Every year, as Black History Month rolls around, I find myself reflecting on the meaningful ways I can honor the legacy of Black culture. This year, I wanted to celebrate through something I love – food.
When I think of family gatherings and celebrations, poundcake is always a star on the table. The way it fills the kitchen with its warm, inviting aroma and the anticipation of a slice perfectly paired with a cup of tea—it’s more than just dessert; it’s an experience.
As I set out to make my Black History Month Poundcake, I thought about the vibrancy, richness, and history we should celebrate. The bright colors, the layers of flavor, and the soul-warming ingredients all came together to create a dessert that not only represents the month but also the love and unity that food can bring.
Layered with color and flavor, this cake represents the beauty of our shared history, from its carefully mixed hues to its vibrant taste.
Short Description
This Black History Month Poundcake is a colorful and delicious celebration of culture, made with rich, creamy ingredients and layered with bold colors that reflect the vibrancy of the month. It’s a simple yet stunning cake, perfect for gatherings, and a meaningful tribute to Black history.
Key Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 3 cups of sifted all purpose flour
- 3 cups of sugar
- 3 sticks of salted butter
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 8oz. block of cream cheese
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. lemon extract
- 1 tsp. orange extract
- 1/2 cup of butter flavored crisco
- Red, yellow, blue, and green wilton’s gel coloring
Tools Needed
- 2-piece baking pan (tube pan)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Sifter
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Start by prepping your two-piece baking pan. Lightly grease it with butter, then lightly flour it. To ensure easy removal, line the inside with parchment paper, then grease the paper itself. This will help your cake come out smoothly after baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the salted butter, Butter Flavored Crisco, cream cheese, and sugar together using an electric mixer.
Cream for about 4 minutes, then scrape down the sides of the bowl. Continue creaming for another 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Extracts and Eggs
Add the vanilla, lemon, and orange extracts, mixing until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well and scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, one-third at a time.
Stir gently after each addition. Once everything is incorporated, finish mixing by hand to ensure no lumps remain.
Step 5: Add Color
Divide the batter evenly into four bowls. Add the red, yellow, and blue gel coloring to separate bowls and mix until well incorporated. Combine the red and blue to create the deep “Black” color.
Step 6: Layer the Batter
Carefully layer the colored batters into the prepared pan. Start with the black batter, then add yellow, red, and finally green. Use a spoon to gently smooth each layer to ensure an even distribution.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in a cold oven, then set the temperature to 300°F. Bake for about 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should rise and develop a golden brown crust.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, cream cheese, and milk in a bowl.
Add lemon and orange extracts, then divide the glaze into three bowls. Add the red, yellow, and green food coloring to the bowls, creating colorful glazes.
Step 9: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake has cooled for about 30 minutes, pour the colorful glazes over the cake, allowing them to drip down the sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vibrant Colors: The cake is layered with red, green, yellow, and black, making it a visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for celebrations.
Flavorful and Creamy: The combination of rich butter, cream cheese, and extracts creates a moist, flavorful cake with just the right sweetness.
Easy to Make: Though it looks complex, the steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple to find.
Perfect for Celebrations: This cake is a great choice for family gatherings, Black History Month celebrations, or any event where you want to impress.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overmixing the Batter: If you overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, your cake may be dense. Mix gently until just combined.
Uneven Layers: Ensure each color layer is spread evenly in the pan. If the layers are too thick, they may not bake evenly.
Cake Sticking to the Pan: Be sure to grease the pan well and line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
Not Baking Long Enough: If your cake isn’t fully cooked after 2 hours, continue to bake in 10-minute intervals until done.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with Tea: A cup of hot tea or coffee pairs wonderfully with this sweet cake.
Pair with Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries or citrus slices balance the sweetness and add a fresh contrast.
Serve Family-Style: Slice the cake and serve it on a large platter for a family-style treat during gatherings.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store the poundcake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but you may want to add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
2. Can I make this cake without food coloring?
Absolutely! You can skip the coloring and still have a delicious poundcake. It will be a simple, classic flavor.
3. Why does my cake look uneven after baking?
If the layers weren’t spread evenly, the cake might rise unevenly. Ensure each layer is smooth and uniform before baking.
4. How do I make the glaze thicker?
If your glaze is too runny, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake stores well and actually becomes more flavorful after a day or two.
Tips & Tricks
Sifting the Flour: Always sift your flour to avoid lumps and ensure a smoother batter.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
Recipe Variations
Different Extracts: Try swapping out the lemon and orange extracts for almond or coconut extract for a new twist.
Chocolate Poundcake: For a chocolate version, replace 1/2 cup of flour with cocoa powder.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Black History Month Poundcake is a tribute to that. It’s a vibrant, flavorful, and meaningful dessert that brings people together and helps us reflect on the beauty of history and culture.
Each bite of this colorful cake is a reminder that food is more than just a meal—it’s a way to honor the past, celebrate the present, and create memories for the future. The mix of extracts, creamy texture, and colorful glaze make this cake a showstopper at any event.
Moreover, it’s a fun and engaging project that can be shared with loved ones. Make it for your next gathering and see how it adds joy, color, and flavor to your celebration.
Black History Month Poundcake
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 3 cups of sifted all purpose flour
- 3 cups of sugar
- 3 sticks of salted butter
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 ¼ block of cream cheese
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- 1 tsp orange extract
- ½ cup of butter flavored crisco
- Red, yellow, blue, and green wilton’s gel coloring
Instructions
- Grease and flour a two-piece baking pan, then line with parchment paper and grease the paper for easy removal after baking.
- Beat salted butter, Butter Flavored Crisco, cream cheese, and sugar for 4 minutes until fluffy. Scrape the bowl and continue creaming for another 4 minutes.
- Mix in vanilla, lemon, and orange extracts. Add eggs one at a time, mixing and scraping the bowl after each addition.
- Sift together flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in thirds. Stir gently and finish mixing by hand.
- Divide the batter into four bowls. Add red, yellow, and blue gel coloring to separate bowls, mixing each until fully incorporated. Combine red and blue for the "Black" color.
- Layer the batters into the pan starting with black, then yellow, red, and green. Smooth each layer gently for an even distribution.
- Place the pan in a cold oven, set to 300°F. Bake for 2 hours or until a toothpick comes out clean, and the cake is golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, and milk. Add lemon and orange extracts, then divide into three bowls. Add red, yellow, and green food coloring to each.
- Once the cake has cooled for 30 minutes, pour the colorful glazes over it, letting them drip down the sides.
