A classic sour cream pound cake is the ultimate comfort dessert. Rich, buttery, and incredibly moist, this timeless cake delivers a tender crumb with a slightly crisp golden crust. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, it becomes an elegant treat perfect for holidays, brunches, celebrations, or simple afternoon coffee breaks.
This homemade pound cake recipe stands out because of one key ingredient: sour cream. It adds moisture, subtle tanginess, and a velvety texture that keeps the cake soft for days. Whether you are baking for guests or preparing a reliable family favorite, this sour cream pound cake never disappoints.
Why Sour Cream Makes the Best Pound Cake
Sour cream transforms a traditional pound cake into something extraordinary. It improves texture, flavor, and shelf life.
Here’s why it works so well:
Adds rich moisture without thinning the batter
Creates a dense yet tender crumb
Balances sweetness with subtle tanginess
Prevents the cake from drying out
Enhances buttery flavor
The result is a moist pound cake with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This sour cream pound cake uses simple pantry staples:
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Sour cream
Baking powder
Salt
Vanilla extract
For the vanilla glaze:
Powdered sugar
Milk or cream
Vanilla extract
These basic ingredients combine to create a bakery-quality pound cake at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, helping create a soft crumb.
Step 2: Add Eggs
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures smooth batter consistency.
Step 3: Mix in Sour Cream and Vanilla
Blend in sour cream and vanilla extract. The batter should become creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling with vanilla glaze. Let the glaze set before slicing.
Tips for a Perfect Pound Cake
Use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing
Do not overmix after adding flour
Grease and flour the bundt pan thoroughly
Let the cake cool before removing from the pan
Allow glaze to thicken slightly before pouring
These simple tips help achieve a flawless homemade pound cake every time.
What Makes This Pound Cake Special
Unlike lighter sponge cakes, pound cake is intentionally dense and rich. The sour cream keeps it from feeling heavy while maintaining that classic buttery structure.
The vanilla glaze adds:
Extra sweetness
Moisture on top
Elegant presentation
A bakery-style finish
This combination creates the perfect balance of richness and softness.
Serving Suggestions
This sour cream pound cake pairs beautifully with:
Fresh berries
Whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream
Hot coffee
Afternoon tea
Caramel sauce drizzle
It can be served plain or dressed up depending on the occasion.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.
It also freezes well. Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to two months.
Easy Variations
You can customize this classic pound cake recipe in many ways:
Add lemon zest for a citrus twist
Mix in chocolate chips
Use almond extract instead of vanilla
Add cinnamon for warm flavor
Top with fresh fruit glaze
Each variation keeps the base recipe intact while offering a new flavor profile.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Sour cream pound cake is versatile and reliable. It works for birthdays, family dinners, holidays, or simple weekend baking. The rich texture and classic flavor appeal to all ages.
It requires no complicated techniques, yet the result looks impressive and professional. That makes it ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Final Thoughts
Classic sour cream pound cake with vanilla glaze is a timeless dessert that delivers consistent results. Moist, buttery, and perfectly dense, it combines simple ingredients with unbeatable flavor.