March 4 is National Pound Cake Day
It is rumored that pound cake (which has been around since the 1700s) is so named because one slice weighs one pound will make you gain five.
Although the weight and the weight gain are not exactly true, you’d think so judging by the density of pound cake.
Pound cake actually got its name because it was traditionally baked with one pound each of flour, butter, eggs and sugar.
Pound Cake Fun Facts:
• Pound cake has been around ever since the early 1700s.
• Pound cake still remains one of the most-loved and easy-to-bake cakes.
• March fourth each year is National Pound Cake day.
What to do on Pound Cake Day?
• Bake at least one pound cake. (see my lighter version below!
• Invite your friends over to for coffee and serve your creation.
• Create mini-pound cakes with the kids using the recipe below and muffin tins.Let them help add ingredients and stir.
• Take a pound cake to office to work and share with everyone there.
• Create a pound cake story with your kids while you are waiting for their mini-pound cakes to come out of the oven.
• Let kids decorates their mini-pound cakes.
So in honor of this historic moment, let’s make pound cake!
My Grandmother’s Pound Cake Recipe—with a Twist!
• 2 cups sifted flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups butter or margarine
• 1/8 tsp. baking soda
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup low-fat yogurt
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Gradually add butter or margarine and eggs one at the time. Hand mix or use mixer at low speed. Increase the speed as you add more butter and egg. Fold in yogurt last. Do not over mix.
Bake in a greased rectangular shape. Set oven to 325 degrees F.
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Remove from oven. Let cool 15 minutes.
Serving options
Serve with fresh seasonal fruit and fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and chocolate fudge.
Cut slices of pound cake and drizzle with banana pudding or lemon pie filling and garnish with whipped cream.
Use pound cake as the base for Strawberry Shortcake or Peach Melba!
Pound cake is so versatile I keep one in the freezer in case of unexpected guests!
Want to get in on even more fun? Sara Lee—whose name is almost synonymous with pound cake–is hosting special giveaways for National Pound Cake. Check out the prizes at:
https://twitter.com/SaraLeeDesserts
How do you use pound cake? We’d love to hear from you!
