Why is pound cake called "pound cake"?

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 English 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 glacé 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.

The original recipe called for a pound each of butter, flour and sugar

Because the traditional recipe calls for a pound of butter.

The reason is that the original recipe calls for a lb of butter, a lb of flour and a lb of sugar.

Because all of the buttery goodness will make you feel like you just gained a pound in one sitting lol:)

You Put On A Pound A bITE.

It is 1 puond and doesn't make u as fat as other cakes.

Yep, because of all the butter that is used.

good guestion never think of it before