The sour cream pound cake is a timeless classic, loved for its rich, buttery flavor and moist, dense texture. Originating from the traditional pound cake, which was originally made with equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, this variation introduces sour cream as a key ingredient to enhance moisture, flavor, and tenderness.
One of the standout features of a sour cream pound cake is its simple ingredient list. With just five essential ingredients—butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and sour cream—you can create a delicious homemade cake with minimal effort. The addition of sour cream not only adds a slight tangy richness but also helps tenderize the crumb, making the cake incredibly soft and moist.
Perfect for any occasion, this easy pound cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a light glaze. Whether served as a morning treat with coffee or as a dessert for gatherings, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with only five ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe when you need a quick, no-fuss dessert.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making the best sour cream pound cake, along with tips to ensure a light, fluffy texture every time. 🍰✨
Table of Contents
The Simplicity of a Five-Ingredient Recipe
One of the best things about this sour cream pound cake is its simplicity. With just five basic ingredients—butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and sour cream—you can create a rich, moist, and flavorful cake without the need for complicated steps or specialty ingredients.
Unlike other cakes that require multiple leavening agents or precise mixing techniques, this recipe relies on the natural structure and balance of its ingredients. The butter provides richness, the sugar sweetens and tenderizes, the eggs add structure, the flour forms the base, and the sour cream enhances moisture and texture.
This easy, no-fuss approach makes it perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick, homemade dessert. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just a simple afternoon snack, this five-ingredient pound cake is a go-to recipe that delivers delicious results every time. 🍰✨
Detailed Ingredient Analysis
Each of the five essential ingredients in this sour cream pound cake plays a crucial role in achieving its rich flavor, soft texture, and moist crumb. Let’s take a closer look at why these ingredients work so well together.
1. Butter 🧈
- Provides richness and flavor to the cake.
- Helps create a tender crumb by coating the flour proteins, preventing gluten development.
- When creamed with sugar, it incorporates air into the batter, contributing to a light and fluffy texture.
2. Sugar 🍯
- Sweetens the cake and balances the tanginess of the sour cream.
- Helps create a golden crust by caramelizing during baking.
- When beaten with butter, it aids in incorporating air, giving the cake a soft texture.
3. Eggs 🥚
- Act as a binding agent, holding the ingredients together.
- Provide structure by helping the cake rise during baking.
- Contribute to moisture and richness, ensuring a soft and velvety texture.
4. All-Purpose Flour 🌾
- Forms the foundation of the cake, giving it shape and structure.
- Contains gluten, which helps trap air and create a firm yet tender crumb.
- Works best when added gradually to prevent over-mixing, which can make the cake dense.
5. Sour Cream 🥛
- The star ingredient that makes this pound cake incredibly moist and tender.
- Adds a slight tang, enhancing the overall flavor of the cake.
- Provides additional fat and acidity, which helps tenderize the crumb and create a smoother texture.
With just these five simple ingredients, you can bake a delicious, buttery, and moist pound cake that is perfect for any occasion! 🍰✨
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making a sour cream pound cake with just five ingredients is simple and requires minimal effort. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve a perfectly moist, buttery, and fluffy cake.
1. Gather Your Ingredients and Preheat the Oven
📌 Preparation time: 10 minutes
Before you start, ensure you have all your ingredients at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily and creates a smooth batter.
✅ You’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup sour cream
➡️ Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure even baking.
➡️ Grease and flour a bundt pan, loaf pan, or cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
📌 Mixing time: 3-5 minutes
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, add the butter and sugar.
2️⃣ Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed for 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
✔️ This step helps incorporate air into the batter, ensuring a light and airy texture.
3. Add the Eggs One at a Time
📌 Mixing time: 2-3 minutes
1️⃣ Crack in the first egg, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.
2️⃣ Repeat the process for the remaining three eggs, adding them one by one.
3️⃣ Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
✔️ Adding eggs gradually prevents the batter from curdling and helps create a smooth, even texture.
4. Incorporate the Flour and Sour Cream
📌 Mixing time: 3-5 minutes
1️⃣ Reduce the mixer speed to low.
2️⃣ Add half of the flour and mix until just combined.
3️⃣ Pour in half of the sour cream and mix gently.
4️⃣ Repeat the process, alternating the remaining flour and sour cream.
✔️ Always start and end with flour to help maintain the structure of the cake.
✔️ Do not overmix—mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
5. Transfer Batter to the Pan and Bake
📌 Baking time: 60-70 minutes
1️⃣ Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan.
2️⃣ Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
3️⃣ Place the pan in the center rack of the oven.
4️⃣ Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
✔️ If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil after 45 minutes.
6. Cooling and Serving
📌 Cooling time: 10-15 minutes
1️⃣ Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2️⃣ Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3️⃣ Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a glaze if desired.
💡 Serving tip: This cake pairs perfectly with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream!
Variations and Enhancements
While the classic five-ingredient sour cream pound cake is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to add more flavor and texture. Here are some popular variations and enhancements to elevate your cake:
1. Flavor Additions 🍊
- Vanilla Extract: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a classic, well-rounded flavor.
- Almond Extract: A ¼ teaspoon of almond extract provides a subtle, nutty aroma.
- Lemon or Orange Zest: Mix in the zest of one lemon or orange to brighten the cake with citrusy notes.
2. Glazes and Toppings 🍯
- Simple Sugar Glaze: Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice for a light, sweet drizzle.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For a richer topping, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the cake.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: A quick and effortless way to enhance the cake’s appearance.
3. Mix-Ins for Texture 🍫🥜
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to add a decadent touch.
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
- Fresh Berries: Blueberries or raspberries can be gently folded into the batter before baking for a fruity twist.
4. Alternative Flour Options 🌾
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute ½ of the flour with whole wheat for a slightly denser, more wholesome cake.
Serving Suggestions
A sour cream pound cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether served plain or with toppings, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
1. Classic and Simple 🍰
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant and effortless dessert.
- Enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
2. With Fresh Fruits and Whipped Cream 🍓
- Pair slices with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to balance the richness.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a light and creamy contrast.
3. Drizzled with Sauces or Glaze 🍯
- Drizzle honey, maple syrup, or caramel sauce over the top for extra sweetness.
- Serve with a side of chocolate ganache for a decadent twist.
4. Toasted or Grilled 🔥
- Lightly toast slices in a skillet with butter for a crispy texture.
- Grill a slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a gourmet-style dessert.
Storage and Shelf-Life
Proper storage is key to keeping your sour cream pound cake moist and fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how to store it correctly:
1. Room Temperature (Best for Short-Term Storage)
- Store the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days.
- Avoid refrigerating unless necessary, as refrigeration can dry out the cake.
2. Refrigeration (For Longer Freshness)
- If you need to store it longer, wrap the cake well and place it in the refrigerator.
- It will stay fresh for up to 1 week—just allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
3. Freezing (Best for Long-Term Storage)
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- Store in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- To serve, thaw at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for a quick warm-up.
By storing it properly, you can enjoy this delicious pound cake anytime! 🍰✨
FAQs
1. What does putting sour cream in a cake do?
Sour cream enhances the texture and flavor of the cake in several ways:
- Adds moisture: Its high fat content keeps the cake rich and soft.
- Tenderizes the crumb: The acidity helps break down gluten, making the cake fluffier.
- Enhances flavor: It adds a slight tang, balancing the sweetness.
- Improves structure: Works as a stabilizer, preventing the cake from drying out.
2. How much sour cream to add to pound cake?
For a traditional sour cream pound cake, you typically use 1 cup of sour cream per 2 cups of flour. This ratio ensures a moist texture without making the cake too dense. Adjustments can be made based on personal preference, but too much sour cream can alter the cake’s structure.
3. What is the secret to a super moist cake?
The key to a moist and tender pound cake includes:
✔️ Using sour cream for extra fat and acidity.
✔️ Not overmixing the batter to prevent a tough texture.
✔️ Properly creaming butter and sugar to aerate the batter.
✔️ Baking at the right temperature (325°F) to avoid drying out the cake.
✔️ Avoiding overbaking—check for doneness with a toothpick at 60 minutes.
4. What frosting goes well with sour cream pound cake?
Although this cake is delicious on its own, you can enhance it with:
- Vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk) for a light sweetness.
- Lemon icing for a citrusy contrast.
- Cream cheese frosting for a rich and tangy pairing.
- Chocolate ganache for a decadent touch.
Conclusion
A five-ingredient sour cream pound cake is proof that simple ingredients can create an incredibly rich, moist, and flavorful dessert. By using just butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and sour cream, you can achieve a soft, tender crumb with minimal effort. The addition of sour cream enhances the texture, keeping the cake moist and delicious for days.
This classic cake is versatile—it can be enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a glaze or frosting. Whether served with fresh berries, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.
By following the right techniques—proper mixing, correct baking temperature, and avoiding overmixing—you can ensure your pound cake turns out fluffy, tender, and irresistibly good every time.
So why not bake this easy, homemade sour cream pound cake today? With just five simple ingredients, it’s a fail-proof, crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will love! 🍰✨