Classic Vanilla Pound Cake with Autumn Spice Frosting 🍂 – Perfect for Thanksgiving
This timeless vanilla pound cake pairs perfectly with a warm autumn spice frosting. Serve it at Thanksgiving for a show-stopping dessert that stays moist for days!
There's nothing quite like the rich, buttery flavor of a classic vanilla pound cake, especially when crowned with a cozy autumn spice frosting. This recipe yields a dense, moist cake that's perfect for holiday gatherings. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider in the frosting add a festive warmth that complements the vanilla base beautifully. With easy-to-follow instructions and a make-ahead option, this cake is a Thanksgiving staple that never fails to impress.
This pound cake is a masterclass in simplicity and elegance. The high butter content gives it a rich, velvety texture, while the autumn spice frosting adds a seasonal twist. Ideal for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering, it's a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to a show-stopping result.
The cake's dense structure supports the frosting beautifully, and the recipe's make-ahead instructions make it perfect for busy holiday weekends. You can prepare it up to three days in advance, letting the flavors meld and the cake stay moist. The frosting's combination of brown sugar, spices, and apple cider creates a warm, spiced contrast to the vanilla cake.
What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability. While the autumn spice frosting is a must-have for Thanksgiving, you can easily customize the cake with other seasonal additions like caramel drizzle, fresh berries, or even a bourbon glaze. It's a versatile base that works for any occasion, but its seasonal twist makes it a standout at fall gatherings.
From the moment you take the cake out of the oven, the aroma of vanilla and warm spices will fill your kitchen. The cake's golden crust and smooth frosting make it a visual centerpiece for any dessert table. Best of all, it's simple enough for weeknight baking but elegant enough for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- Autumn Spice Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9x5-inch loaf pans or one 10-inch bundt pan. 💡 Use non-stick spray for easier release.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. 💡 Ensure eggs are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, alternating with milk. Add vanilla and almond extracts. 💡 Add flour in thirds for smooth batter.
- Step 4: Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 💡 Rotate pans halfway for even baking.
- Step 5: Cool completely in pans on wire racks. While cake cools, prepare the autumn spice frosting. 💡 Frosting can be made up to 2 days in advance.
- Step 6: In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and salt. 💡 Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
- Step 7: Add apple cider and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Add more cider if needed to reach desired consistency. 💡 Chill frosting for 30 minutes before spreading.
- Step 8: Frost cooled cake. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. 💡 For a decorative touch, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Time-Efficient Baking
This cake bakes in just 50-60 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute holiday prep. The frosting can be made ahead and chilled for easy spreading.
💰 Affordable Ingredients
The recipe uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter, making it cost-effective compared to specialty desserts.
👥 Family-Friendly
The simple steps and forgiving nature make it ideal for involving kids in the kitchen during Thanksgiving prep.
🌟 Seasonal Elegance
The autumn spice frosting transforms a classic cake into a festive centerpiece that feels special enough for holiday tables.
Classic Vanilla Pound Cake with Autumn Spice Frosting
A timeless dessert perfect for Thanksgiving and fall gatherings
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
- - 3 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- - 6 large eggs
- - 4 cups all-purpose flour
- - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 1 1/2 cups milk
- - 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- - 1/2 cup boiling water
- - 1 1/2 cups butter
- - 4 cups powdered sugar
- - 1/2 cup brown sugar
- - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- - 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- - 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- - 1/2 cup apple cider
- - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep Pans: Grease and flour three 9x5-inch loaf pans or one 10-inch bundt pan.
💡 Use non-stick spray for easier release.
Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
💡 Ensure eggs are at room temperature for even mixing.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, alternating with milk.
💡 Add flour in thirds for smooth batter.
Bake Cake: Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 50-60 minutes.
💡 Rotate pans halfway for even baking.
Prepare Frosting: While cake cools, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and spices.
💡 Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
Finish Cake: Frost cooled cake. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
💡 For a decorative touch, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before serving.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter
The butter creates a rich, velvety texture. For vegan option, use coconut oil.
Substitutions: Coconut oil, margarine
Granulated Sugar
Provides structure and sweetness. Brown sugar adds molasses depth.
Substitutions: Brown sugar, coconut sugar
Milk
Adds moisture. For a richer cake, use heavy cream.
Substitutions: Heavy cream, buttermilk
Cinnamon
The primary spice in the frosting. Ceylon cinnamon is milder than Cassia.
Substitutions: Nutmeg, allspice
Pro Tips for Perfect Classic Vanilla Pound Cake
🍂 Frosting Consistency
For a smooth frosting, chill the mixture for 30 minutes before spreading. If it's too thick, add more apple cider, one tablespoon at a time.
🔪 Knife Technique
Use a long, thin knife to slice the cake. Run a warm knife under hot water and dry it between slices for clean cuts.
❄️ Make-Ahead Tip
Bake the cake up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost just before serving.
✨ Decorative Touch
Sprinkle toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar over the frosting for an elegant finish.
Variations & Customizations
Caramel Drizzle
Add a rich caramel layer by drizzling store-bought or homemade caramel over the frosting.
Berry Compote
Top the cake with a fresh berry compote made from raspberries, blackberries, or mixed berries.
Bourbon Glaze
Replace the apple cider with bourbon in the frosting for a boozy twist.
Citrus Zest
Add orange or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus note.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Warm apple pie à la mode with vanilla ice cream
- Spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte
- Cinnamon-dusted apple slices
🍷 Drink Pairings:
A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a spiced apple cider complements the cake's rich flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, try a pumpkin spice latte or hot chocolate.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
The cake can be baked up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. The frosting can be made up to 2 days ahead and chilled until ready to use.
Refrigerator Storage
Frosted cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.
Freezer Storage
Unfrosted cake freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap in two layers of plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Reheating Instructions
This cake is best served at room temperature. Avoid reheating, as it may dry out the texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why is my cake dry?
A: Overbaking is common. Check for doneness 5 minutes before the expected time. The cake should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Q: Can I use a different pan?
A: Yes, but adjust baking time accordingly. A bundt pan may require 60-70 minutes, while loaf pans might need 55-65 minutes. Always check with a toothpick.
Q: How can I prevent the frosting from cracking?
A: Chill the frosting for 30 minutes before spreading. If it's still cracking, add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider to loosen it up.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but it should still work well.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Vanilla Pound Cake with Autumn Spice Frosting is more than just a dessert—it's a labor of love that brings warmth and joy to any Thanksgiving table. Its rich, buttery layers and spiced frosting create a perfect balance of flavors that celebrate the season. Whether you're feeding a large family or hosting a small gathering, this cake is sure to be a hit.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. While the autumn spice frosting is a must-have for fall, the cake itself can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It's a recipe you'll return to year after year, becoming a cherished tradition in your home. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let this cake become a part of your holiday memories.
