German Pound Cake (Sandkuchen)

📜 Collection: GC | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic German Pound Cake, or Sandkuchen, featuring a rich, buttery flavor and a fine, sandy crumb perfumed with vanilla sugar and cardamom. This traditional treat bakes into a golden loaf with a tender texture.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
20 mins1 hour15 mins1 loaf cake

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Loaf pan
  • Large bowl
  • Separate bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Wire rack
  • Toothpick

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
½ Pound (2 sticks)Buttersoftened
1 ½ CupsSugarSee Note
1 PackageVanilla Sugaror 2 tsp vanilla extract
3Eggslarge
2 ½ CupsFlourSee Note, all-purpose
1 Package (4 tsp)Baking PowderNone
1 teaspoonCardamomground
⅔ CupMilkNone

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Cream

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a standard loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the ½ pound (2 sticks) butter, softened with the 1 ½ cups sugar and 1 package vanilla sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the 3 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 2: Combine and Bake

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ cups flour, 1 package baking powder, and 1 teaspoon ground cardamom.
  2. On low speed, add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in three parts, alternating with the ⅔ cup milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown and fragrant.
  5. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store the cooled cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card