I named my Vanilla Pound Cake a la Darlene after a very special lady who is also my former mother-in-law.
I used to watch Mrs. Darlene make her world famous chocolate pound cake in a loaf pan just like the one below.

Before I saw her method, I had only seen pound cakes baked in a bundt pan.
Then, I tasted her cake.
Well, now………..
Not too long after that, I was standing at my kitchen window washing dishes.
I noticed Mr. Bennie, my father-in-law, pull into our driveway.
Mrs. Darlene got out of the passenger side and headed to our front door.
Strangely enough, she was also carrying her huge loaf pan.
Turns out she had two of these HUGE baking pans.
She gave the other one to me.
In my humble opinion, it is the only way to bake a pound cake.
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Vanilla Pound Cake a la Darlene
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Description
This vanilla pound cake is so moist and delicious, it can stand on its own or be served with freshly whipped cream and seasonal berries!
Ingredients
2 cups salted butter (452 grams), softened at room temperature
3 1/2 (693) grams cups sugar
10 large eggs, room temperature
4 cups (480 grams) all purpose flour
1 T vanilla
Instructions
Grease and flour 1 large loaf pan ( or a 10 cup bundt pan, or 2 regular size loaf pans).
Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cream the butter.
Gradually Add sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
Add each egg one at a time, just until incorporated and yellow yolk is mixed in.
Gradually add 4 cups of flour.
Add vanilla and mix again.
Pour mixture into greased and floured pan.
Bake in oven for approximately 1 hours and 20 Minutes. But, check periodically after the first hour so that you don’t over bake the cake.
Allow the cake to cool for 45 minutes in the pan before inverting and allowing to completely cool on wire rack.
Notes
- Do not over bake this cake. Make sure to check it often after the first hour in case your oven runs hot.
- When you bake, use a scale to measure your dry ingredients. You will be shocked at the difference in the amount of flour and sugar you use. It really makes a huge difference in how your baked goods turn out.
- Use high quality vanilla extract. This ingredient will also make a big difference in your baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: desserts
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pound cake, vanilla
One other thing…….
When she handed me the pan, she said “Now, Jennifer. You can NEVER tell your sister-in-laws I gave this to you.”
So, y’all……………mums the word.
Now try out my Vanilla Pound Cake a la Darlene……and don’t forget to snag your very own life size loaf pan.
You can thank me later 🙂

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Mary Anne
February 8, 2021 7:53 pmI have had your pound cakes! I am so glad you are sharing this recipe. And I absolutely love the story behind the loaf pan.
★★★★★
Donna
March 29, 2021 12:10 pmHi. Can you tell me what the dimensions of the large loaf pan? Thanks!
Jennifer Williams
March 29, 2021 1:18 pmHi – I linked the exact one I use. If you click on it – it will give you the measurements.
Jennifer Williams
March 30, 2021 11:58 amIt is 16 X 4 X 4