If ever a cake was worthy of its name, it’s the Million Dollar Pound Cake. Rich, dense, and extravagantly buttery, this showstopper has a place at every celebration table and makes even an ordinary afternoon feel spectacular. With its golden crust and melt-in-your-mouth crumb, it delivers pure comfort and luxury in every slice—making it a must-bake classic for anyone who loves homemade desserts that are simple yet utterly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing Million Dollar Pound Cake requires surprisingly basic ingredients, each playing a starring role in creating the signature dense, tender crumb and gorgeous flavor. Gather these kitchen staples, and you’ll soon discover how their quality and careful handling set this cake apart.
- Unsalted Butter (1 lb / 2 cups, softened): The backbone of the cake, bringing richness and that dreamy, buttery flavor—be sure it’s fully softened for creaming.
- Granulated Sugar (3 cups): Sweetens every bite and helps create a light, fluffy texture as it’s creamed with butter.
- Large Eggs (6, room temperature): Bind the ingredients and add a lovely richness—their warmth helps prevent curdling.
- All-Purpose Flour (4 cups): Provides structure while maintaining that classic pound cake tenderness; don’t overmix for the best crumb.
- Whole Milk (3/4 cup): Adds moisture, giving the cake just the right amount of softness and a velvety finish.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Brings a deep, fragrant sweetness that makes the flavor pop.
- Almond Extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a delicate, nutty note—use it for a hint of sophistication.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Million Dollar Pound Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F. Generously grease and flour a 10-inch tube or bundt pan to prevent sticking—this ensures your beautifully golden cake releases perfectly after baking. Take a moment to bring all your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, to room temperature if you haven’t already. This small step makes a big difference in texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s smooth, then gradually add the sugar. Keep mixing on medium speed for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and pale. The air you whip in here gives Million Dollar Pound Cake its lovely crumb, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps emulsify the batter, giving your cake a stable, even texture. Don’t worry if the batter looks a little separated at first—it’ll come together beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Starting and ending with the flour, add the dry ingredients to your batter alternately with the milk. (This means: some flour, some milk, more flour, more milk, then finish with flour.) Mix just until combined—you want to keep that tender crumb.
Step 5: Add Flavors
Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. These flavorings are subtle, yet they elevate the richness and fragrance of your Million Dollar Pound Cake. Don’t forget to fold them in gently so you don’t overwork the batter.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause your cake to sink—trust the process!
Step 7: Cool and Release
Once your cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This brief patience pays off—your Million Dollar Pound Cake will release cleanly with a gorgeous golden crust.
How to Serve Million Dollar Pound Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your slices with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a luscious dollop of whipped cream. For a simple finishing touch, a light vanilla or lemon glaze will highlight the buttery notes while adding a glistening sheen.
Side Dishes
Pound cake pairs beautifully with fruit salads, compotes, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For extra decadence, serve it alongside caramel or chocolate sauce and a handful of roasted nuts for a play of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering cubes of Million Dollar Pound Cake in a trifle with pudding and berries, or make mini sandwiches with mascarpone and jam. You can even toast slices lightly and top with grilled peaches for a fantastic dessert twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your Million Dollar Pound Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This cake stays moist and tender, tasting as magical on day three as it does fresh.
Freezing
Million Dollar Pound Cake is an excellent candidate for freezing. Wrap individual slices or the whole (completely cooled) cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you love a warm, fresh-tasting slice, pop a piece into the microwave for 10-15 seconds or give it a few minutes in a 300°F oven. This brings back its irresistible softness and rich aroma, almost like it just came from the oven!
FAQs
Can I make Million Dollar Pound Cake without a bundt pan?
Yes! You can use a tube pan for the classic look, or even divide the batter between two loaf pans if that’s what you have on hand. Just check for doneness a bit earlier if dividing the batter.
Why is it important for ingredients to be at room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and evenly, helping the batter hold together and resulting in a finer, more delicate crumb. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense or uneven texture.
Can I add citrus zest or other flavors?
Absolutely! A little lemon or orange zest, or even a splash of flavored extract, can add a new layer of brightness while still preserving the signature richness of Million Dollar Pound Cake.
How do I know when the pound cake is done?
Your cake is ready when a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t be tempted to open the oven early, as it can cause the cake to sink.
Is Million Dollar Pound Cake suitable for layering or stacking?
Yes! Thanks to its dense, sturdy texture, this pound cake holds up beautifully for layered desserts or even as a base for showy birthday cakes. Just be sure slices are fully cooled before layering or frosting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a tried-and-true cake that always wows, Million Dollar Pound Cake should shoot to the top of your must-bake list. Its ease, versatility, and knockout flavor make it a perennial favorite at any gathering. I hope you’ll bake it soon and share the sweet joy—there’s a reason it’s called “million dollar.”
Print
Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the richness of a Million Dollar Pound Cake, a classic dessert that’s a must-try for all butter cake enthusiasts. This dense and buttery cake is perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed on its own or dressed up with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (2 cups) unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs (room temperature)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube or bundt pan.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar and beat until light and airy, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add eggs and dry ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the flour mixture to the batter alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
- Flavor and bake: Stir in vanilla and almond extract, if using. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as is, or with berries and whipped cream.
Notes
- This dense, buttery cake is perfect for layering or serving with glazes and sauces.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Do not open the oven during baking to avoid sinking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
