Of course! It’s wonderful that you’re sharing and preserving such a beloved recipe. The “Black People’s Pound Cake” is a cornerstone of African American baking, known for its rich, dense, and buttery crumb. It’s a recipe passed down through generations, often made for family reunions, church suppers, and holidays.
Here is the full, detailed recipe and everything that makes it so special.
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A Taste of Heritage: The Black People’s Pound Cake
The classic pound cake gets its name from its original recipe: a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. The African American version has been lovingly adapted over centuries, often incorporating ingredients like buttermilk or sour cream for extra tenderness and a signature tang. This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of love, celebration, and culinary tradition passed from one generation to the next. It’s the cake your grandma made that needed no frosting, because its flavor was simply perfect on its own.
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Ingredients
For the Cake:
· 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar
· 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
· ½ cup (113g) vegetable shortening (this is the secret to a moist, classic texture)
· 5 large eggs, at room temperature
· 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
· 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or buttermilk for a more traditional, tender crumb)
· 1 teaspoon baking powder
· ½ teaspoon salt
· 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
· 1 teaspoon lemon extract, almond extract, or nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended for depth of flavor)
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Instructions & Method
The Key to Success:
The most critical step for a perfect pound cake is ensuring all your refrigerated ingredients(eggs, milk, butter) are truly at room temperature. This allows for maximum emulsification, which creates a fine, even crumb and prevents the cake from being dense and heavy.
Method: Creaming Method
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Do not use the convection setting. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan or a 12-cup Bundt pan very thoroughly. Tap out any excess flour.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Fats and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and vegetable shortening on medium speed until smooth and combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the 3 cups of sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating on medium-high speed for a full 5-7 minutes after all the sugar is added. The mixture should become very pale, light, and fluffy. This step is non-negotiable; it incorporates air into the batter.
4. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition (about 30 seconds per egg) until the yolk is fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla and your chosen optional extract (e.g., lemon).
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix only until just combined after each addition. Do not overmix at this stage, as it will develop the gluten and make the cake tough.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Firmly tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a long wooden skewer or thin knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto the rack and lift it off to remove the cake. Allow the cake to cool completely for at least 2-3 hours before slicing. This patience is rewarded with a perfect texture.
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A Brief History & Cultural Significance
The pound cake originated in Northern Europe in the early 1700s. Enslaved African cooks, who were often the chefs in plantation homes, encountered this recipe and made it their own. With limited access to certain ingredients, they innovated, sometimes using sour milk (a precursor to buttermilk) when fresh milk wasn’t available. Over time, it became a staple in Black households. Its simplicity and use of staple ingredients made it accessible, while its incredible flavor made it a celebratory centerpiece. It represents resilience, creativity, and the power of food to create joy and community in the face of adversity.
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Benefits & Why We Love It
· Comfort Food at its Finest: The rich, buttery flavor and dense, moist texture are profoundly comforting.
· Versatile: It’s sublime on its own, but also pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a simple glaze.
· A Culinary Heirloom: Baking this cake is an act of preserving culture and connecting with ancestors.
· Feeds a Crowd: Its large size makes it perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
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For the Lovers of Pound Cake
This cake is for those who appreciate the simple, profound things in life. It’s for the person who doesn’t need a fancy frosting to be impressed. It’s for the family member who always volunteers to bring dessert, knowing this cake will be the first to disappear. It’s a cake made with love, intended to be shared with love.
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Nutrition Information (Approximate per slice, 1 of 16 slices)
· Calories: ~450
· Total Fat: 18g
· Saturated Fat: 9g
· Cholesterol: 85mg
· Sodium: 120mg
· Total Carbohydrates: 70g
· Dietary Fiber: 1g
· Sugars: 48g
· Protein: 5g
Note: This is a rich, indulgent dessert best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Conclusion
The Black People’s Pound Cake is a masterpiece of simplicity. It requires no exotic ingredients, but it does demand care, patience, and a respect for the process. When made correctly, it yields a cake with a crackly, sugary top and a melt-in-your-mouth interior that is simply unforgettable. It’s a taste of history, a bite of home, and a beautiful tradition worth baking and sharing for generations to come. Don’t lose this recipe—hold onto it, make it your own, and pass it on.
Enjoy! 😋🤤