Guilt-free Pound Cake

Guilt-free Pound Cake Recipe | Sugar, Margarine, Sour Cream, Vanilla Extract

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 35 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

This guilt-free pound cake recipe is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional pound cake. With a few simple ingredient swaps, you can enjoy this classic dessert without the guilt.

History

Pound cake has been a popular dessert for centuries, with its origins dating back to Europe in the 18th century. Traditionally made with a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, this rich and dense cake has been a favorite for generations.

Ingredients

3 cups of sugar
0.75 cups of softened margarine
1.33 cups of thawed frozen egg substitute [1]
1.5 cups of low-fat sour cream
1 tsp of baking soda
4.5 cups of sifted cake flour
0.25 tsp of salt
2 tsp of vanilla extract
vegetable cooking spray

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar and margarine using an electric mixer at medium speed until well combined.
Gradually add the egg substitute, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and baking soda, stirring well, and set aside.
In another bowl, combine the flour and salt. With the mixer running at low speed, add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with the sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
Stir in the vanilla.
Spoon the batter into a 10-inch tube pan coated with cooking spray.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour and 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan.
Transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Variations

Instead of or in addition to 2 tsp of vanilla extract, you can use these variations to cater to your family's preferences.
For a Lemon pound cake, add 1 tsp of grated lemon rind along with the vanilla extract.
For a Coconut pound cake, add 1 tsp of coconut flavoring and decrease the vanilla extract to 1 tsp
For an Almond pound cake, add 1 tsp of almond extract and decrease the vanilla extract to 1 tsp
For a Butter rum pound cake, add 1 tsp of butter flavoring and 1 tsp of rum flavoring, and decrease the vanilla extract to 1 tsp
For a Butter pound cake, add 1 tsp of butter flavoring and decrease the vanilla extract to 1 tsp
Add lemon zest or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.
Add a streusel topping for a crunchy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cream the sugar and margarine together thoroughly to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Alternating the flour mixture with the sour cream mixture will help to keep the batter light and airy.

- Be sure to use a tube pan coated with cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.

Serving Suggestions

This guilt-free pound cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a special treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cream the sugar and margarine together thoroughly to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Alternating the flour mixture with the sour cream mixture will help to keep the batter light and airy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine if desired.

- Regular eggs can be used in place of the egg substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This pound cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve slices of pound cake on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This guilt-free pound cake pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or toast in a toaster oven.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

330

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 56g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 33g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin D: 0mcg

- Calcium: 40mg

- Iron: 1mg

- Potassium: 70mg

Alergens

Contains: Eggs, Wheat, Milk

Summary

This guilt-free pound cake is a lighter version of the classic dessert, with fewer calories and less fat. It is a delicious treat that you can enjoy without feeling guilty.

Summary

This guilt-free pound cake is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional pound cake. With a few simple ingredient swaps, you can enjoy this classic dessert without the guilt.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy little cottage on the outskirts of town. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most heavenly aroma wafting from her kitchen.

"Come on in, dearie," Martha called out. "I've just taken a guilt-free pound cake out of the oven. You simply must try a slice!"

I couldn't believe my ears. Guilt-free pound cake? It sounded too good to be true. Martha had always been a whiz in the kitchen, so I knew I was in for a real treat.

As I sat down at her kitchen table, Martha placed a slice of the cake in front of me. It was golden brown and had a perfect crumb. I took a bite and was immediately transported to dessert heaven. It was moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet.

"Oh Martha, this is incredible!" I exclaimed. "How on earth did you make a pound cake that tastes this good without all the guilt?"

Martha winked at me and leaned in conspiratorially. "Well, dearie, I've been experimenting with different ingredients and techniques for quite some time now. And I think I've finally cracked the code for a guilt-free pound cake that tastes just as decadent as the traditional version."

I was intrigued. Martha had always been one to push the boundaries when it came to cooking and baking. I knew I had to learn her secret.

"Would you mind sharing the recipe with me?" I asked eagerly.

Martha chuckled. "Of course, my dear. But promise me you'll keep it a secret. This recipe is too good to let just anyone know about it."

I nodded enthusiastically, eager to learn the secrets behind Martha's guilt-free pound cake. She pulled out a worn and stained recipe card from her kitchen drawer and handed it to me.

"Here you go, dearie. This is the recipe that will change your baking game forever," Martha said with a smile.

I thanked her profusely and promised to try out the recipe as soon as I got back home. As I drove back to my own house, I couldn't stop thinking about that delicious pound cake and the secrets hidden within Martha's recipe card.

Once I got home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and preheating my oven. The kitchen was filled with the sweet smell of vanilla and butter as I mixed together the batter, following Martha's instructions to a tee.

As the pound cake baked in the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Would it turn out as delicious as Martha's? Would I finally have a guilt-free dessert that I could enjoy without any reservations?

When the timer dinged, I rushed to the oven and pulled out the golden brown pound cake. It looked just as perfect as Martha's, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

I sliced a piece and took a bite. My taste buds were delighted by the moist and flavorful cake. It was just as delicious as Martha's, if not better.

I smiled to myself, feeling a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. I had unlocked the secret to guilt-free pound cake, thanks to my dear friend Martha.

From that day on, Martha's recipe became a staple in my kitchen. I would bake the guilt-free pound cake for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I made it, I would think of Martha and our secret recipe exchange, grateful for her generosity and culinary wisdom.

And so, the memory of discovering this recipe for guilt-free pound cake will always hold a special place in my heart. It reminds me of the joy of baking, the magic of sharing recipes, and the sweetness of friendship.