Indulge in the delightful charm of this Blue Velvet Vanilla Pound Cake, a visually stunning treat that combines a classic vanilla flavor with a captivating blue hue. Perfectly moist and tender, this cake brings a festive touch to any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a special celebration centerpiece.
The vibrant color, achieved with blue gel food coloring, doesn’t compromise its luscious texture or rich taste, making every bite as delightful as it looks. Enjoy the simplicity of this pound cake with a modern twist that is sure to impress your guests and brighten your dessert table.
- Moist, tender crumb delivering classic vanilla satisfaction.
- Beautiful blue color perfect for celebrations or special occasions.
- Easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients and simple techniques.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and body for a soft, tender crumb when properly measured at 2 ¼ cups.
- Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent to ensure the cake rises evenly and stays light, measured at 1 ½ teaspoons.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, using ¼ teaspoon.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for creaming, this 1 cup (≈ 225 g) makes the cake moist with a rich buttery flavor.
- Sugar: 1 ½ cups granulated sugar for sweetness and tenderness while contributing to the golden crust.
- Large eggs: Three room-temperature eggs that bind ingredients and add moisture and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Two teaspoons for a warm, classic vanilla aroma enhancing the overall flavor.
- Milk: Half a cup adds moisture and balances the batter, keeping the cake tender.
- Blue gel food coloring: Adds vibrant blue color without thinning the batter; adjust for desired shade.
- Optional powdered sugar: For a light, decorative dusting adding subtle sweetness at serving.
- Optional vanilla glaze: A drizzle to amplify vanilla flavor and add a delicate finish.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
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Set your oven to 175 °C (≈ 350 °F). Grease a loaf pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, then either lightly flour it or line it with parchment paper. Proper preparation ensures the cake releases easily without sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking evenly distributes the leavening and salt throughout the flour, which promotes a consistent texture throughout the cake.
- Cream Butter and Sugar
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In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 3–4 minutes until pale and fluffy. This process incorporates air, resulting in a lighter and tender crumb in the finished cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure full incorporation and smooth texture. Stir in vanilla extract to infuse the batter with its signature flavor.
- Incorporate Blue Coloring and Milk
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Add blue gel food coloring slowly, stirring until your desired shade is achieved. Then pour in the milk and mix until the batter is smooth and evenly colored, creating the signature blue velvet look.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a tough crumb and to maintain the cake’s tender texture.
- Transfer and Bake
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is fully cooked yet moist inside.
- Cool and Serve
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a vanilla glaze to enhance both appearance and flavor.
- Gel food coloring is preferred because it provides vibrant hues without affecting batter consistency.
- Adding lemon zest can give an optional citrus twist, brightening the vanilla flavor profile.
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
Storage Tips
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pound cake with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. It also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
- Use gel food coloring sparingly to avoid an overly intense flavor or batter imbalance.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour to keep the crumb light and soft.
- You can substitute milk with buttermilk for a subtle tang and even more tenderness.
FAQs
- Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
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Gel food coloring is recommended because it delivers vibrant color without thinning the batter, whereas liquid color can affect texture.
- What size loaf pan should I use?
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A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best to ensure even baking for this pound cake.
- How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
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Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
- Can I add other flavors?
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Yes, a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract can add a pleasant twist without overpowering the vanilla.
- How should I store leftover cake?
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Keep it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer freshness.
- Is it necessary to bring eggs and butter to room temperature?
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Yes, room temperature ingredients blend more evenly, resulting in a better texture and rise.
- Can I bake this as cupcakes?
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Yes, adjust baking time to about 20–25 minutes, checking regularly for doneness.
Blue Velvet Vanilla Pound Cake
Equipment
- 1 loaf pan greased and floured or lined with parchment paper
- 1 mixer for creaming butter and sugar
- 1 mixing bowls for dry and wet ingredients
- 1 toothpick for testing doneness
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- blue gel food coloring to desired shade
- optional: powdered sugar for dusting or vanilla glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl using a mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add blue gel food coloring gradually until desired color is achieved. Then add milk and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool cake in pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with vanilla glaze before serving.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant blue without thinning batter.
- Add lemon zest for fresh citrus flavor.
- Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream for extra appeal.
- Store covered at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
