Dense, moist pound cake gets its name from the classic recipe of a pound each of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. No surprise that a slice weighs in at more than 700 calories and a day's dose of saturated fat. Can anything replace the richness of a block of butter—and still maintain that treasured tender crumb?
Yes: After testing cakes that were dry, crumbly, or spongy, we found that a deft combo of butter and canola oil was the fix, with the help of a smart trick. See, canola oil may be righteously heart-healthy, but it's also bland—until you steep a vanilla bean in it. This magically transforms the oil, giving it a creamy texture and rich flavor. We happily break with tradition, cutting half the calories and 80% of the saturated fat—in a cake that can stand proudly beside the original.
The Classic:
• 707 calories per slice
• 39.6 grams total fat
• 23.7 grams saturated fat
The Makeover:
• 294 calories per slice
• 12.6 grams total fat
• 4.7 grams saturated fat
