Searching for a timeless dessert that tastes as luxurious as it sounds? Look no further than this Million Dollar Pound Cake recipe! Rich, buttery, and incredibly moist, this old-fashioned cake is a Southern classic that never goes out of style. Made with simple pantry ingredients and finished with a silky vanilla butter sauce, it’s the perfect cake for birthdays, potlucks, holidays, or any moment you want to make extra special. One bite and you’ll know exactly why it’s called a Million Dollar Cake!
Ingredients
For the Pound Cake:
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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 whole milk
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Butter Sauce:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter
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1 cup powdered sugar
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3 tablespoons whole milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Million Dollar Pound Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan or bundt pan. Make sure to coat all sides well to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. This ensures a velvety, rich cake texture.
Step 4: Alternate Flour and Milk
Slowly add the sifted flour and milk alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with flour. Stir gently after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix just until combined.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour and 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Butter Sauce
While the cake cools, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in powdered sugar and milk, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Pour the slightly cooled sauce over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip deliciously down the sides for that irresistible finish!
Tips for the Perfect Million Dollar Pound Cake
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and milk should all be at room temperature for the best results.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
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Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking the cake at the 1 hour 30-minute mark.
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Flavor Boost: Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with vanilla for an extra layer of flavor!
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice – Based on 12 Servings)
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Calories: 470
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Total Fat: 28g
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Saturated Fat: 17g
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Cholesterol: 155mg
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Sodium: 120mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 50g
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Sugars: 32g
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Protein: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Million Dollar Pound Cake?
Yes! Wrap the fully cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Q: How should I store leftover pound cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.
Q: Can I add flavors to the pound cake?
Absolutely! Almond extract, lemon zest, or even orange zest make delicious additions to the classic vanilla flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Pound Cake delivers everything you could want in a classic homemade dessert: a buttery, dense crumb, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a sweet, creamy drizzle that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you serve it plain, dress it up with fruit and whipped cream, or pair it with your morning coffee, this cake is pure Southern comfort at its finest. Happy baking!