Prepare to bake a cake that lives up to its name and then some! This Mile High Eagle Brand Milk Pound Cake is an absolute dream for any lover of classic, rich, and incredibly moist pound cake. What makes it “mile high” isn’t just its impressive stature, but the towering layers of flavor and tenderness, achieved through the magical addition of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk. Infused with a symphony of extracts, this cake is dense yet tender, incredibly buttery, and boasts a crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any celebration, a delightful afternoon treat, or a truly impressive homemade gift.
Why I Love This Recipe
This pound cake is a true masterpiece of texture and flavor, and it holds a special place in my baking repertoire. What I love most about it is the unique role that Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk plays. It’s not just a sweetener; it contributes an unparalleled richness and moistness to the cake that truly sets it apart. This ensures a beautifully tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
The blend of vanilla, lemon, almond, and optional coconut extracts creates a complex, fragrant profile that is both familiar and wonderfully intriguing. It feels incredibly decadent and luxurious, yet the preparation is straightforward, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through. The impressive height and golden crust make it a truly show-stopping dessert that always garners rave reviews. It’s the kind of cake that makes you proud to be a baker!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 sticks (2 cups) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 can (14 oz) Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
Swaps and Notes
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the overall saltiness. Ensure it is truly softened to room temperature for proper creaming with the dry ingredients.
- Eggs: Large eggs at room temperature are crucial for proper emulsification and a smooth batter.
- Extracts: The combination of vanilla, lemon, and almond extracts creates a classic, balanced flavor profile. The optional coconut extract adds a subtle tropical note that is delightful. Feel free to adjust the amounts slightly to your preference, but don’t omit them entirely.
- Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is a key ingredient for the cake’s unique richness and moistness. Do not substitute with evaporated milk or regular milk.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is standard. Sifting is recommended for a finer crumb.
- Baking Powder/Salt: These provide just enough lift to create a tender, dense crumb.
Directions:
Baking this magnificent Mile High Pound Cake is a classic process that yields stunning results.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Generously grease and flour a large (10-12 cup) Bundt pan or tube pan. Ensure every crevice is thoroughly coated to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups all-purpose flour, 3 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Use a whisk or fork to stir them together well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add Butter & Mix to Crumbs: Add the softened unsalted butter (cut into smaller pieces if desired, but softened is key) directly to the dry ingredients in the bowl. Using an electric mixer on low speed (or a pastry blender/fingertips), mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, and the butter is evenly distributed. This is a slightly different method than creaming butter and sugar first, and it works wonderfully for this cake.
- Add Eggs Gradually: Add the 8 large eggs one at a time, beating well with the electric mixer after each addition until fully incorporated into the batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix in Extracts: Gradually mix in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon lemon extract, 1 teaspoon almond extract, and the optional 1 teaspoon coconut extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour in the entire can of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk. Mix on medium speed until the batter is completely smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can develop gluten.
- Pour & Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt or tube pan, spreading it gently with a spatula to ensure an even top. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the cake from the oven. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This is a crucial step that allows the cake to firm up slightly before you attempt to remove it. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy this incredibly rich, buttery, and perfectly flavored Mile High Pound Cake!
Pro Tip:
For the true “mile high” effect and perfect texture, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. The slow and steady creaming of the butter with the dry ingredients helps create a light yet dense crumb. And always take the time to grease and flour your Bundt or tube pan meticulously—it makes a huge difference in getting that beautiful cake out intact!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Mile High Eagle Brand Milk Pound Cake is a truly decadent dessert that shines on its own, but can also be complemented by simple additions.
- Plain & Simple: Enjoy a thick slice on its own with a cup of coffee or tea to truly appreciate its rich flavor and tender crumb.
- Fresh Berries: A side of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries provides a lovely tart contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy touch.
- Simple Glaze: While delicious plain, a simple powdered sugar glaze (like the one suggested for Ms. Johnny Ruth Pound Cake) can be drizzled over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.
- Other Comfort Desserts: This cake would be a show-stopping centerpiece on a dessert table alongside other comforting classics like Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler or This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This pound cake is known for its excellent keeping qualities due to its rich, moist nature.
- Storage (Room Temperature): Store the cooled cake, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight cake keeper, at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. It stays incredibly moist.
- Storage (Refrigerated): For longer storage or in very humid climates, you can refrigerate the cake, tightly wrapped, for up to 10 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: This pound cake freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for several hours or overnight before slicing and serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the rich, comforting, and classic flavors of this pound cake, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic baking and sweet treat recipes:
- For another fantastic take on a traditional pound cake, check out Ms. Johnny Ruth Pound Cake.
- If you’re a fan of a brighter, zesty cake, my Coconut Lemon Pound Cake is a must-try.
- For a delicious way to use ripe bananas in a baked good, don’t miss Banana Cake.
- And for a comforting fruit-filled classic, consider Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler.
Final Thoughts
This Mile High Eagle Brand Milk Pound Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to experience true baking bliss. With its impressive height, incredibly moist crumb, rich buttery flavor, and a symphony of extracts, it’s a cake that embodies comfort, elegance, and pure deliciousness. Go ahead, bake this masterpiece, and prepare to delight everyone who tastes it!
What’s your favorite secret ingredient for making a cake extra moist? Share your tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.
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