Marguerette Allen’s Pound Cake Recipe

1995

Vanilla is often an ingredient in pound cake, a cherished dessert in many African American communities.

The first printed recipe for pound cake appeared in the 1747 cookbook, Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy. It called for one pound of sugar, butter, and flour and a dozen eggs.  

After Edmond Albius invented hand-pollination of Vanilla planifolia in 1841, vanilla became a popular ingredient in pound cake. Bakers soon put their own spin on traditional recipes and added everything from lemons to chocolate.  

Pound cakes are served at family gatherings, repasts, bake sales, and church picnics. Marguerette Allen made her Cream Cheese Pound Cake for family holiday celebrations and special occasions. The Miami Herald featured Allen and her recipe as part of a special feature on soul food traditions. A native of Tifton, Georgia, Allen learned to cook from her mother. Her recipe calls for a teaspoon of vanilla and eight ounces of cream cheese.