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 a rich fruit cake originally made with a pound each of butter, sugar, and flour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

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

Cold-oven pound cake is renowned for its caramelized crust and tall rise.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 2, 2024

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

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2023

“Chocolate cake, vanilla cake, carrot cake, sponge cake, coconut cake, marble cake, pineapple cake, mousse cake, nougat cake, cheesecake, pound cake, and Black Forest cake,” Miss Mortimer explained.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood