Here’s a delightful recipe for Lemon Pound Cake that’s moist, tangy, and perfect for any occasion. This cake is great on its own or served with a glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Lemon Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- For the Lemon Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or line it with parchment paper for easier removal).
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze (optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
- Serve:
- Slice the cake and enjoy! This lemon pound cake pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.
Tips:
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Variations: For an extra lemony flavor, add more lemon zest or use a lemon extract in addition to the juice.
Enjoy your homemade lemon pound cake! 🍋