With a soft, airy crumb, jammy cherry filling, and a glossy, cloud-like frosting, this Mount Vernon Cake is full of old-fashioned charm—even if its origins are a bit of a mystery.

From simple loaves to pretty bundts, it's hard to deny the universal appeal of a buttery, fine-crumbed, not-too-sweet pound cake. Jodie Kautzmann is an editor, baker, and confectioner with more than ...