Baptist Pound Cake Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Updated On: October 12, 2025

The Baptist Pound Cake is a beloved Southern classic known for its rich, buttery texture and sweet, moist crumb. Originating from the Baptist community’s traditional recipes, this pound cake is simple yet indulgent, relying on just a few staple ingredients to create a dessert that feels like a warm hug from Grandma’s kitchen.

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a Sunday brunch, or simply craving a comforting treat with your afternoon coffee, this cake never disappoints.

Unlike other pound cakes that might be dense or dry, the Baptist Pound Cake strikes the perfect balance between tender and fluffy, thanks to the use of buttermilk and a careful creaming process. In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to bake this timeless cake, share tips for the best results, and suggest variations to customize it to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baptist Pound Cake recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

The inclusion of buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps keep the cake incredibly moist over several days.

Second, it has a buttery richness that melts in your mouth, making it perfect for both casual snacking and special occasions. If you enjoy baking but want a foolproof recipe that yields consistent results, this is the one to try.

Finally, it’s versatile: serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a stunning dessert.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9×5 inch loaf pan or Bundt pan
  • Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Toothpick or cake tester

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease your loaf or Bundt pan thoroughly with butter and lightly dust it with flour, or use a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. This adds air to the batter, which helps the cake rise beautifully.
  5. Mix in the vanilla extract until evenly combined.
  6. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. For example, add 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then half of the buttermilk, repeat, and finish with the remaining dry ingredients.
  7. Fold the batter gently with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is combined without overmixing, which could make the cake tough.
  8. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with the spatula.
  9. Bake for 70-80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
  10. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra moist pound cake, always use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter.”

Tip: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps the ingredients blend smoothly and traps air for a lighter texture.

Variation Ideas:

  • Lemon Baptist Pound Cake: Add the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the batter for a bright, fresh flavor.
  • Chocolate Swirl: Reserve 1/2 cup of batter and mix in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Swirl this into the main batter before baking for a marbled effect.
  • Glaze it Up: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice over the cooled cake for added sweetness and shine.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 320 kcal 16%
Total Fat 14 g 22%
Saturated Fat 8 g 40%
Cholesterol 90 mg 30%
Sodium 200 mg 8%
Total Carbohydrates 42 g 14%
Dietary Fiber 1 g 4%
Sugars 28 g
Protein 5 g 10%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Serving Suggestions

This Baptist Pound Cake is delightful on its own, but here are some tasty ways to serve it:

  • Top with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat.
  • Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea to brighten your afternoon.
  • Use slices as a base for trifles or layered desserts with custard and fruit.

Conclusion

The Baptist Pound Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition wrapped in buttery, tender crumb. Its simplicity makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, yet its rich flavor and moist texture ensure it remains a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special family meal, or just because, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Try experimenting with the variations mentioned to add your own twist, or enjoy it classic and pure. For more delicious recipes to complement your baking adventures, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, or if you’re interested in wholesome, healthy meals, explore these Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping.

For a flavorful twist on vegetarian cuisine, don’t miss the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

📖 Recipe Card: Baptist Pound Cake

Description: A classic Southern pound cake known for its rich, buttery flavor and dense texture. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe yields a moist and tender cake every time.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H15M
Total Time: PT1H35M

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 10-inch tube pan.
  2. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
  6. Stir in vanilla extract.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition: Calories: 450 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 20g | Carbs: 60g

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Marta K

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