Million dollar pound cake

Here’s a recipe for a classic Million Dollar Pound Cake:

Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (room temperature)

• Optional: 1 tbsp lemon zest or orange zest for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper or lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
   Gradually add the sugar, and continue beating on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is very light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial for a tender crumb.

4. Add Eggs
   Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature so the batter doesn’t curdle.

5. Add Vanilla Extract
   Mix in the vanilla extract (and citrus zest, if using).

6. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
   Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions (flour-milk-flour-milk-flour).
   Start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix, or the cake may become dense.

7. Pour Batter and Bake
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
   Bake for about 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

8. Cool
   Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Million Dollar Pound Cake:

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything combine smoothly and evenly.

• Beat the butter and sugar well: This adds air for a light texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter once flour is added: To keep the cake tender.

• Use good quality vanilla extract or try vanilla bean paste for an extra touch.

• Optional glaze or dusting: You can drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice or milk) or dust powdered sugar on top once cooled for extra sweetness.