Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe
Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe is a classic dessert that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. This delightful cake is known for its buttery richness and moist texture, making it perfect for celebrations or a cozy afternoon treat. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this delicious pound cake in no time. Its versatility allows it to pair beautifully with fresh fruits or a cup of tea, making it an ideal choice for both casual gatherings and special events.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The straightforward method ensures that even novice bakers can achieve great results.
- Rich Flavor: With the combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla extracts, this cake offers a flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, topped with fruit, or drizzled with glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a simple family gathering, this pound cake suits every event.
Tools and Preparation
To make Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline the process and ensure your cake turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Loaf or Bundt pan
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for a fluffy texture.
- Loaf or Bundt pan: Choosing the right pan ensures even baking and a beautiful presentation of your cake.

Ingredients
For the Pound Cake
- 3 sticks (1 cup) salted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 7 large eggs
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon extract
For the White Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or crème bouquet)
How to Make Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is ideal for baking pound cakes evenly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
1. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, alternate adding the sifted cake flour, sweetened condensed milk, and both extracts (vanilla extract and lemon extract) to the mixture.
* Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf or Bundt pan.
1. Place in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for approximately 60 to 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the White Glaze
While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
1. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk; add more as needed to achieve a pourable but thick consistency.
Step 6: Glaze the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly until warm but not hot.
1. Pour the white glaze evenly over the warm cake.
2. Let it set before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake!
How to Serve Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe
Serving Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake can elevate any gathering or special occasion. This moist and sweet cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its flavors.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing tartness.
- Sliced Bananas: Their sweetness complements the pound cake beautifully.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that creates a delightful contrast in temperatures.
- Coconut Sorbet: This dairy-free option adds a tropical twist to your dessert.
Drizzle with Sauces
- Chocolate Sauce: A rich chocolate sauce can make each slice even more indulgent.
- Caramel Sauce: Sweet and buttery caramel provides an excellent flavor balance.
Accompany with Whipped Cream
- Sweetened Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it enhances the cake’s texture and flavor.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free alternative, this adds a unique flavor profile.
How to Perfect Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe
Achieving the perfect Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Here’s how to ensure your cake turns out delightful every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness Early: Start checking the cake at 50 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool slightly; glazing on warm cake helps it absorb better.
Best Side Dishes for Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe
To complement the flavors of Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake, consider serving it alongside these delicious side dishes. Each addition will elevate your dessert experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits enhances freshness and balances sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit offers a creamy contrast to the cake.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses pairs nicely, adding savory elements to the meal.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: Almonds or walnuts alongside dried apricots provide a crunchy texture contrast.
- Tea or Coffee: Hot beverages complement the sweetness of the pound cake beautifully.
- Savory Scones: Cheese or herb scones can create an interesting sweet-savory dynamic when served together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a perfect Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake requires attention to detail. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.
- Skipping the butter softening step – Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined after adding flour and liquids. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the desired lightness.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time.
- Ignoring oven temperature – Preheat your oven adequately before baking. An incorrect temperature can affect baking time and texture, resulting in an undercooked or overbaked cake.
- Not checking for doneness – Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready; if not, give it more time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will last up to 5 days while maintaining freshness.
Freezing Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe
- Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap the cake in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave – Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop – Heat on low in a non-stick skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side, covered, to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe unique?
This recipe combines rich flavors from salted butter and extracts, creating a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Can I customize Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or different extracts like almond or orange for unique flavors.
How do I prevent my pound cake from sinking?
Ensure your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing. Also, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature before placing your cake inside.
What should I serve with Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe?
This pound cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence.
Final Thoughts
Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its rich flavor profile makes it suitable for celebrations or casual gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions and enjoy this timeless treat!
Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake Recipe
Indulge in the delightful charm of Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake, a classic dessert that embodies warmth and joy. This moist and buttery cake is a perfect companion for celebrations and cozy afternoons alike. With its rich flavor profile stemming from salted butter, sugar, and harmonious extracts, this pound cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Its versatility shines through as it pairs beautifully with fresh fruits or a warm cup of tea. Whether served plain, drizzled with glaze, or accompanied by ice cream, Johnnie Ruth’s Pound Cake elevates any event into a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 sticks (1 cup) salted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 7 large eggs
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
- Alternate adding sifted cake flour, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and lemon extract to the mixture; mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into a prepared loaf or Bundt pan and bake for 60 to 75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract for the glaze.
- Once baked, cool slightly before pouring glaze over the warm cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 105mg