Chef Mikes Luscious Pound Cake Recipes

PERFECT POUND CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Lightly grease an 8-in x 4-in x 2½-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Dust with flour, shaking off any excess. (Alternatively, use a nonstick cooking spray with flour in it, such as Baker's Joy or Pam Baking Spray with Flour.)
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla until just combined.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or with a hand mixer), place the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds or until blended. Add the butter and half of the egg mixture. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are moistened. Increase the mixer speed to medium (high speed if using a hand mixer) and beat for one minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the remaining egg mixture, in 2 separate additions, beating about 30 seconds after each addition to combine. Do not over-mix. (The batter may have a slightly curdled or grainy appearance -- that's okay.)
• Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a thin wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Place the cake on a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes. Then remove the cake from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack. Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or store in a large sealable plastic bag.
• The wrapped pound cake will keep for several days at room temperature, for one week when refrigerated.
• Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, double-wrap it securely with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving.

LUSCIOUS LEMON POUND CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Beat first 5 ingredients in large bowl with mixer until blended; pour into greased and floured 12-cup fluted tube pan or 10-inch tube pan.
• Bake 50 min. to 1 hour or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan 30 min. Loosen cake from sides of pan with knife. Invert cake onto Wire Rack; gently remove pan. Cool cake completely.
• Spoon lemon curd into medium bowl; gently whisk in COOL WHIP. Spread onto cake.