Ring in the new year with a sweet and auspicious tradition! This New Year's Almond Pound Cake, also known as Good Luck Cake, is a beloved Southern classic that's said to bring prosperity and good fortune to those who indulge in it on January 1st. With its moist and buttery texture, subtle almond flavor, and stunning presentation, this cake is sure to become a family heirloom recipe. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers! So why not start the year off right with a slice (or two) of this decadent delight?
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 80 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan or bundt pan, ensuring all surfaces are evenly coated to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next, which helps create a smooth and consistent batter.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix on low speed, combining just until ingredients are incorporated. Avoid overmixing to prevent a tough cake.
- Gently fold in the almond extract, stirring until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully turning out onto a wire cooling rack.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light almond glaze for extra festivity.
Tips
- To ensure your New Year's Almond Pound Cake turns out perfectly, be sure to:* Use room-temperature ingredients, especially the eggs and butter, for a lighter and fluffier texture. * Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense and tough cake. * Make sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth release. * If you want to get extra fancy, try drizzling the cake with a light almond glaze or dusting it with powdered sugar for a beautiful and festive finish. * Consider making this cake a day or two in advance to allow the flavors to meld together and the texture to set.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
