Cake

True to its roots, this recipe keeps it simple and classic.

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2½ cups granulated sugar
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but lovely)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Necessary Tools for Preparation

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Bundt pan or tube pan
  • Cooling rack
  • Spatula

A heavy tube pan gives that classic tall, beautiful shape Aunt Faye always loved.

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Want to make it your own? Here are a few ideas:

  • Add lemon zest for a citrus twist
  • Swap almond extract for lemon extract
  • Fold in fresh berries
  • Add a cream cheese glaze
  • Use cake flour for an even finer crumb

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

How to Make Aunt Faye’s Pound Cake

Take your time here — this cake rewards patience.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour your Bundt or tube pan generously.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy. Don’t rush this step — it’s key to that perfect texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.

Step 5: Alternate Flour and Milk

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with milk. Begin and end with flour. Mix just until combined — do not overmix.

Stir in vanilla and almond extract.

Step 6: Bake

Pour batter evenly into prepared pan. Smooth the top.

Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

The golden top, the crack down the center, the smell — pure heaven!!

Step 7: Cool

Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack. Let cool completely before slicing.

What to Serve with Aunt Faye’s Pound Cake

This cake shines on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

  • Fresh strawberries and whipped cream
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Lemon glaze
  • Caramel drizzle
  • Fresh peaches
  • A cup of strong coffee

Personally, I love it slightly warm with a pat of butter. Simple and perfect.

Storage Instructions

  • Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped for up to 4 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 3 months.

It tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle and deepen.

General Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes Bake Time: 70–80 minutes Servings: 12–16 slices Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Perfect for holidays, birthdays, church gatherings, or just because you need something sweet and comforting.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Sodium: 180mg

Values vary depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Conclusion

Aunt Faye’s Pound Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s tradition, comfort, and love baked into every slice. Rich, buttery, and beautifully simple, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll pass down for generations.

If you loved this classic, you might also enjoy my Southern Peach Cobbler, Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding, or Homemade Lemon Drizzle Cake — all perfect companions to this timeless favorite.

I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest. Seeing your beautiful cakes keeps these treasured recipes alive and inspires others to bake something special too!

Tips for Success

  • Use room temperature ingredients.
  • Cream butter and sugar thoroughly.
  • Don’t overmix once flour is added.
  • Bake low and slow for even texture.
  • Grease the pan very well to prevent sticking.

Trust me — those small details make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my pound cake crack on top?

That’s completely normal! That beautiful crack is a sign of a classic pound cake.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt slightly.

Why is my cake dense?

Pound cake is naturally dense, but overmixing or skipping proper creaming can make it too heavy.

Can I make this in loaf pans?

Yes. Divide batter into two greased loaf pans and reduce baking time to about 55–60 minutes.

Can I add a glaze?

Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze works beautifully.

Tried This Recipe?I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and don't forget to share a photo.
Leave a Comment →

Reviews

Loading reviews…

Thanks for your review!