It’s National Pound Cake Day – Where Did the Name Come From?

It's National Pound Cake Day (March 4), but where did the name of this cake come from? The explanation is as simple as the recipe itself.

The pound cake is believed to have originated in Europe in the 1700s. While the ingredients have changed somewhat over the years, the name comes from the original recipe which includes one pound each of these four basic ingredients - flour, butter, eggs and sugar. The cake is typically baked in a loaf or bundt pan and is known for its dense texture.

One of the truly great things about pound cake is that just about anything can be added to the batter to give the cake a different taste. Some of the most common additional ingredients include nuts, fruit and flavored extracts.

Also, the substitution or variation of certain parts of the basic recipe can change the texture and moistness of the cake, making it one of the easiest and most versatile cakes you could ever make.

Pound cake is quick and simple to make, but keep in mind many pound cake recipes, because of the density and ingredients in the cake, need to be baked longer than a traditional cake - some an hour or more - so if you're planning on celebrating National Pound Cake Day, plan for plenty of time in the oven. The wait will be worth it.