Pound cake is an American English name for a type of fruit cake known in British English as a Madeira cake. Its name originated from the ingredients used in quantities of Imperial pounds. This results in a large, dense cake not often suited to modern American tastes, though the style (if not the size) is still popular in Britain. American pound cakes are lighter, but often contain an abundance of butter, to provide a rich taste, and are extremely popular in the Southeastern United States. Many potluck gatherings feature large pound cakes as desserts.

A traditional British Pound Cake recipe would specify one pound each of flour, butter, eggs (8 eggs), sugar, and several kinds of dried fruit (currants, sultanas, and raisins, with perhaps a lesser quantity of glacГ© cherries). (These quantities are too great for most modern families, but an excellent cake can be made with half quantities or less.) It is usual to weigh the eggs first and then use the same weights of the other ingredients; with a traditional pair of kitchen scales, the eggs are simply used instead of weights.

A traditional American Pound Cake would specify one pound each of flour, butter, eggs and sugar. This recipe is quite popular in Southern states and is usually a staple at picnics and family get-togethers.