While both cakes are known for being deliciously buttery and rich with a fine, moist crumb, there is a difference between the two. Butter cakes (also referred to as creamed cakes) have a lighter texture and greater volume than pound cakes. Pound cakes (named because they originally contained one pound each of butter, sugar, eggs and flour) tend to be denser. Learn how to make old-fashioned pound cake by following this step-by-step guide.
What ingredient makes cake moist?
In this recipe, buttermilk is the key ingredient to keeping this cake nice and moist. Buttermilk is a somewhat magical ingredient in cakes, sparking an acidic reaction with the baking soda and countering the development of gluten in the flour. This produces a tender and moist cake. No cake mistakes being made here! Be sure to use a long serrated knife to slice each piece to avoid squishing or tearing this delicate cake.
What butter is best for cakes?
Unsalted butter is traditionally recommended for baking, as it allows you to control how much salt goes into your baked goods. It also has a light, fresh and smooth flavor that is the perfect template upon which to build your cake. If you do use salted butter, simply adjust the salt in your recipe accordingly, keeping in mind that most butter brands add about ¼ teaspoon salt per ½ cup butter. Read this butter guide to understand the differences of each type.
Pound Cake
Pound cake is a relative of butter cake. It's so called because it can be measured as a matter of proportion: a pound of butter, a pound of sugar, a pound of eggs, and a pound of flour. In some pound cake recipes, you'll see the eggs separated and the egg whites whipped and folded into the batter, to leaven it; in other recipes you'll find leaveners like baking soda and baking powder, bringing it well into