Southern Comfort Pound Cake by Grandma
Southern Comfort Pound Cake is a rich, moist dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering. With its delicate crumb and the subtle hint of Southern charm.
this cake has been a family favorite for generations. The blend of buttery goodness, vanilla extract, and a touch of sweetness creates the perfect balance in every bite.
Whether you are hosting a celebration or enjoying a quiet afternoon tea, this cake is sure to delight.
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
5 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan to ensure your cake comes out effortlessly when it’s time to serve. Set the pan aside and begin preparing the batter.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and softened butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
This will take about 4-5 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer, and it’s crucial for creating a tender crumb in the cake.
Once the butter and sugar are creamed together, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate the eggs smoothly into the batter.
ensuring a uniform texture. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
This step ensures the dry ingredients are well-mixed and prevents any lumps in your batter.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated after each addition.
Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to become dense. Once everything is combined, add the vanilla extract and mix it in gently.
Now comes the Southern Comfort! Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the Southern Comfort liqueur to the batter, folding it in to incorporate.
The liqueur adds a subtle depth of flavor and a rich undertone that enhances the cake’s overall taste. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Depending on your oven, you may need to check the cake at the 60-minute mark. If the top of the cake begins to brown too quickly.
loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the rest of the cake continues to bake.
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After cooling slightly.
invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving. This will help maintain the cake’s shape and allow it to set properly.
How to Make
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and preparing your workspace. Having everything ready and within reach makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Preheat your oven to the right temperature and ensure your Bundt pan is greased and floured to prevent sticking.
The key to this cake’s light texture lies in properly creaming the butter and sugar together. When done correctly, this step incorporates air into the batter.
helping the cake rise beautifully. Once you add the eggs, be sure to mix them in thoroughly, as this creates an even batter.
Sifting the dry ingredients before adding them to the wet mixture prevents clumps and ensures your cake will have a fine crumb.
When you alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the milk, be sure to mix gently. Overmixing at this stage can lead to a dense cake that doesn’t have the desired light texture.
Finally, fold in the Southern Comfort carefully, allowing its rich flavor to meld into the batter without disrupting the overall texture.
Once the cake is in the oven, resist the temptation to open the door too often, as this can cause the cake to collapse.
Give it time to bake and brown evenly, and keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid overbaking. When the cake is ready, allow it to cool slightly before flipping it out of the pan.
Cooling completely on a wire rack will give the cake the chance to set and become firm enough to slice without falling apart.
If you prefer a glossy finish or extra sweetness, feel free to drizzle a glaze over the cooled cake. You can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and a little bit of vanilla, or even use a flavored glaze like orange or bourbon for a fun twist.
Variations
While the traditional Southern Comfort Pound Cake is beloved in its original form, there are plenty of variations to suit different tastes. For instance, you can replace.
the Southern Comfort liqueur with bourbon or rum to give the cake a different kind of warmth and flavor.
The choice of alcohol will subtly shift the cake’s flavor profile, but it will still retain that rich, moist texture.
If you’re not a fan of alcohol in your cake, you can leave out the Southern Comfort entirely. Instead.
increase the vanilla extract to 2 teaspoons and add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced twist.
The aroma of these warm spices will infuse the cake with a cozy, comforting vibe, perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
For a citrusy variation, you can add lemon or orange zest to the batter. The fresh zest will add a bright, refreshing note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the butter.
Another fun variation is to incorporate finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the batter for a little crunch. These nuts complement the sweetness of the cake and give it an extra texture.
For an indulgent touch, drizzle the finished cake with a chocolate ganache or top it with whipped cream and fresh berries.
These toppings elevate the cake to a more decadent level, making it perfect for special occasions or holiday dinners.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, which will give the cake a slightly denser texture but still maintain its delicious flavor.
You can also replace the butter with a healthier oil, like avocado or coconut oil, for a different twist that still results in a moist cake.
For a bit of a twist, you can also swirl in some fruit preserves or a dollop of jam to the batter before baking. Raspberry or strawberry jam can add a sweet surprise with every bite.
offering a fruity counterpoint to the richness of the cake. The preserved fruit will bake into the cake, adding a sweet layer of flavor throughout.
Lastly, if you’re feeling creative, you can experiment with different types of glazes or frostings.
A cream cheese frosting can be a great addition for those who love tangy-sweet contrasts, or a caramel glaze can complement the buttery flavor of the pound cake beautifully.
Tips
For the best results, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This helps the butter and sugar cream together more effectively and ensures a smoother batter.
Cold eggs and milk can cause the batter to seize up, so give them time to come to room temperature before using them.
When mixing the batter, always start by creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly. This step is key to achieving a light, airy texture in the finished cake.
Avoid overmixing the flour into the batter, as doing so can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix just until everything is combined.
If you’re using a Bundt pan, be sure to grease and flour it well to prevent the cake from sticking.
You can also use a baking spray with flour in it for an even easier option. Once you’ve poured the batter into the pan.
tap it lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles that could form during baking.
Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so always check the cake at the 60-minute mark and use a toothpick to test for doneness.
If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it’s still wet, give it a little more time, but be sure not to overbake.
For an extra tender cake, allow it to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This ensures.
That the cake sets properly and maintains its shape. Let the cake cool completely before slicing to allow the texture to fully develop.
You can also freeze the cake if you want to make it ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
To serve, thaw the cake overnight at room temperature. It will taste just as fresh as the day it was made.
If you plan to serve the cake with a glaze or frosting, allow the cake to cool completely before adding any toppings. This prevents the glaze from melting and ensures it sets beautifully on top.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Southern Comfort Pound Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of family tradition, bringing together generations of flavors and memories.
The rich, buttery texture, paired with the hint of Southern Comfort liqueur, makes it a standout treat at any occasion.
Its versatility allows you to play with flavors, whether you stick to the original or add your own twist.
Whether shared at family gatherings or enjoyed with a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon, this pound cake offers comfort, warmth, and the sweetness of home.
A slice of this cake is sure to bring a smile to anyone who enjoys a classic dessert made with love.