This Three Layer Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate and creamy vanilla layers. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration, this cake not only looks stunning but also tastes heavenly. With its tender crumb and layers of flavor, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a family favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate and vanilla makes every bite irresistible.
Stunning Presentation: Three layers create an eye-catching dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can succeed.
Versatile Treat: Serve it at parties, as a birthday cake, or enjoy a slice with coffee on a quiet afternoon.
Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields 15 servings, making it ideal for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Three Layer Pound Cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Tube pan
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: A powerful mixer ensures your batter is well combined, resulting in a light and airy cake.
Tube pan: This specialized pan helps the cake bake evenly, creating that iconic three-layer look.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success—too much or too little can affect the outcome.

Ingredients

This tender, flavorful pound cake is not only delicious, but with three layers of vanilla and chocolate, it is beautiful too!

Ingredients:
– 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cups (600g) sugar
– 5 large eggs, room temperature ((Place in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes if you are in a hurry.))
– 3 cups (375g) all purpose flour (not self-rising)
– 1/2 teaspoon (2g) baking powder
– 1 cup (235g) whole milk
– 2 teaspoons (8g) vanilla extract
– 5 Tablespoons (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder, measure then sift (we used Ghirardelli)
– 5 Tablespoons (55g) HOT water
– 4 oz Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate
– 3 oz Heavy Cream or Whipping Cream

How to Make Three Layer Pound Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. This ensures that your cake will bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Grease and flour your tube pan thoroughly. This step prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove your cake once it’s baked.

Step 3: Mix Cocoa Powder with Water

In a small bowl add the cocoa powder and stir in 5 Tablespoons of hot water. The hot water helps blend the cocoa easily and brings out its rich flavor. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until well combined. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your mixer, add the softened butter. Mix on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar while mixing until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 6: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add each egg one by one to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until each yolk disappears before adding the next egg.

Step 7: Combine Wet Ingredients with Dry Mixture

Add vanilla extract to the milk. With your mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk mixture to the batter, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until blended; do not overmix.

Now you’re ready to pour this delicious batter into your prepared pan!

How to Serve Three Layer Pound Cake

Three Layer Pound Cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Its beautiful layers of vanilla and chocolate make it perfect for various occasions. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your cake experience.

With Fresh Berries

Serve slices of Three Layer Pound Cake alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

Topped with Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on each slice. This light addition enhances the flavors and adds a lovely creaminess.

Drizzled with Chocolate Ganache

Pour warm chocolate ganache over your cake slices for an indulgent touch. The rich chocolate pairs wonderfully with the vanilla layers.

As a Layered Dessert

Create an impressive dessert by layering pieces of pound cake with whipped cream and berries in individual glasses. This presentation is sure to impress guests!

Paired with Ice Cream

Serve your cake with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm cake, making for a delightful dessert.

With Espresso or Coffee

Enjoy slices of Three Layer Pound Cake with a cup of espresso or coffee. The bitterness of the drink balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

How to Perfect Three Layer Pound Cake

Perfecting your Three Layer Pound Cake ensures that every bite is moist and flavorful. Here are some helpful tips to achieve that perfect texture and taste.

Use room temperature ingredients – Allow butter, eggs, and milk to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
Measure flour correctly – Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to a dry cake.
Don’t overmix – Mix just until ingredients are combined after adding flour and milk. Overmixing can lead to a tough pound cake.
Check doneness carefully – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached when done.

Best Side Dishes for Three Layer Pound Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Three Layer Pound Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement its rich flavors.

Vanilla Ice Cream – Creamy vanilla ice cream adds richness and balances the sweetness.
Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and cuts through the decadence.
Chocolate Sauce – A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce intensifies the chocolate flavor in the pound cake.
Caramel Sauce – Sweet caramel sauce adds another layer of flavor while keeping things indulgent.
Coffee or Tea – A hot beverage pairs well with dessert, enhancing its comforting qualities.
Cream Cheese Frosting – Spread on top for added tanginess that contrasts nicely with sweet layers.
Nuts – Chopped nuts add crunch; consider walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top or beside each slice.
Coconut Whipped Cream – For a dairy-free option, coconut whipped cream offers both flavor and texture diversity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a three layer pound cake, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a lighter texture.
Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the rise and texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
Skipping ingredient measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can change the cake’s consistency. Invest in a kitchen scale for precision.
Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs or milk can affect how well they incorporate. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
Not greasing the pan properly: A stuck cake is disappointing! Ensure you grease and flour your tube pan thoroughly before pouring in the batter.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
The three layer pound cake can last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Three Layer Pound Cake

Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Three Layer Pound Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a three layer pound cake.

Can I use different flavors in my Three Layer Pound Cake?

Yes! You can experiment with flavors by adding different extracts or fruit purees.

How do I ensure my Three Layer Pound Cake rises properly?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh and that you measure your ingredients accurately. Room temperature eggs also help with rising.

What is the best way to frost a Three Layer Pound Cake?

A smooth buttercream or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully. Use an offset spatula for even spreading.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

This three layer pound cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and toppings, making it perfect for any occasion. We encourage you to try this recipe and impress your friends and family!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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Three Layer Pound Cake

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Author: Tina
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 15 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful layers of our Three Layer Pound Cake, an exquisite dessert that beautifully marries rich chocolate and creamy vanilla flavors. This impressive cake is ideal for any celebration, whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy gathering with friends. With its soft, tender crumb and stunning presentation, this cake will not only be a feast for the eyes but also a heavenly treat that everyone will crave. Easy to make with minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Bring joy to your next occasion with this showstopping dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
3 cups sugar
5 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate
3 oz heavy cream

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a tube pan.
Mix cocoa powder with hot water; set aside.
Whisk together flour and baking powder in one bowl.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy in another bowl.
Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk/vanilla mixture to the batter until just combined.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American