Guyanese Pound Cake Recipe
Unlock the flavors of Guyana with our delicious Pound Cake recipe. A taste of tradition in every slice! Learn to bake the perfect Guyanese treat.
- Publisher: Crisp Recipe
- Cuisine: Guyanese
- Category: Dessert
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 320 calories
Guyana Pound Cake
Guyana's Pound Cake, deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of the South American nation, is a delightful treat that embodies a perfect blend of simplicity and rich flavor. This classic pound cake recipe, cherished in Guyana, reflects the country's diverse cultural influences and a passion for indulgent desserts.
The preparation begins by creaming together softened butter and granulated sugar, creating a light and airy base. Eggs are then added one at a time, contributing to the cake's dense yet moist texture. A combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt is carefully incorporated, providing the essential structure for the cake. The inclusion of plain yogurt or sour cream introduces a subtle tanginess and ensures a luscious consistency.
The aromatic essence of the pound cake is enhanced by the addition of vanilla extract and the zest of a lime or lemon, offering a refreshing citrus undertone. This nuanced flavor profile sets Guyanese Pound Cake apart, making it a delightful departure from the standard pound cake.
Baked to golden perfection, the resulting cake boasts a tender crumb and a delectable crust. Served in generous slices, this dessert is a centerpiece of Guyanese gatherings, celebrations, and family occasions. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a standalone dessert, Guyana Pound Cake stands as a testament to the country's culinary prowess and the joy derived from simple, well-crafted treats.
Recipe
Dive into a Guyanese culinary journey with our irresistible Pound Cake recipe! Discover the secrets to a moist, flavorful delight. Let's bake joy together!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of one lime or lemon
Method Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the yogurt or sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and citrus zest.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the pound cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can optionally dust the cake with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Recipe Video
This is a video about Guyana Pound Cake.
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Recipe Tags: Guyana Pound Cake, Guyana Pound Cake Recipe, Recipe
Servings
Guyana Pound Cake is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are a few suggestions on how to present and enjoy this delicious treat:
- Plain Slices: Serve the pound cake in simple slices. Its rich flavor and moist texture make it enjoyable on its own, perfect for an afternoon snack or a sweet ending to a meal.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: For an elegant touch, dust the pound cake slices with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a hint of sweetness and a visually appealing finish.
- Fresh Fruit Accompaniment: Pair slices of Guyana Pound Cake with fresh fruits like berries or citrus segments. The natural sweetness and juiciness of the fruits complement the cake's richness.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Elevate the dessert experience by serving the pound cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The contrast in temperatures and textures is delightful.
- Guyanese Flavors: Stay true to its roots by serving the pound cake with a side of traditional Guyanese beverages, such as ginger beer or mauby. This adds a local flair to your dessert presentation.
- Tea or Coffee Pairing: Enjoy a slice of Guyana Pound Cake with a cup of tea or coffee. The cake's subtle citrus notes make it a wonderful companion to a warm beverage.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and yogurt or sour cream to come to room temperature before starting. This ensures better incorporation and a smoother batter.
- Creaming Technique: Take your time when creaming the butter and sugar. This step contributes to the cake's light and airy texture. Aim for a pale and fluffy mixture.
- Gradual Mixing: When adding dry ingredients and yogurt or sour cream, do so gradually, alternating between them. This helps in achieving a well-balanced and homogeneous batter.
- Citrus Zest: Freshly grated lime or lemon zest adds a burst of citrus flavor. Ensure to zest only the outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cake during baking. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking for doneness around 50 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling Period: Allow the pound cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent the cake from sticking and ensures even cooling.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with flavor variations. You can add a teaspoon of almond extract or a dash of nutmeg for a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
- Storage: Store the pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze. Thaw before serving.
- Presentation: Get creative with how you present the cake. Dust with powdered sugar, garnish with fresh berries, or serve alongside a scoop of ice cream for an extra special touch.
- Enjoy Fresh or Toasted: Guyana Pound Cake is delicious when enjoyed fresh, but you can also toast slices for a delightful variation. Simply heat in a toaster or oven for a few minutes until the edges become slightly crisp.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Butter: Substitute with an equal amount of margarine or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Granulated Sugar: Replace with an equal amount of brown sugar for a slightly different flavor. Consider using coconut sugar as a more natural sweetener.
- Eggs: For each egg, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana as an egg substitute. Commercial egg replacers can also be used following the package instructions.
- All-Purpose Flour: You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. Whole wheat flour can be used for a nuttier flavor, but be aware that it may affect the texture.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: If you're out of one, you can usually compensate by doubling the quantity of the other. For instance, if you don't have baking powder, use double the amount of baking soda.
- Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream: Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be used as substitutes. Non-dairy alternatives like almond or coconut yogurt work well for those with dietary restrictions.
- Vanilla Extract: Almond extract or maple syrup can be used as alternative flavorings.
- Citrus Zest: If you don't have lime or lemon, you can use orange zest or skip it altogether if needed.
Remarks
Indulge in the authentic goodness of Guyana Pound Cake – a true delight for your senses. May your kitchen be filled with joy and your taste buds dance with every bite. Happy baking!