Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe

Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. This cake stands out with its rich, buttery flavor and a moist texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply indulging yourself, this pound cake is sure to impress. With its delicious white glaze, it elevates any dessert table, making it a must-try recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make this pound cake accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of butter and sweetened condensed milk creates an incredibly rich taste that everyone loves.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday party, family gathering, or just an afternoon snack with tea.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the unique ingredients, this cake stays moist and flavorful even days after baking.
• Beautiful Presentation: The white glaze adds an elegant touch, making it visually appealing as well as delicious.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter
• Loaf or Bundt pan
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools help achieve the light and fluffy texture needed for the perfect pound cake.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for easy organization of ingredients during preparation.
• Sifter: Sifting the flour ensures there are no lumps and helps incorporate air for a lighter cake.

Ingredients

For the Pound Cake

• 3 sticks (1 cup) salted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 7 large eggs
• 2 cups cake flour
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons lemon extract

For the White Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or crème bouquet)

How to Make Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking pound cakes.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
3. Gradually mix in the sifted cake flour, followed by the sweetened condensed milk, and both extracts (vanilla and lemon) until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a prepared loaf or Bundt pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 to 75 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.

Step 4: Make the White Glaze

While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, starting with 2 tablespoons of milk. Add more as needed until you reach a pourable yet thick consistency. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly until warm but not hot. Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake so it can absorb some of that sweetness. Let it set before slicing to serve.

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake!

How to Serve Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe

Serving Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake is a delightful experience. Its rich, buttery flavor pairs well with many accompaniments, making it perfect for any occasion.

With Fresh Berries

• Combine fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on the side for a burst of natural sweetness and color.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Serve with vanilla or lemon ice cream to create a creamy contrast that enhances the cake’s flavors.

Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness and a touch of elegance.

Lemon Curd

• Spread lemon curd on top for a tangy twist that complements the cake’s buttery texture.

Coffee or Tea

• Pair your pound cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.

Drizzled Chocolate Sauce

• Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the cake for those who enjoy a little extra sweetness and decadence.

How to Perfect Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe

Perfecting Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake takes attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature; this helps with even mixing and leads to a fluffier cake.

• Sift the Flour – Sifting the cake flour before measuring removes lumps and ensures an even texture in your pound cake.

• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined when adding flour and other ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture.

• Check Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to confirm that your oven is at the right temperature; even slight variations can affect baking times.

• Cool Before Glazing – Allow the cake to cool slightly before pouring on the glaze. This helps it absorb the glaze better without becoming soggy.

Best Side Dishes for Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake enhances its enjoyment. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cake.

2. Coconut Macaroons – Chewy and sweet, these provide an interesting textural contrast alongside the soft pound cake.

3. Chocolate Covered Strawberries – A classic treat that adds luxury and indulgence, perfect for special occasions.

4. Minty Yogurt Dip – A refreshing dip made from yogurt and mint offers a cool complement to the warm, buttery cake.

5. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over slices for an irresistible sweet touch that pairs wonderfully with pound cake.

6. Nuts and Seeds Mix – A crunchy blend of nuts and seeds can add texture and some healthy fats, balancing out the dessert experience.

7. Homemade Custard – Rich custard served warm can elevate your dessert game by adding creaminess to each bite of pound cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially for a classic like Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping ingredient temperature: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps achieve a light and fluffy texture.

• Overmixing the batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of airy.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. Accurate measurements are crucial for successful baking.

• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Start checking for doneness a little early to prevent overbaking.

• Failing to let the cake cool: Allow the cake to cool slightly before glazing. This helps the glaze adhere better and enhances flavor absorption.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 5 days.

Freezing Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), then warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

How long does Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake last?

The pound cake lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen for up to 3 months if properly wrapped.

Can I substitute ingredients in Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe?

Yes! You can swap extracts or adjust sweeteners according to taste while keeping the basic structure of the recipe intact.

Why is my pound cake dense?

A dense texture often results from overmixing or using cold ingredients. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and mix just until combined.

What can I serve with Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake?

This delicious cake pairs well with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence!

Final Thoughts

Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake is not only delightful in flavor but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether served plain or dressed up with toppings, it’s sure to impress. Feel free to customize it with different extracts or additions like citrus zest for a unique twist!