Sour Cream Pound Cake is the kind of dessert that doesn’t need embellishment to shine. Humble yet luxurious, simple yet unforgettable, it sits comfortably between everyday comfort baking and something worthy of a special occasion. Dense without feeling heavy, rich without being overwhelming, it’s the quiet masterpiece of classic home kitchens. Even Jackie Kennedy loved lemon Pound Cake.
The secret, of course, is the sour cream. Incorporated into a traditional c base of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, it delivers moisture in a way nothing else quite can. But this ingredient does more than soften the crumb, it adds a gentle tang that balances sweetness and rounds out the flavor. Instead of a flat sugary note, you get dimension, a subtle brightness that makes each bite more interesting than the last.
Texture is everything here. Unlike airy sponge cakes or fluffy layered confections, pound cake embraces a tight, buttery crumb that feels substantial, comforting, and satisfying. It slices cleanly, holds beautifully on a fork, and toasts exceptionally well if you break tradition and gently warm it the next day. Golden at the edges, tender at the center, it carries an aroma of vanilla and butter that quietly perfumes the entire kitchen while baking. It doesn’t ask for attention, but it gets it.
While many cakes rely on frosting or glazing to complete them, Sour Cream Pound Cake plays by its own rules. Some prefer it naked and proud, served in thick soft slices. Others finish it with a delicate drizzle of vanilla glaze, or dust it with powdered sugar like a whisper of sweetness on top. Pair it with berries and whipped cream, and it transforms into a summer dessert. Serve it with coffee, and suddenly mornings feel slower and kinder. Add a scoop of strawberry ice cream, and simplicity becomes celebration.
It’s also the sort of cake that ages gracefully. On day two, the flavor deepens, the tang mellows, and the crumb becomes even more velvety. Few desserts improve with time, but this one does, quietly, confidently, in the background.
Sour Cream Pound Cake is proof that baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. No dramatic layers, no elaborate decor, no fanfare, just butter, sugar, creaminess, and a sliceable little reminder that the most timeless recipes never shout, they linger. And they always, always earn a second slice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 3 cups sugar
- 6 eggs room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda. Gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 15 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
This cake is absolutely delicious! It’s now my go-to recipe for family gatherings. Light and fluffy just like it should be!
I’m so glad you loved it! It’s a family favorite for us too. Have you tried adding lemon zest? It gives it an extra zing!
Easy to make, but why do you need so much sugar? I like sweets, but this was over the top! Maybe cut the sugar by a cup next time.
Yum!!! 😋
So good! But I added a bit of lemon zest because I love a citrusy twist. My kids loved it!
I dunno, sour cream in a cake? Sounds weird. How does it even taste? 🤔
Lemon zest sounds like a great addition! I’m gonna try that next time. Thanks for sharing!
I had a difficult time with this. The batter seemed too thick? Can’t figure out if it was me or the recipe.
Baking it right now, hope it turns out ok. Fingers crossed!
Really easy recipe! I didn’t have sour cream, so I used yogurt instead. Still turned out great!
I used 1/2 cup of butter and it worked too. Always experimenting! Yum!!!
Delicious cake! My kids loved it! I’m not good at baking, but this was simple to follow.
Really? I found it kinda tricky. I burned mine! 😩 Maybe I did something wrong…
I’m glad to hear the kids enjoyed it! Baking can be intimidating, but this recipe really is a breeze! 🙂
Is it really a pound cake if there’s sour cream? I thought they were supposed to be heavier.
Actually, sour cream adds moisture to the cake! It can still be a pound cake if it has the right density, trust me!
I dunno, sounds kinda weird to me. What’s wrong with the old recipe?
Not bad, but I expected more flavor. Maybe next time I’ll add some lemon zest.
Lemon zest sounds like a great idea! It can really brighten up the flavors. I love how you’re thinking outside the box.
This cake was a hit at my family gathering! So moist and delicious. Thank you for sharing!
So glad to hear it! I made it for my friends and they loved it too. Definitely a keeper!
Looks good, but isn’t sour cream a bit weird for cake? I gotta try it myself to believe it.
Why do people add that much sugar? It’s way too sweet. I’ll cut the sugar next time.