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 a rich fruit cake originally made with a pound each of butter, sugar, and flour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

Layer pound cake with thin ribbons of pumpkin pie filling and a simple maple-sweetened cream cheese.

From Salon • Nov. 27, 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

And Satchmo wished the pound cake was enough and that his mother didn't have to keep talking and suggest Mr. Jerry get a dog.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds