There’s something irresistible about the combination of buttery, rich cake with a bright, refreshing citrus flavor. Lemon pound cake is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making it a delightful dessert for any time of year. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this lemon pound cake will not disappoint. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to bake your own slice of heaven.
Ingredients for Lemon Pound Cake
To bake a moist and flavorful lemon pound cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream or buttermilk (room temperature)
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal. This will help ensure the cake doesn’t stick while baking and make it easier to remove once it’s done.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the mixture aside. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the baking powder and salt evenly throughout the flour, which leads to a more consistent rise when baking.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take about 3-4 minutes. The process of creaming the butter and sugar helps incorporate air into the batter, making the pound cake light and tender.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate any mixture that may have stuck to the sides. Next, add the vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The lemon zest is key for that fresh, vibrant citrus flavor that will infuse the entire cake.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream (or buttermilk) to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition gently until just incorporated to avoid overworking the batter. The sour cream or buttermilk will add moisture and richness to the cake, ensuring it’s incredibly moist and tender.
Step 6: Pour the Batter and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If you find that the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil in the last 20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is essential for the cake to set and firm up.
Step 8: Glaze the Cake (Optional)
For an extra burst of lemon flavor and sweetness, you can drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cake. To make the glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and a teaspoon of lemon zest. Drizzle it over the cake once it has cooled completely. The glaze will add a sweet, citrusy shine to the cake and enhance its flavor.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once the glaze has set, your lemon pound cake is ready to serve. Slice it up and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. This cake is perfect for afternoon tea, a light dessert after dinner, or as a delightful treat for a gathering. Its moist texture and bright lemon flavor make it a favorite for lemon lovers.
Conclusion: A Perfect Lemon Pound Cake
There you have it—an easy, flavorful lemon pound cake that’s sure to brighten up any occasion. The fresh lemon zest and juice give the cake a wonderfully tangy kick, while the rich, buttery texture makes every bite melt in your mouth. This cake is simple enough for everyday baking but elegant enough for any celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Enjoy your homemade lemon pound cake, and happy baking!
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