This fabulous pound cake will be an immediate hit with your family and guests. It's tasty and moist and will become one of your go to recipes for desserts.
3 sticks salted butter, softened
3 c. sugar
6 large eggs, at room temperature
3 c. sifted cake flour
½ t. vanilla extract, plus another 1 1/2 t., if desired
½ pint heavy whipping cream
Glaze: (optional)
2 c. sifted powdered sugar
½ stick butter, melted
2 – 4 T. heavy cream
¼ t. almond extract or ½ t. vanilla, if desired
Butter and flour large 10 inch tube or bundt pan lightly. Sift cake flour once, then measure; set aside.
In large mixing bowl, cream butter; gradually add sugar, beating on medium speed until creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended, after each addition. Add cake flour and heavy whipping cream, alternately beating on low speed until just blended. (Over beating will yield a dry, heavy cake.) Add vanilla extract; if wanting a richer flavor, add another 1 ½ t. vanilla extract. Pour into prepared pan.
Place cake in COLD oven (this is important); then bake at 325 degrees F for about 1 hr. and 15 minutes or until a long tester inserted into center of cake comes out completely clean.
Cool cake in pan on wire rack 15-20 minutes; remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack.
Glaze: (optional)
Combine powdered sugar and butter in medium size bowl; stir in 2 T. heavy cream. If desired, add ¼ t. almond extract or ½ t. vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy, adding more cream, 1 T. at a time, if necessary. Drizzle over cooled cake.
10 servings.