NATIONAL POUND CAKE DAY
On March 4th, National Pound Cake Day recognizes one of the dessert world’s most versatile cakes. Each year it is celebrated by bakers and cake lovers alike. Celebrate with a piece (or two) of this deliciously rich delight.
#NationalPoundCakeDay
The traditional recipe for pound cake makes a cake much larger than most families can consume, as it calls for a pound each of flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. Hence the name Pound Cake.
In the United States, sour cream pound cake is a popular variation apart from the traditional pound cake recipe. Other variations include adding vanilla or almond flavoring or dried fruits.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL POUND CAKE DAY
- Visit your favorite bakery and pick up a pound of deliciously sweet cake to share.
- Give the baker a shout-out, too.
- Turn on your oven and bake up a traditional pound cake. We have just the right recipe for you to try.
- Invite friends to join you and slice it up. Add sweet berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate or fruit syrup.
- Bake some to give as a gift to friends and family. Or bring it to work to share with co-workers.
- Use #NationalPoundCakeDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL POUND CAKE DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this dessert holiday.
Pound Cake FAQ
Q. How many calories are in a serving of pound cake?
A. An 85 gram serving of pound cake contains 280 calories.
Q. Why are pound cakes so dense?
A. Traditional pound cake recipes do not include a leavening agent. A leavening agent like baking soda or baking powder causes the batter to rise as the cake bakes, creating lighter, airier results.
Q. What flavors are best for pound cakes?
A. Bakers prefer lighter flavors for pound cakes such as citrus and berry flavors. However, coffee, chocolate, and other fruits are also incorporated into delicious pound cake recipes.
March 4th Celebrated History
1841
President William Henry Harrison sits for the first presidential photograph following his inauguration.
1872
The Boston Globe publishes its first issue.
1917
After being elected by the citizens of Montana, Jeannette Rankin becomes the first woman to become a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
1902
Name your favorite road song. “I Can’t Drive 55” by Sammy Hagar or “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane. Nine motor clubs combined to form the American Automobile Association (AAA or Triple-A) in Chicago, Illinois.
1929
Charles Curtis takes the oath of office and becomes the first Native American vice president.
1933
The first woman Cabinet member takes office. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Frances Perkins from Massachusetts to Secretary of Labor.
1975
In a private ceremony, Queen Elizabeth II knights Charlie Chaplin, Sir Charles Chaplin Knight Commander of the British Empire.
1975
The Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance and Record of the Year goes to Olivia Newton-John for “I Honestly Love You.” Stevie Wonder wins Album of the Year for Fulfillingness’ First Finale and Best Male Pop Performance.
March 4th Celebrated Birthdays
Garrett Morgan – 1877
Of the American inventor’s patents, two provided significant progress in safety. The first was a gas mask, and the second was a three-position traffic. Similar to previous traffic signals, Morgan’s include stop and go positions, but it also included an all-direction stop. This allowed the intersection to clear before giving traffic from the other direction the go signal.
Knute Rockne – 1888
Considered one of football’s most storied players and coaches, Rockne coached Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish for 13 seasons and 105 wins.
Barbara Newhall Follett – 1914
In 1927, the young American author published her first novel, The House Without Windows, at the age of twelve. The Lost Island: Plus Three Stories and an Afterword was published two years later.
Robert R. Wilson – 1914
Recruited by J. Robert Oppenheimer, Robert Wilson headed the cyclotron group for the Manhattan Project. Wilson’s artistic talents became integral in his later career when his eye for aesthetics enhanced the design of Fermilab.
Miriam Makeba – 1932
The South African musical artist is known as “Mama Africa” and landed the lead in the Broadway show King Kong in 1959. After testifying before the United Nations in 1963 about apartheid, the South African government revoked her citizenship. In 1966, Makeba and Harry Belafonte won the Grammy for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording for An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba.
Notable Mentions
David Watson Taylor – 1864
Margaret Osborne duPont – 1918
Bobby Womack – 1944
Peggy Rathmann – 1953
Ray Mancini – 1961