To produce a properly risen pound cake that doesn't fall, make sure your leavening agent is fresh, not expired. We use baking powder in this recipe, but the same would apply to baking soda. Do not over-mix the cake batter either. Over-mixing can incorporate too much air which gives an artificial lift to the batter while it's baking but ultimately, it might fall. Last, be sure to keep the oven door closed until the baking time is up. No peaking!