• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Approaching Food

  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
      • Breads
      • Quick Breads
      • Breakfast Foods
    • Lunch
      • Salads I Have Known and Loved
      • Soups
      • Snacks
    • Dinner
      • Vegetarian Main Dishes
      • Vegetarian Side Dishes
    • Desserts
      • Cookies
      • Cakes
      • Pies
      • Preserves
      • Parfaits and Trifles
      • Ice Cream Treats
      • Desserts Not Otherwise Categorized
    • Drinks
  • Kitchen Encouragement
  • About Margaret van Velthuyzen
    • About Margaret van Velthuyzen
    • Work With Me
    • Disclosure Policy

Poundcake Smackdown: The winner is…

August 23, 2014 by Margaret Leave a Comment

0Shares

Last night after work I came home and started on the second of the pound cake recipes, the one that I found on the back of a notecard. I followed the recipe pretty closely, although I was a bit surprised at the amount of sugar it asked for,  2 1/4 cups.

I did make one “mistake” though, and that was to microwave the butter to make it soft. I forgot that about 15 seconds is all the butter from the fridge needs in order to make it room temperature (sometimes 20 seconds) and left it in there for 30 seconds. Well. Puddle o’ butter! I know that once butter is melted, it doesn’t solidify back into butter, it’s sort of more like ghee, but I thought, eh, good enough, and dumped it in the mixer.

 Land o' buttery lakes!


Land o’ buttery lakes!

The recipe called for “the grated zest of 1 orange, 1 lemon, and 1 lime”. I zested a lime and a giant clementine, after thoroughly washing them (ideally, zested fruit should be organic. Who wants zested pesticides?) and then juiced them and saved the juice for the glaze. I dumped the zest in with the rest of the ingredients and mixed it all up! I tasted the batter…so good! The clementine zest was a great idea, making it more citrusy and less all.about.the.lemon. I ignored the recipe calling for 1 teaspoon of lemon extract, because I don’t have any, so whatevs.

Still Life in Citrus

Still Life in Citrus

Before I tell you how the recipe turned out, let me give you the recipe! This recipe is adapted from one from the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts (which one, I don’t know, am copying that right off the notecard).  The recipe, m’dears:

Sour Cream Lemon & Clementine Pound Cake with Glaze

  • 1 cup butter (the recipe called for unsalted butter, but eh. I don’t care.)
  • 2 1/4 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon each salt, baking powder, and baking soda
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • grated zest of 2-3 citrus fruits (you use what you have!)

Cream the butter and sugar together, and when all fluffy and yellow looking, add the eggs one at a time. Mix the wet ingredients together in one bowl and the dry ingredients together in another and add them to the butter/sugar/egg mixture, alternating between the two. Pour into a greased 6-cup Bundt cake pan and bake for about 50 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

When cool, glaze.

Glaze

  • 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/4 c citrus juice (from your zested fruit)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Mix it all up. Pour over top of cooled cake.

You know how the recipe said to use a Bundt cake pan? Well, I wanted to make this for the DH to take to work but I needed to taste-test it myself and I can’t exactly take a slice out of a Bundt cake and then send the rest in with the hubby (“Here’s a cake. Minus a slice. Enjoy!”) so I used a loaf pan and a half-pan of mini Bundt cake shapes, thinking I’ll eat the mini Bundts and the DH’s office can have a nice, big loaf.

Well. Do NOT do that. The recipe really makes at least two loaves, so when I poured most of the batter into one loaf pan, it baked up. And over. And onto the oven grating. And piled up in a crispy baked pile of dripped  batter on the bottom of the oven. (Which reminds me, I should clean that up. Eh. Tomorrow!) And to make it worse, the centre didn’t set! I don’t think it was the just that I put too much batter in the loaf pan, I really think the recipe was not the best to start with. So I had a loaf that was liquid in the centre, crispy on the edges, and stuck in the pan everywhere.

But did I fret? Did I despair? No! (Actually, I kind of did fret.) I let it sit in the pan to cool, thinking it would firm up a bit. And it did, although I still had to spoon out the uncooked batter from the centre! Then I couldn’t get it out of the pan. Until I sort of sawed off the edges and ran a plastic knife around the loaf before turning it out onto a cooling rack. I looked at it. I asked myself, can this cake be saved? I thought…trifle! So I tore up the cake into small chunks, stuck in the fridge and went to bed. I was tired. It was midnight. And this baker needs her beauty sleep.

Today after work, I bounced home and started to make the trifle. Or at least, a version of it, using whatever I had lying around in the kitchen. Which is sort of how I cook. (What’s on sale? What do I have in my kitchen? Let’s get cooking!) I don’t have a glass trifle container so I used chunky wine glasses, parfait-style, used some of the strawberry-peach jam that I wrote about in my previous post, some berries, and some whipping cream, and voila! Fresh Fruit Poundcake Parfait!

So deliciously chilled!

So deliciously chilled!

The DH thoroughly enjoyed his, which made me happy, and I was glad that the cake didn’t go to waste. I hate wasting food. There’s still some pound cake left and I shall probably freeze that to make cake pops sometime.  Waste not, want not! Also cake pops = delicious. And easy to stick in the freezer to pull out for company. Bonus!

The verdict: So. Who was the winner? I didn’t expect this (you all probably did), but…Martha! I loved the flavour and the moistness and although it seemed like a bit more work to add in the syrup step, it was definitely worth it for the added moistness. The candied lemon slices I’d skip, though. The recipe that I tried today was too egg-y for my taste and just…not the best, despite appearing light and fluffy. I also think the glaze recipe makes too much. So if you want to make a lemon pound cake, definitely use Martha’s recipe! Don’t expect it to last long, though, as people will gobble it up!

Next Post: In search of the perfect pie crust! Or, meaty adventures.

0Shares

Filed Under: Cakes, Parfaits and Trifles, Recipe Smackdown

You might also like:

Best Ever Macaroni Salad, and…Eating for Two

Easy Cheesy Spinach Lasagna: Semi-Hidden Nutrition for the Picky Eaters in Your Life

Waste Not, Want Not: Vanilla Rum Slow-Cooker Rice Pudding

Previous Post: « Cornbread with Strawberry Peach Jam
Next Post: A Pie Crust Odyssey: Meatpies! (Vegetarian-Style) »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram

Want fresh content delivered to your inbox?

Subscribe to my blog posts & get a FREE copy of my e-book "This for That: Easy Kitchen Swaps & Hacks." It's hot off the presses!

Recent Posts

  • Shortcut Spanakopita Hand Pies & Eating Well as a Mum
  • Buttercream Truffle Bombs, How to Use Leftover Icing, and a Bonus (a Romantic Keto-Friendly Gift Idea)
  • My Mother’s Dutch Pea Soup, and Cooking for Baby
  • Chocolate PB Cookies (Two Ways) and This Year’s Christmas Baking
  • Pumpkin Spice Waffles, aka Pumpkin Pie in Waffle Form

Follow me on Instagram!

approachingfood

Cook, baker, & chocolate eater! Love encouraging others to learn & experiment w/ preservative-free recipes in the kitchen! Subscribe: FREE E-book!

Want a hearty meal to warm you up and fuel you? Th Want a hearty meal to warm you up and fuel you? This recipe for 🥣 My Mother's Dutch Pea Soup 🥣 is a winner! Studded with chunks of carrots, potatoes, and celery, this soup actually IMPROVES the next day! Leftovers for the win! [Recipe on the blog; link in bio.]
.
.
.
#wintersoup #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #preservativefree  # thickandhearty #peasoup #dutchfood #motherknowsbest #leftoversforlunch #ordinner #babyfoodtoo
Boost your immunity with this 🌞 sunshine-on-pla Boost your immunity with this 🌞 sunshine-on-plate salad! 🍊 Oranges and 🥕 carrots are all you need, and it makes a surprisingly delicious side dish. Great for the whole family, from babies eating finger foods to adults trying to get their fruits and veg in. [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]
.
.
.
#immunity #boost #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #preservativefree  #sunshineonaplate #salad #saladsihaveknownandloved #vitaminc #eatyourcolors #delish
Short on time but craving cookies? Make one dough, Short on time but craving cookies? Make one dough, but two types of cookies! These buttery, crunchy 🍪 PB Cookies 🍪 are a snap to make, and so easy to pull together for a last-minute gift or dessert! [Recipe on the blog, link in bio!] 

Also, check out my cookie tin: I made sugar-topped spritz cookies, as well as Milano-style spritz chocolate sandwich cookies. One dough, two cookies is a huge time-saver!
.
.
.
#lastminutegifts #cookies🍪 #cookiesofinstagram #peanutbutter #chocolatechips #peanutbuttercups #cookonceeattwice #nomnomnom #christmasevebaking #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement
It's still PSL season, people! And this combo of p It's still PSL season, people! And this combo of pumpkin spice and 🧇WAFFLES🧇 is everything breakfast dreams are made of! Plus, they freeze and toast really well -- weekday mornings, I'm looking at you! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #psl #pumpkinspice #waffles #brunch #toasterwaffles #fall #weekendvibes #easybreakfastideas
Whether you're a PSL enthusiast or a lover of pump Whether you're a PSL enthusiast or a lover of pumpkin pie, these 🎃 Pumpkin Spice Pancakes 🥞 will hit the spot! Preservative-free, yet ready in 10 minutes (including prep!), these buttery, plush, and delicately spiced buttermilk pancakes are so tasty, you'll eat them regardless of the season!
.
.
.
[Recipe on the blog; link in profile]
.
.
.
#psl #pumpkinspice #pumpkinpie #realfood
#preservative-free #preservativefreemovement #preservativefreecommunity #pumpkinspicepancakes #pumpkinpiepancakes #realfoodrecipes #noaddedsugar
When to make these Short-cut Cranberry Crumble Squ When to make these Short-cut Cranberry Crumble Squares? When you're rotating your pantry and come across a can of homemade Better-Than-Storebought Cranberry Sauce! Or replace with your fave can of jam. 

A buttery shortbread crust topped with a tart and tangy filling, then covered in a crunchy crumble, these squares are great for coffee time, snack time, dessert! 

(Recipes on the website; link in profile)
.
.
.
#pantryorganization #pantry #cranberrysauce #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #jam #shortcut #shortbread #crumble #allthenoms #snacktime
Feeling peckish? Looking for a luscious filling & Feeling peckish? Looking for a luscious filling & flaky pastry? These 🍋 Light-as-Air Lemon Curd Turnovers 🍋 are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a coffee break! (Also, INCREDIBLY easy to make!)

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#lemon #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #pastry #turnovers #flaky #lemoncurd #breakfast
#brunch #coffeetime #allthenoms
In case you hadn't noticed, I disappeared off IG ( In case you hadn't noticed, I disappeared off IG (and my blog www.approachingfood.com, and all social media) this fall. Why? Pregnancy!!! 
.
I'm pregnant with my second child, a little girl, and had an awful first trimester. I was so sick that my toddler's pretend play now includes imitating mummy vomiting. #truestory 
.
I was too sick to develop recipes or post or do anything regarding food or blogging. But I feel better now and am back to a semi-regular blogging schedule. Am also working on creating new freebies and a recipe book, so stay tuned!!!
.
.
.
#preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #approachingfood #pregnancy #morningsickness #alldaysickness #funtimes #underdevelopment #timeout #debtfreecommunity #pandemicbaking
When you're craving fresh food, this 🥭Chunky Ma When you're craving fresh food, this 🥭Chunky Mango Guac🥑 hits the spot! Juicy mango, creamy avocado, garden fresh tomatoes, a squeeze of lime, and some chopped cilantro combine into one juicy, creamy, tangy mouthful!

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile. ]

#summer #guacamole #avocado🥑#salsa #fruitsalad #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #scoopitup #freshfood #approachingfood
Excess zucchini? Just make Zucchini & Provolone Pi Excess zucchini? Just make Zucchini & Provolone Pizza!🍕This tender-crusted, golden cheese-topped pizza is flecked with shredded zucchini and is basically veggies in cheese pizza form. 

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#pizzaislife🍕 #cheesepizza #veggiepizza #zucchinirecipes #zucchini&provolone #eatyourveggies #gardenproduce #freshveggies #homemadepizza #toomanyzucchinis #ormaybenot
When you want a low-cal, nutrient-dense comfort fo When you want a low-cal, nutrient-dense comfort food, this garlicky stir-fried broccoli with freshly zested ginger (finished with fragrant sesame oil) definitely hits the spot! Ready in 20 minutes, it's just as fast (or faster!) than fast food! Peservative-free for the win!

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#lowcarb #vegan #lowcal #comfortfood #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #20minutedinner #stirfryveggies #broccoli #garlic #ginger
Creamy, dreamy, and packed full of raspberry-licio Creamy, dreamy, and packed full of raspberry-licious flavour, this 🥤smoothie also contains 5 g of fibre and 6 g of protein. Plus, it's made with real food ingredients. A great preservative-free mini-meal or post-workout snack!

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#realfood #raspberries #creamy #proteinsmoothie #fibrerich #fullofflavour #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #beattheheat☀️ #postworkoutmeal
Guilt-free 🍫chocolate cake🍰 is REAL! This su Guilt-free 🍫chocolate cake🍰 is REAL! This super-moist fudgy loaf cake is hiding a healthy secret: each loaf contains a zucchini🥒, a sweet potato🍠, and two bananas🍌!!! Great for lunch boxes, snacks, or as a healthy dessert. Freezes well too!

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#guiltfree #chocolatecake #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #fudgy #sweetpotato #zucchini #zucchinirecipes #bananabread #pandemicbaking
When you're craving Indian takeout🥡 but don't w When you're craving Indian takeout🥡 but don't want to order in, try this easy recipe for 🍆Shortcut Eggplant Bartha🍆 (aka a curry by any other name). 

It's essentially a tomato-based veggie stew seasoned with classic Indian flavors like 🌱cumin and 🌱coriander. 

Easy and flavourful, plus it freezes and reheats well...what's not to love? 

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile]
.
.
.
#preservativefree #shortcutcooking #indianfood #noneedfortakeout #vegetarianrecipes #veganrecipes #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #potluckdish #dinnerpartydish #foodblogger
Love the baked treats from ☕Starbucks☕ but try Love the baked treats from ☕Starbucks☕ but trying to find a less-processed aka healthier version? These Copycat Starbucks Fudge Oat Squares are practically identical! With an oatmeal cookie base, a fudge filling, and more oatmeal cookies on top, you can't go wrong . Great as a mid-morning boost in between zoom meetings, or for Netflix and snacking. Soooo yummy! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile. ]
.
.
.
#starbucks #copycatrecipe #fudgeoatbar #fudgeoatsquare #fudge #oatmealcookies #preservativefree #preservativefreemovement #preservativefreecommunity #goesgreatwithcoffee #allthenoms
Want to join in the pandemic bread baking, but can Want to join in the pandemic bread baking, but can't be bothered to source a sourdough starter? This No-Knead Shortcut Artisan Bread will allow you to humble brag on IG or fb  with minimal effort. But honestly, this bread tastes better than any social media 'like' ever could. Freshly sliced, warm out of the oven, and served with a pat of butter...it goes great with breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Freezes well and heaps healthier than the storebought longlife sliced bread. Soooo yummy! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]
.
.
.
#pandemicbaking #covidcooking #shortcut #easyaf #freshbread #homemade #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #impressyourself #carbsforlife
Not into sourdough but want a pandemic stress reli Not into sourdough but want a pandemic stress reliever? Make these Cinnamon & Sugar Aggression Cookies! 🍪 You pound the dough and get out all your stress. And then you have less stress...and COOKIES!!! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]
.
.
.
#cookiesofinstagram #cookies🍪 #cinnamonandsugar #stressrelief #stressbaking #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #foodblogger #allthecookies #handoverthecookies
Got a summer berry surplus? This Low-Sugar Healthy Got a summer berry surplus? This Low-Sugar Healthy Berry Crumble is like a cross between berry jam and an oatmeal cookie. Jam-packed with flavour, antioxidants, and fibre, you'd never know it was low-sugar! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]
.
.
.
#berrylicious #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #lowsugar #berrycrumble #healthy #yummy #easypeasy #preservativefreefood #foodblogger #foodbloggertoronto
Summer heat getting to you, but trying to eat less Summer heat getting to you, but trying to eat less processed food? This rich 🍫chocolate 🍫🍦ice cream🍦 is swirled with ribbons of real peanut butter, and only has 4 real food ingredients! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile]
.
.
.
#preservativefreemovement #chocolate #preservativefreecommunity #icecream🍦 #chocolateislife🍫 #peanutbutter #peanutbutterswirl #homemadeicecream #preservativefree #chocolateicecream #allthenoms
Because comfort eating is a thing. Cinnamon sugar- Because comfort eating is a thing. Cinnamon sugar-dusted pillowy doughnuts, filled with 🍒cherry🍒 preserves...but with an easy shortcut (pizza dough!) because the quicker you make them the quicker you can eat them! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]
.
.
.
#preservativefreemovement #cinnamonsugar #donuts🍩 #cherry #cherry🍒 #preservativefreefood #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefree #justplaintasty #quickaf #doughnuts🍩
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

  • 101 Series aka How-To
  • All About the Food(ie Books)
  • Blatherings
  • Breads
  • Breakfast Foods
  • Cakes
  • Cook-a-Longs R Us
  • Cookies
  • Desserts Not Otherwise Categorized
  • Drinks
  • Food Odyssey
  • Ice Cream Treats
  • Memories of Meals Past
  • Parfaits and Trifles
  • Pies
  • Preserves
  • Quick Breads
  • Recipe Smackdown
  • Salads I Have Known and Loved
  • Snacks
  • Soups
  • Uncategorized
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian Main Dishes
  • Vegetarian Side Dishes
  • Waste Not Want Not

Copyright © 2022 Approaching Food on the Foodie Pro Theme