Judy's Cold Oven Pound Cake 🍰✨

Experience the charm of Judy's Cold Oven Pound Cake—a dessert that mixes simplicity and indulgence, perfect for tea time or any celebration. This cake's delightful texture and rich flavor will leave your guests asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a fantastic base for fruit toppings or a simple glaze! Pair it with tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon treat! ☕🍰

Ingredients

For the cake

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup margarine, whipped (softened for easier mixing)
• ½ cup Crisco (or vegetable shortening)
• 1 cup milk (whole or buttermilk for added richness)
• 5 large eggs (room temperature for better blending)
• 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite flavoring (vanilla, almond, or lemon extract work beautifully)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Yes, you read that right! Mix and place it directly into a cold oven.

2. Mix Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whipped margarine and Crisco. Gradually add in the sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

🥄 For the best texture, ensure the margarine is at room temperature before whipping. If you're using a stand mixer, mix on medium speed for about 5 minutes!

3. Combine Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Slowly add the milk and flavoring, ensuring everything is well combined.

4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.

🍞 Sifting the flour before incorporating it can help prevent clumps and create a lighter cake.

5. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured bundt or loaf pan, placing it in the cold oven. Set the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake for 1½ hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool: Once done, carefully remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

🌬️ Cooling the cake in the pan helps prevent it from falling apart—a step you don’t want to skip!

Serving Suggestions

• Glaze: Drizzle with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk.
• Berries: Serve slices with fresh berries for a colorful plate.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it an unforgettable dessert! 🍦

Tips & Variations

• Flavor Adaptations: Experiment with different extracts like coconut or hazelnut for a unique twist.
• Moisture Boost: Add a few tablespoons of sour cream to the batter for added moisture and richness.
• Citrus Zing: Incorporate zest from lemons or oranges into the batter for a refreshing flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, adjusting the liquid slightly as necessary.

Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful pound cake with family and friends! ❤️