Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe

Here's a rich, buttery Million Dollar Pound Cake recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household. With its dense yet tender crumb, this cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with fresh berries and whipped cream, it’s an elegant dessert that never disappoints.

I first discovered this recipe when looking for a classic, no-fail pound cake to serve at a family gathering. The result? A golden, perfectly textured cake that disappeared within minutes! Now, it’s my go-to for holidays, special occasions, or just because.

Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Pound Cake

Get ready to fall in love with a truly indulgent dessert. This Million Dollar Pound Cake isn’t just rich in flavor—it’s a masterpiece of simplicity and elegance.

First, it’s made with just six simple ingredients—all pantry staples—so there’s no need for a grocery run. Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.

The texture is absolutely divine. A well-made pound cake should be dense yet soft, with a fine, velvety crumb. Thanks to the perfect balance of butter, eggs, and sugar, this recipe delivers exactly that.

It’s an incredibly versatile cake. Enjoy it on its own, drizzle it with a simple glaze, or serve it with fresh fruit and ice cream. It also makes a perfect base for trifles and layered desserts.

And best of all? This pound cake stays fresh for days. The high butter content keeps it moist, meaning you can bake it ahead of time without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Million Dollar Pound Cake lies in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you get a luxurious texture and rich flavor.

Butter is the star of the show here, so quality matters. Use unsalted, high-fat butter for the best results. European-style butter works especially well, adding an extra creamy richness.

Granulated sugar provides the perfect level of sweetness while helping to create that signature golden crust. Be sure to cream it thoroughly with the butter to achieve a light, airy texture.

Eggs are essential for structure and richness. This recipe calls for six large eggs, which help bind the ingredients together while contributing to the dense yet soft crumb.

All-purpose flour keeps the texture just right—neither too light nor too heavy. Be sure to sift it before adding it to prevent any lumps and ensure a smooth batter.

Milk adds moisture and smoothness to the batter. Some versions use heavy cream or half-and-half, but whole milk works perfectly, balancing richness with a soft crumb.

You won’t need any fancy equipment—just a stand mixer (or a hand mixer), a sturdy bundt or tube pan, and a little patience as this cake bakes to golden perfection.

How To Make This Million Dollar Pound Cake

Creating this luxurious pound cake is easier than you think. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning, bakery-worthy dessert.

Start by creaming the butter and sugar together. This step is crucial—beat them for at least 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter, giving the cake a lighter texture.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures they fully emulsify with the butter and sugar, preventing any curdling in the batter.

Slowly add the sifted flour, alternating with the milk. Start and end with flour, mixing just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to a dense cake, so stir gently.

Pour the batter into a well-greased and floured bundt or tube pan, spreading it evenly. The batter will be thick, so use a spatula to smooth the top before placing it in the oven.

Bake at 300°F for about 1 hour and 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should have a beautiful golden crust with a soft, tender crumb inside.

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure the perfect texture.

Storage Options

This pound cake is fantastic for make-ahead baking since it stays fresh and delicious for several days.

To store at room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay moist and fresh for up to four days.

For longer storage, refrigerate it in a well-sealed container. While this keeps it fresh for up to a week, allow it to come to room temperature before serving to restore its soft texture.

This cake also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds for a warm, buttery treat.

Variations and Substitutions

The classic Million Dollar Pound Cake is perfect as is, but you can easily customize it to suit different flavors and occasions.

For a citrus twist, add lemon or orange zest to the batter. A touch of fresh juice in the mix can enhance the flavor without overpowering the buttery goodness.

If you love almond flavor, swap out a teaspoon of vanilla extract for almond extract. This gives the cake a subtly nutty depth that pairs beautifully with berries.

For a richer taste, replace half the milk with sour cream or buttermilk. This adds extra moisture and a slight tang, making the cake even more tender.

Want a chocolate version? Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or swirl in some melted chocolate before baking. The combination of chocolate and buttery pound cake is irresistible.

If you’re serving this for a special occasion, consider drizzling it with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk, or even a rich caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

No matter how you make it, this Million Dollar Pound Cake is sure to be a hit. Try different variations and find your own signature twist on this timeless classic!

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