Black People’s Pound Cake

I can share a classic Southern-style pound cake recipe, often called a “Black Cake” or traditional Southern pound cake, which is beloved in many African American households for its rich, buttery flavor and dense, tender crumb.

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Southern-Style Pound Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups granulated sugar

• 6 large eggs

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven

   • Preheat oven to 325°F / 165°C.

   • Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan (or two 9×5 loaf pans).

2. Cream butter and sugar

   • In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).

3. Add eggs

   • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Mix dry ingredients

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

5. Combine

   • Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour.

   • Mix just until combined. Stir in vanilla.

6. Bake

   • Pour batter into prepared pan.

   • Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

   • Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

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Tips

• Dense, buttery texture: Don’t overmix once flour is added.

• Optional glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla and drizzle over the cooled cake.

• Flavor variations: Add a splash of rum or lemon extract for a twist.

This pound cake is rich, buttery, and perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just a treat with tea or coffee.

I can also give a moist, one-bowl version or bundt cake with cream cheese for extra richness if you want.