Fall is here and I am going above and beyond to try to enjoy the colder months this year. I’m very cold natured that I usually despise them something serious. Food is the best place to start with anythin better, in my book,, so let’s get to it! I found this old cookbook at an antique shop – what better way to get into the “Old World New” theme and lifestyle than with bringing old recipes back to the light? This Old Dominion Pound Cake recipe is so delicious, and well worth the time and elbow grease required when making food from scratch. The time mostly goes into the baking, though, so don’t shy away from a little elbow grease. If you have a standing mixer, you have it made! I, naturally, have an older (probably made in the 80s or 90s) hand held mixer that’s been passed down through my family.
More information on this cookbook – I spied it several times in my favorite antique shop that I frequent, and finally snagged it up once it went on sale. I got it for a whopping $6. It is the Good Housekeeping Cookbook edited by Dororthy B. Marsh (the Director of Foods and Cookery, Good Housekeeping Institute at the time) and illustrated by Bill Goldsmith, published in 1963. Wow! This cookbook is over 50 years old! Check out the Good Housekeeping website for modern cake recipes that look just as scrumptious as this one.
Pound Cake Recipe & Directions:
I’m sharing the recipe via photos so you can see and enjoy its original form.
My personal notes:
- If you can not find cream of tartar, it can be substituted with regular white vinegar AFTER you beat/fluff your egg whites.
- A strainer can be used in place of a sifter, if you don’t own or want to buy one. Or if you just don’t know what one is.
- Buttering and flouring the bundt pan can easily be replaced with the spay can substitute. If you’d like to do it the old way, simply cut cold butter and spread it around the bundt pan with your hands. Then, pour about a teaspoon of flour in the pan to begin with. Next, hold the pan sideways and turn it in a circle like you would a steering wheel, except turn it (and occasionally give it a love tap) until the flour completely covers the butter. That, folks, is how you butter and flour a pan. I’d like to thank my Grannies for the many demonstrations!
- The original flour mixture will be weird and a little lumpy until the egg whites are added. That’s just what it looks like, you’re not doing it wrong.
- If you’re not a fan of plain cake (modern folks seem to always need condiments and dressing on everything haha), top it with fruit!
… after baking & cooling the required amount of time, you will have yourself a thick and rich pound cake to share with your family and friends this holiday season, or any time of the year! I hope you enjoy it with the folks you love (or with ice cream, because that’s true love LOL)! Check back later for more vintage recipes from this cookbook and more.
Pin it!
originally published September 2015
carrie says
YUM YUM YUM!! And what a great idea…buying a vintage cookbook!
Thanks for the recipe!
xo
Carrie
CS Gems
Sevi says
If there is one thing I love it’s a good pound cake. I remember my mom making pound cakes every birthday and she would let use decided what frosting we wanted. I would always get chocolate. Love this!
Addie says
Oh that sounds so yummy, Sevi! Now I need to find icings and glazings lol
shernell says
This cake is so beautiful and I’m glad that you got the recipe from an old cookbook.
Addie says
Thanks, Shernell! I think the old cookbook recipe gives it more street cred! Lol! 🙂
Karen says
whoa. yum. That looks amazing! And LOVING that cookbook! $6? That is like the icing on the cake! lol… Thanks for sharing this recipe… I totally want to try it!
xx, Karen
http://www.GlamKaren.com
Jennifer says
I love pound cake and I love trying a vintage recipe. Not all of them work out so it’s good to hear about a solid recipe.
I have my grandmother’s Good Housekeeping cookbook from –I’ll have to check it but I think 1950 or 52? It’s falling apart but I treasure it.
Addie says
Oh Jennifer that’s even more amazing. It may be torn and tattered but I bet it is amazing, and it was your Granny’s. I love that! Thanks for stopping by ☺️
Amanda says
This looks so delicious!! And it baked so perfectly!! <3
xoxo,
Amanda | http://www.TheChambrayBunny.com
Danielle Kempe says
Cool! I always admire people that have a talent for baking.
Justine Y @ Little Dove Creations says
Yummy, I love pound cake! And that vintage cookbook is darling, I love how they always have so much more character then modern ones.
Elle Spann says
i love poundcake! my mom makes it for breakfast for mine and my dad’s bday every year:)
elle
Southern Elle Style
Danielle says
Yes, I love the vintage cookbook! That pound cake looks amazing. Pound cake is one of my favorite things to bake. I still butter and flour my pans from time to time but I love a good non-stick spray lol.
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
I haven’t made a good old fashion, home baked pound cake in way too long. I love that cookbook. I wish I could find one. I stock up on all of the older ones I find at thrift stores but I’ve never seen that one before.
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
I am drooling over this cake AND that Good Housekeeping vintage cookbook! I feel like old recipes/cookbooks have THE BEST recipes. Your photos are beautiful too!
Jenn says
Mmmm, two of my favorite things: vintage cookbooks and baking! Our favorite pound cake recipe came from my boss’s Mom and includes whipping cream in the mix and then freezing and defrosting before you can eat it. Means planning ahead a bit, but it’s worth the effort!
Addie says
I’m learning that there are so many different ways to make it! That is a lot of work, but I bet it is beyond delicious, Jenn! Lol
Rachel says
OMG, this looks so good! I may have to try this!
xo Rachel
To Hell in a Handbag
Christine says
I am not a fan of cold weather, and I deal with it by busying myself in the kitchen. I’m glad you found the vintage cookbook – looks like a good place for inspiration. The pound cake is a classic.
Olivia DeFilippo says
YUMM! Thanks for sharing! I definitely need some new recipes!
http://www.stylebyliv.com
Kelsey says
I absolutely love pound cakes so I can’t wait to try out this recipe! 🙂
Kelsey | http://www.abalancingpeach.com
Logan Can says
I love pound cake! This looks like a great recipe to keep on hand year round!
Julie @ Girl on the Move says
That cake looks absolutely delicious! And I had no idea you could substitute vinegar for cream of tartar!
Cynthia @craftoflaughter says
I love a simple pound cake. It’s so great for having with a cup of coffee!
Christina says
I LOVE pound cake. This recipe sounds delicious. I will have to try this. Thanks for sharing!
Kaylah Burton says
OMG. This looks so yummy! Love the idea of reviving old recipes!
Kelly | Typically Simple says
Pound cake is my absolute favorite but I’ve never tried making it myself. I love topping it with some strawberries for a sweet treat!
laura londergan says
you gotta love pound cake – I mean it is soooooo good! I love that you made this & the best part in making these is everyone can add their own toppings to make it their own.
Becki S says
I love pound cake but I’ve never made it at home. Thanks for sharing this recipe, love the old cookbook.
Adaleta Avdic says
Yummy looking cake! I love cake & pound cake is especially delicious. This has inspired me to bake something tonight! xx, adaatude.com
Mary says
YUM!!! Now Im hungry!! Looks amazing!
Sportsanista
Jeanine says
Yum! That looks and sounds delicious. That’s one cake I’ve never made, a pound cake. I may have to give this a try!
Darcy says
Yum sounds delish!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Danielle Markley says
Now that it’s fall…it’s def time to break out the cookbooks and find some yummy fall recipes. This pound cake looks delicious!
Stacey says
I love pound cake! My grandmother used to make a wonderful one! Love the pic of the cake nestled in the material – it looks heavenly!
Debra says
I have always wanted to try making my own pound cake! This looks amazing!
Cameron Proffitt says
Oh my yum. This looks delightful. I am so hungry right now and officially craving pound cake. This looks so great, and the pictures are gorgeous.
Cameron Proffitt
Lora says
When I think about Pound Cake, I think about my Mammaw — and those are some wonderful memories! Thanks!
Christina Beauchamp says
OMG what a divine recipe! And SO Seasonal! LOVE!
xo, Christina
Fashion & Frills
Shelly says
What a neat idea to make food from vintage recipes! My grandmother still has a bunch of old recipe books. I should have her send me one 🙂
Amanda says
This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
alexandria waning says
Ooooh, wow. That looks beautful. I can imagine how good it tastes.
RaNesharm says
Simple to make yay. Look delicious I love sweets
Kiana says
That cookbook looks like an amazing find and the cake looks delicious!
michelle says
I’ve never baked my own pound cake but I’m gonna give this a try! Thanks for sharing!
Kristen from Practical Mommy says
This looks amazing! I don’t have a bundt cake pan, but I might have to get one just so I can try this.
Brooke says
This looks delicious and I love that this came out of a vintage cookbook! Thanks for sharing!
xo,
Brooke | KBStyled
Adrienne Scott says
I was so grateful to find this recepie It was tough to get this particular item. This recepie was our Church Supper dessert My Grammy made this for us as a small child. Now I make this for my children. This book is a true collector item to share.
Addie says
Hi Adrienne, I’m so happy it helped you! I’ve been thinking about doing another recipe from it soon, so you’ve inspired me and let me know I need to make it happen! Enjoy the cake! =)
Leonard Price says
I have the great pleasure of having this cook book in my home. I have made this Pound cake many times and it is always well liked. There are many other recipes that are very good to try as well .
Tootsie Roll says
12/14/2020 Where have you gone. I love your recipe. I have several old cook books from the 1970’s.
I’ll try finding you in other recipes.
Addie says
Thank you! Yes, old recipe books have some questionable recipes, but some like this are timeless!
BarbaraJo says
I was in a cookbook club in the 60’s and bought this book new. I still have it but it’s currently packed away. This is the only recipe I’ve ever used to make a poundcake. It’s always given me wonderful compliments and I need to make one now for my husband’s birthday, his favorite. We’re in the process of moving and all my cookbooks are packed away. Thank you VERY much for sharing this recipe, it saved his birthday.
Addie says
This warms my heart so very much! This is one of the many reasons why I love sharing my thrift and vintage finds like this – stories like yours. I’m so happy this recipe came in handy while your book is packed away!
Barbara Jo Brooks says
How sweet of you to reply, I hope you have a wonderful day and weekend!!
Julia Johnson says
My mother loved this recipe she made it for years
PEGGY J BARBOUR says
LOVE VINTAGE RECIPES AND COOKBOOKS