How can I prevent my pound cake from getting gummy streaks?

Those gummy streaks in pound cakes, also called ‘sad streaks’ and ‘sorry streaks’, seem to have different causes—and therefore different solutions—depending who you ask. Here are a few tips for preventing "sad streaks":

•      Start with butter and eggs at room temperature

•      Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly at medium (not fast) speed until the mixture is very light and fluffy. Take your time.

•      On the other hand, do not over-beat the mixture once you start adding in dry ingredients. At that point, mix only until it is just combined.

•      Use an oven thermometer to be sure your oven is properly calibrated.

Dédé Wilson, founder  of the website Bakepedia, says, “If all else fails, cut up your ‘sad’ pound cake and make a trifle, or top it with ice cream and hot fudge sauce.”