pound cake

American  

noun

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

---

pound cake British  

noun

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 a rich fruit cake originally made with a pound each of butter, sugar, and flour

---

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

Back at the party, Vaughan Higgins pours herself a drink in the kitchen as other attendees grab slices of pizza and homemade pound cake.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 3, 2024

Cut pound cake into bite size pieces and place in a 9" or 10" square baking dish.

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

Also a big cup of coffee and a sack with two slices of lemon pound cake in it.

From "Crenshaw" by Katherine Applegate