Grab For Eats Few desserts capture the heart and soul of Southern baking quite like the Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe. Rich, buttery, and incredibly moist, this pound cake brings together old-fashioned charm with a delicate balance of flavor, thanks to the unexpected warmth of mace spice. Whether served plain, topped with fruit, or dusted with powdered sugar, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels right at home on any occasion—from birthdays to brunches.
Let’s dive into the story behind this beloved cake, explore its unique ingredients, and walk through how you can recreate this iconic recipe in your own kitchen.
Who Was Behind the Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe?
The Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe was a signature item from the beloved Geechee Girl Rice Café, a cozy Philadelphia restaurant celebrated for honoring the rich culinary heritage of the Gullah Geechee culture. Run by the talented chef Sheri McGee, the restaurant specialized in low-country cuisine inspired by the food traditions of the African-descended Gullah Geechee people, known for their flavorful dishes rooted in rice, seafood, and slow-cooked Southern staples.
Though the restaurant has since closed, its spirit lives on through recipes like this pound cake—a recipe that generations of fans continue to bake and cherish.
Types of flour and why all-purpose is preferred:
- Cake Flour: Low protein; produces a very tender crumb.
- Bread Flour: High protein; not ideal for soft cakes.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Nutty flavor but denser texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: The go-to for pound cake due to its ideal structure-to-tenderness balance.
What Is Mace and Why It Shines in the Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe
A standout feature of the Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe is its subtle infusion of ground mace. But what exactly is mace?
Mace is a warm, aromatic spice made from the lacy outer covering of nutmeg seeds. While nutmeg tends to be slightly sweeter and more robust, mace offers a more delicate, floral aroma with peppery and citrusy notes. In baking, mace brings a refined depth to recipes without overpowering them—making it the perfect accent for rich, buttery pound cakes.
Spices similar to mace:
- Nutmeg – Earthier and more intense; the closest flavor cousin.
- Allspice – A blend of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg in one.
- Cardamom – Sweet and floral, with a hint of citrus.
- Clove – Pungent and warming; great for bolder spice cakes.
- Cinnamon – Classic spice, but more common and sweeter.
Get to Know the Ingredients in the Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe
Every great dessert begins with quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what goes into the Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe, along with their benefits and a fun fact about each!
1. Unsalted Butter (2 cups)
Butter is the foundation of any pound cake, offering structure, flavor, and richness.
- Health benefit: Contains vitamin A and healthy fats.
- Fun fact: Pound cakes were originally made with a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour!
2. Sour Cream (1 cup)
Sour cream gives the cake its signature tenderness and moisture.
- Health benefit: Adds calcium and probiotics.
- Fun fact: Sour cream helps tenderize gluten, making cakes softer.
3. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
This classic flavoring enhances the overall aroma and taste.
- Health benefit: Contains trace antioxidants.
- Fun fact: Real vanilla is made from the cured pods of the vanilla orchid.
4. Granulated Sugar (3 cups)
Sugar sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
- Health benefit: Provides quick energy in moderation.
- Fun fact: Creaming sugar with butter creates air pockets, helping the cake rise.
5. Eggs (6, room temperature)
Eggs provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients.
- Health benefit: Rich in protein and essential vitamins.
- Fun fact: Room-temperature eggs blend better with other ingredients for a smoother batter.
6. All-Purpose Flour (3 cups)
This versatile flour gives the cake structure while keeping it tender.
- Health benefit: Contains iron and B vitamins.
- Fun fact: All-purpose flour has a balanced protein content (about 10–12%), making it perfect for both cakes and cookies.
7. Baking Soda (¼ tsp)
Helps the cake rise and become light.
- Health benefit: None directly, but essential for texture.
- Fun fact: Baking soda reacts with sour cream to create lift!
8. Kosher Salt (½ tsp)
Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Health benefit: Provides essential minerals in small amounts.
- Fun fact: Kosher salt is preferred in baking for its clean flavor and easy measuring.
9. Ground Mace (Pinch)
Adds warmth and complexity to the cake.
- Health benefit: Known for anti-inflammatory properties.
- Fun fact: Mace is harvested from the same fruit as nutmeg but offers a more delicate flavor.
10. Confectioners’ Sugar (for dusting)
Used as a finishing touch for presentation and sweetness.
- Fun fact: Also called powdered sugar, it contains cornstarch to prevent clumping.
Utensils You’ll Need for the Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe
To get started, gather these tools:
- 10-inch fluted tube or Bundt pan
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer (for dusting sugar)
How to Make Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe
Making the Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe is a joyful process that fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of butter, vanilla, and spice. Here’s a friendly walkthrough of how to bring this beloved dessert to life.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your oven time to heat evenly while you prepare the batter.
- Prepare the Pan: Grab a 10-inch fluted tube pan and grease it generously with non-stick spray. Lightly dust with flour to ensure easy release.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 cups of softened unsalted butter with 3 cups of sugar. Mix until fluffy and pale—this may take 3–5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. With the last egg, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a pinch of mace.
- Mix Wet and Dry Together: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of sour cream. Mix until smooth but don’t overbeat.
- Pour Into the Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Tap lightly to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake the Cake: Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving, if desired.
Best Drinks to Pair with Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe
- Coffee – A dark roast complements the rich, buttery cake.
- Sweet Tea – A Southern classic that pairs beautifully with pound cake.
- Chardonnay – The vanilla notes in this wine echo the cake’s flavors.
- Chai Latte – The spices in chai mirror the warmth of mace.
- Milk – A simple, nostalgic pairing that’s always comforting.
Occasions to Enjoy the Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe
This cake is a perfect fit for so many moments:
- Birthday parties
- Holiday dinners (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)
- Mother’s Day brunch
- Potlucks and family reunions
- Tea parties or afternoon gatherings
Its timeless taste and elegant look make it a go-to dessert for any celebration.
How to Store the Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe
To keep your Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe fresh:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate: Up to 7 days. Bring to room temp before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually in plastic and foil; freeze up to 3 months.
Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe: A Southern Classic Worth Savoring
Equipment
- 10-inch fluted tube or Bundt pan
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cooling rack
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer (for dusting sugar)
Ingredients
- 2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 cup white sugar
- 6 eggs
- 3 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tbsp baking soda
- ½ tbsp Kosher salt
- 1 pinch ground mace
- 2 tbsp Confectioners' Sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your oven time to heat evenly while you prepare the batter.
- Prepare the Pan: Grab a 10-inch fluted tube pan and grease it generously with non-stick spray. Lightly dust with flour to ensure easy release.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 cups of softened unsalted butter with 3 cups of sugar. Mix until fluffy and pale—this may take 3–5 minutes with an electric mixer
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. With the last egg, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a pinch of mace.
- Mix Wet and Dry Together: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of sour cream. Mix until smooth but don’t overbeat.
- Pour Into the Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Tap lightly to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake the Cake: Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving, if desired.
Tips
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth, even batter.
- Don’t overmix once you add flour—this keeps the crumb tender.
- Spoon and level your flour for accurate measuring.
- Grease the pan well, especially the grooves of the fluted pan.
- Let the cake cool before dusting with sugar or slicing—it firms up perfectly.
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love the Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe
The Geechee Girl Pound Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of Southern tradition, a nostalgic treat with roots in family, culture, and community. Its tender crumb, balanced sweetness, and whisper of warm spice make it a cake that invites second helpings. Whether you’re baking it for loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a slice and a cup of tea, this cake delivers comfort and joy with every bite.
Try it once, and you just might find it becomes a staple in your own kitchen, too.
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