Nothing says “comfort” quite like a rich, buttery pound cake that fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of baking. Enter the Mile High Eagle Brand Milk Pound Cake—a classic, decadent dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday gathering, indulging in a cozy afternoon tea, or simply craving something sweet, this cake delivers a tender crumb and mouthwatering flavors that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Inspired by timeless Southern traditions, this pound cake combines the simplicity of all-purpose ingredients with the velvety texture of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk. The result? A tall, fluffy masterpiece with a delicate balance of vanilla, almond, and citrus undertones, and just a hint of coconut for added depth. This indulgent dessert isn’t just delicious; it brings a sense of nostalgia and joy to every bite.
Ingredients: The Essentials for a Perfect Mile High Pound Cake
To make this Mile High Eagle Brand Milk Pound Cake, you won’t need any fancy ingredients, just the basics that you likely have in your pantry. But when combined, these ingredients come together to create a cake that’s unbelievably rich, soft, and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake that gives it structure and texture.
- 3 cups granulated sugar – For that perfect sweetness that balances the richness of the butter and condensed milk.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise beautifully, giving it that light, airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 sticks (2 cups) unsalted butter, softened – The star of the cake, providing richness and that luxurious mouthfeel.
- 8 large eggs – Gives the cake its structure and adds to the fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that comforting, classic flavor that everyone loves.
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract – Adds a fresh, zesty note that lightens up the richness of the cake.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract – A subtle nutty undertone that complements the vanilla and lemon extracts.
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional) – A tropical twist for those who enjoy a hint of coconut flavor.
- 1 can (14 oz) Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk – This magical ingredient binds everything together, making the cake extra moist and providing an irresistible sweetness.
Directions: Baking the Mile High Pound Cake
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to baking! The method for making this Mile High Pound Cake is straightforward, but it’s the attention to detail that makes all the difference. Follow the steps carefully for a perfectly baked, fluffy, and flavorful cake.
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This temperature allows the cake to bake evenly, ensuring a golden brown crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
- Grease and flour your pan. A large bundt pan or tube pan works best for this recipe, as it allows the batter to rise high and form that signature “mile-high” structure. Make sure to coat the pan evenly with butter or non-stick spray and dust with flour to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine these ingredients thoroughly. This step ensures that your cake has a smooth, uniform texture once baked.
- Incorporate the butter. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter into the flour mixture. Continue mixing until the batter resembles coarse crumbs. This step will create the base for the cake’s rich, buttery flavor.
- Add the eggs. Now, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The eggs will help the cake rise and form a smooth, uniform batter. The more thorough your mixing, the fluffier the cake will be!
- Add the extracts. Slowly mix in the vanilla, lemon, almond, and coconut extracts. The combination of these extracts will provide a complex flavor profile, so don’t rush this step. Feel free to adjust the extracts according to your taste preferences. For example, if you love almond flavor, you can add a little more almond extract.
- Incorporate the Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, and mix until the batter is smooth and creamy. This will provide the cake with its signature moistness and just the right amount of sweetness.
Step 2: Bake the Pound Cake
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Once your batter is ready, pour it into your greased and floured bundt pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, ensuring it fills all corners of the pan. This helps the cake bake evenly.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake during baking, as oven temperatures can vary. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should rise beautifully.
- Check for doneness. Around the 1-hour mark, start testing the cake with a toothpick or cake tester. If it comes out clean, your cake is done. If it’s still wet, continue baking in 5-minute increments until the cake is fully cooked.
Step 3: Cool and Serve
- Cool the cake in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to set, making it easier to remove from the pan.
- Turn out the cake onto a wire rack. After it has cooled slightly, gently run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake, then carefully invert the pan onto a wire rack. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
- Slice and enjoy. Once cooled, slice the cake into generous pieces and serve. You’ll be treated to a mile-high slice of heaven, with a delicate crumb and luxurious flavor.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Pound Cake
While this Mile High Pound Cake is delicious as written, there are a few tips and variations that can help you personalize the recipe and make it your own.
Tips:
- Room temperature ingredients: For the best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps them blend more easily and ensures a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to a denser cake. Mix until just combined, and avoid overworking the ingredients.
- Let the cake cool fully: Letting the cake cool completely before slicing is essential for the best texture. If you cut it while it’s still warm, the slices may fall apart.
Variations:
- Citrus zest: For a more intense citrus flavor, add lemon or orange zest to the batter. This will amplify the freshness of the cake and give it a pop of vibrant flavor.
- Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), or dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins) for added texture and flavor.
- Glaze or frosting: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or top with a light frosting. Cream cheese frosting or a lemon glaze would be particularly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Mile High Pound Cake
This Eagle Brand Milk Pound Cake is the perfect balance of rich, buttery flavor and a light, tender crumb. The sweetness of the Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk ensures every bite is moist and luscious, while the combination of vanilla, lemon, almond, and coconut extracts adds depth and complexity. Whether served as a casual afternoon treat or the centerpiece of a holiday spread, this cake is sure to impress.
Ideal for Every Occasion
This cake works for nearly every occasion: from Sunday family dinners to holiday gatherings, afternoon teas, and birthdays. Its versatility also makes it an excellent gift for loved ones—just wrap it in a beautiful tin or cake box and share the love.
Final Thoughts: A Timeless Classic
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple to make yet unbelievably delicious, this Mile High Eagle Brand Milk Pound Cake is the answer. It’s everything you want in a pound cake: moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The combination of basic pantry ingredients, combined with the secret touch of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, makes this cake a true standout. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
So go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this heavenly cake. With its rich flavors and light, tender texture, it’s sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!