Whether or not you need to cover a pound cake while it is baking or cooling is a common question for bakers. There are a few factors to consider when determining if you should cover a pound cake.
Why Would You Cover a Pound Cake?
There are two main reasons why you may want to cover a pound cake:
1. To prevent over-browning or burning on top. Pound cakes often bake at a lower temperature for a longer time. This can lead to excessive browning or burning on top if the cake is not covered. Placing foil or parchment paper over the cake for the last portion of baking time can prevent this.
2. To retain moisture. Covering the cake while it cools will trap moisture and steam under the cover and keep the cake soft and moist. If left uncovered as it cools, a pound cake can dry out on top.
When Should You Cover a Pound Cake?
The timing of when you cover a pound cake depends on your goal:
- To prevent over-browning: Cover the cake when it looks done or nearly done baking. This is usually during the last 5-10 minutes of baking time.
- To retain moisture: Cover the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. Leave covered until completely cooled.
What Can You Use to Cover a Pound Cake?
Here are some options for covering a pound cake:
- Aluminum foil – This is the most common choice. Make sure foil is wrapped loosely so steam can escape.
- Parchment paper – This will prevent the cake from sticking to the foil.
- Kitchen towel – A light towel can work but may absorb more moisture.
- Cake dome – This is ideal for retaining moisture while cooling.
- Inverted bowl – Use a large bowl placed over the cake.
When Should You Avoid Covering a Pound Cake?
There are a couple scenarios where you may want to avoid covering a pound cake:
If you want a crunchy, caramelized top
Leaving the cake uncovered creates a nice browned, crunchy top crust. If this texture is desired, do not cover the cake while baking.
If the cake top is not browning enough
Sometimes pound cakes can be pale and underbaked on top. Leaving it uncovered for more browning at the end of baking may help achieve an evenly baked cake.
Steps for Covering a Pound Cake
Here is a simple step-by-step process for covering a pound cake:
- Bake pound cake most of the way through the recommended baking time in the recipe.
- When cake is nearly done baking (about 5-10 minutes left), remove cake from the oven.
- Lightly place a piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper directly onto the top of the cake.
- Return cake to oven and finish baking until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove cake from oven and let cool completely before removing the cover.
The steps may vary slightly depending on your specific recipe and preferences. Getting the technique right takes some practice!
What Happens If You Don’t Cover a Pound Cake?
If you choose not to cover a pound cake while baking and cooling, here is what you can expect:
- The top will become very dark brown, likely more so than the sides.
- The texture may be crunchier and firmer on top.
- The cake will cool more quickly without the insulating cover.
- It will dry out faster and be less moist.
- The overall visual appeal may suffer with an uneven or overly browned top.
While an uncovered cake may work out fine, chances of over-browning and dryness increase. Covering helps ensure tender, even texture and moisture throughout the pound cake.
How Does Altitude Affect Covering Pound Cakes?
Higher altitude requires adjustments when baking cakes. The decreased air pressure causes cakes to rise faster and the moisture evaporates quicker. This means altitude affects the covering step as well:
- Cakes may require covering earlier when baking at high altitudes.
- The baking temperature might need to be reduced to prevent over-browning.
- Allowing steam to escape by poking holes in foil or using a dome cover helps.
- Cooling the cake more slowly after baking retains moisture.
Getting to know your oven’s hot and cool spots is key for determining when and how to cover cakes in higher altitudes. Be prepared to make adjustments to your normal process.
High Altitude Pound Cake Baking Tips
Here are some tips for success with pound cakes at high altitudes:
- Lower oven temperature by 25°F/13°C
- Watch cake closely toward end of baking time
- Check for doneness earlier with a toothpick
- Expect cakes to dome in center more
- Cool cake in pan for 1 hour before removing
Common Pound Cake Covering Mistakes
It’s easy to make mistakes when trying to get the perfect coverage on your pound cake. Here are some common ones:
Covering too early
Putting the cover on too soon can prevent proper rise and cause a sunken center. Wait until at least 2/3 of baking time has passed.
Using plastic wrap or a tight cover
This will trap moisture and make the texture dense or gummy. Use foil or parchment to allow airflow.
Taking the cover off too soon
Be sure the cake is completely cooled before removing cover, at least 1-2 hours.
Covering too loosely
Foil or parchment should hug the top of cake closely so moisture stays trapped.
Poking holes in warm cake
This causes the holes to collapse; wait until completely cooled before testing doneness with a toothpick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about covering pound cakes:
Should I cover a pound cake when refrigerating?
Yes, it’s a good idea to keep it covered in the fridge. Use a cake dome or inverted bowl so the cake stays moist.
Can I use wax paper instead of foil?
Wax paper may stick to a warm cake. Parchment paper or foil works better.
Should I cover the sides too or just the top?
Just covering the top is sufficient. The sides will remain moist enough if cooled properly.
What if my cake browns too much even when covered?
Lower the oven temperature by 25°F next time and watch it closely toward the end of baking.
Should I cover cakes baked in a bundt or tube pan?
Yes, cover these the same way by laying foil over the top opening. Cool upside down for best results.
Tips for Perfectly Moist Pound Cake
In addition to covering techniques, here are some tips for ensuring your pound cake turns out moist:
- Use room temperature ingredients
- Cream butter and sugar sufficiently – 3-5 minutes
- Avoid overmixing the batter
- Use milk or buttermilk instead of water
- Add an extra egg yolk or two
- Replace some flour with cornstarch
- Slice when completely cooled
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature
Getting the ingredients and mixing method right goes hand in hand with proper covering for irresistibly moist pound cake every time!
What Can You Do With Leftover Pound Cake?
Pound cake stays fresh covered at room temperature for up to 5 days. Here are creative ways to use up leftovers:
- Pound cake french toast
- Trifle with whipped cream and berries
- Grill with ice cream for dessert
- Make into cake pops
- Use as base for strawberry shortcake
- Blend into cake milkshake
- Cube and toast for bread pudding
- Layer into parfaits
With a little imagination, you can transform leftover pound cake into something delicious! Use cooling and storage tips in this article to maximize freshness.
Conclusion
Covering a pound cake while baking and cooling is recommended for achieving an evenly baked cake with moist, tender texture. Allow steam to escape by using foil or parchment loosely tented over the cake. Cool completely before removing cover. Be sure to make adjustments for high altitude baking. Follow proper mixing methods, ingredient selection, and storage to complement your covering techniques. With the guidance in this article, you can master the art of baking moist, flavorful pound cakes.