pound cake

American  

noun

1. a rich, sweet cake made originally with approximately a pound each of butter, sugar, and flour.

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pound cake British  

noun

1. a rich fruit cake originally made with a pound each of butter, sugar, and flour

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Etymology

Origin of pound cake

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Leanne Morgan’s stand-up, like her Netflix show, is as gentle and comforting as a church lady’s pound cake.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2025

“Black House” attendees socialize in the kitchen over slices of pizza and homemade pound cake.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 3, 2024

Frozen strawberries and a store bought pound cake make putting this together a cinch and it is truly a crowd pleaser.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2023

Note: Serve over vanilla ice cream, pound cake, pancakes or French toast, or stir into yogurt.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 1, 2023

Her mother, Rina Mashi, had served cold pound cake and warmed-up frozen doughnuts that deflated at the touch.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri