So buttery, so velvety, and so rich—it’s called “Million Dollar” for a reason.
🌟 Why This Cake is a Showstopper
This cake doesn’t need bells and whistles. It has no frosting or glaze, yet it steals the spotlight at any gathering. Its beauty lies in its simplicity—flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and cream, combined in the perfect proportions. What you get is a cake with:
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A perfectly golden, crisp crust
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A dense but velvety interior
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Just the right amount of sweetness
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Unbeatable versatility for toppings and sauces
Whether you serve it with berries and whipped cream, drizzle it with a citrus glaze, or enjoy it warm with coffee, this cake is a luxurious slice of Southern charm.
🛒 Ingredients
Note: Bring all ingredients to room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth, even batter.
Basic Ingredients:
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1 pound (2 cups) unsalted butter, softened
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3 cups granulated sugar
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6 large eggs
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4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
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3/4 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
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1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
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Zest of 1 lemon or orange (for a citrus note)
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1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (for a warm, cozy flavor)
🍽️ Equipment Needed
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Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
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Large mixing bowl
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Measuring cups and spoons
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10-inch tube pan or bundt pan (greased and floured)
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Rubber spatula
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Cooling rack
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Toothpick or cake tester
⏱️ Time Breakdown
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Prep time: 25 minutes
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Bake time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
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Cooling time: 1 hour
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Total time: About 3 hours (including cooling)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
🧈 Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
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In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat 1 pound of softened butter until creamy and pale, about 5 minutes on medium-high speed.
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Gradually add 3 cups of sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time. Continue beating until the mixture is fluffy and light, another 5–7 minutes.
Pro Tip: The more air you incorporate at this stage, the lighter the texture of your pound cake will be—even with a dense crumb.
🥚 Step 2: Add the Eggs One at a Time
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Crack in 6 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Scrape down the bowl frequently to ensure even mixing.
Why it matters: Adding eggs one by one prevents curdling and helps emulsify the batter.
🌾 Step 3: Add Flour and Cream Alternately
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With the mixer on low speed, add 4 cups of sifted flour, alternating with 3/4 cup of heavy cream:
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Start and end with the flour: add 1 cup flour → a bit of cream → another cup flour → cream → final cup of flour.
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Beat until just combined—do not overmix at this point.
🌸 Step 4: Flavor It Up
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Add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
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Optional: Mix in zest of 1 lemon or orange for a bright flavor or 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg for warmth.
🧁 Step 5: Prepare the Pan
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Thoroughly grease your 10-inch tube pan or bundt pan with butter and dust with flour.
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Tap out any excess flour.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
🔥 Step 6: Bake Low and Slow
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Place the cake in a cold oven.
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Set the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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The cake should be golden brown with a slight dome on top.
Cold Oven Tip: Starting in a cold oven gives the cake a slow, even rise and a crispier crust.
❄️ Step 7: Cool Before Serving
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes.
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Carefully loosen the edges and invert onto a cooling rack.
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Let cool completely—at least 1 hour—before slicing.
🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
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Store at room temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
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Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp.
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Make ahead: Bake a day in advance to allow flavors to develop. It’s even better the next day!
🍓 Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Pound Cake is rich and versatile, so pair it with contrasting or complementary flavors:
Fresh & Fruity
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Macerated strawberries and whipped cream
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Blueberries and lemon curd
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Peaches and mint leaves
Sweet & Saucy
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Vanilla glaze or powdered sugar drizzle
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Chocolate ganache or caramel sauce
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Warm fruit compote or berry coulis
Warm Comfort
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Toasted slice with butter and cinnamon sugar
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Served with coffee or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
📝 Tips for Pound Cake Perfection
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Room temperature everything. Cold ingredients won’t cream properly.
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Sift your flour. It makes a big difference in texture.
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Don’t skip the almond extract. It’s subtle but adds incredible flavor depth.
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Be patient. Low and slow baking is key to a tender interior and crisp crust.
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Use the right pan. A heavy-duty bundt or tube pan distributes heat evenly.
🧁 Variations and Twists
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Chocolate Marble Pound Cake: Swirl in melted chocolate before baking.
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Lemon Pound Cake: Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice and extra zest.
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Coconut Rum Pound Cake: Add shredded coconut and a splash of rum extract.
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Holiday Style: Add chopped pecans and cranberries with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves.
🎉 Perfect for Any Occasion
This is the kind of cake that gets passed down through generations. It’s the centerpiece at Sunday suppers, potlucks, bridal showers, and birthdays. Despite its simplicity, it feels celebratory—a testament to what quality ingredients and care can create.
💬 Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Pound Cake isn’t just a cake—it’s an experience. Every bite is rich with butter, gently sweet, and exquisitely tender. It’s a Southern classic that deserves a place in every baker’s recipe box. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to baking, this cake will make you feel like a million bucks.
