Here’s a classic recipe for Pastel de Libra Casero (Homemade Pound Cake). This traditional cake is known for its rich, buttery flavor and dense, moist texture. It’s perfect on its own or served with a variety of toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Pastel de Libra Casero (Homemade Pound Cake)
Servings: 10-12
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or bundt pan.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is important for the texture of the cake, so be patient and ensure the mixture is well-creamed.
- Add the Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to fully incorporate the eggs and maintain the cake’s light texture.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the Batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf or bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- If using a bundt pan, baking time may vary slightly, so start checking for doneness at the 55-minute mark.
- Cool:
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Slice and enjoy your Pastel de Libra Casero plain, or with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
This homemade pound cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack with coffee or a delightful dessert at a family gathering. Enjoy the rich, buttery goodness!