Lemon Pound Cake

Hey there, my baking bestie! Let’s whip up something that’s going to make your kitchen smell like a lemon grove in full bloom—Lemon Pound Cake. This beauty is dense, moist, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor, finished with a tangy glaze that’ll have you licking your fingers. Imagine slicing into this golden loaf, each bite a perfect mix of buttery richness and bright citrus—it’s pure comfort with a sunny twist. Trust me, you’re going to love this—it’s simple, delicious, and totally irresistible. Let’s get that oven humming!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Pound Cake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re sharing it at a brunch, gifting a loaf to a friend, or just treating yourself to a slice with tea, this cake’s got your back. Here’s why it’s a total keeper:

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up—it’s a slice of sunshine anytime!
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples with a couple of lemons—no fancy stuff needed for this classic.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward mixing and baking—you’ll feel like a pro without the fuss.
Customizable: Add a glaze, sprinkle some zest, or toss in berries—make it your own lemony dream!
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids will love the sweet-tart combo, and adults will crave that buttery goodness. Everyone’s slicing in!

Ingredients in Lemon Pound Cake

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Here’s the lineup that makes this cake a citrusy superstar—simple ingredients, big flavor:

Butter

The rich, creamy base that keeps this cake moist and tender—pure pound cake perfection.

Sugar

Sweetens it up and gives that golden crust we all adore—sweetness meets structure.

Eggs

Adds richness and binds it all together—key to that dense, velvety texture.

Flour

The sturdy backbone that holds all that lemony goodness in place.

Lemon Zest

Bright and zesty, it infuses the cake with fresh, citrusy magic—don’t skip this!

Lemon Juice

A splash of this brings that tart kick—pairs perfectly with the buttery base.

Sour Cream

The secret to extra moisture and a slight tang—makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Powdered Sugar

Whisks into the glaze for a smooth, drizzly finish—lemony icing heaven.

Vanilla Extract

A hint of this adds warmth and rounds out the flavors—like a cozy hug.

Instructions

Let’s bake this lemony delight—it’s easier than you think!

Preheat Your Equipment

Crank your oven to 325°F (165°C). This lower temp ensures a slow, even bake for that perfect crumb.

Combine Ingredients

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy and pale—about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add lemon zest, juice, and vanilla. Mix in flour and sour cream alternately until just combined—don’t overmix!

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment if you like—makes it easy to lift out later.

Assemble the Dish

Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top—it’s thick and luscious, ready to bake into golden glory.

Cook to Perfection

Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden. Your kitchen’s going to smell like lemon heaven!

Finishing Touches

Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Whisk lemon juice and powdered sugar into a glaze, then drizzle over the warm cake—watch it soak in!

Serve and Enjoy

Slice it up warm or cool and dig in! That first bite—dense, moist, and bursting with lemon—is pure joy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 340

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Pound Cake

This cake’s a star on its own, but here’s how to make it shine even brighter:

Fresh Salads: Pair with a bowl of berries—strawberries or blueberries—for a fruity, tart twist.
Crusty Bread: Skip the bread—serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy vibe!
Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Yes, please—decadence awaits!
Vegetable Sides: Nope, this is all about sweet, citrusy vibes—no veggies needed!
As a Standalone: Slice it thick, drizzle extra glaze, and sprinkle with zest—simple and stunning.

Additional Tips

Make this cake your own with these handy hints:

Prep Ahead: Mix the batter a day ahead and refrigerate—bake fresh when you’re ready.
Spice It Up: Add a handful of poppy seeds or a pinch of ginger for a fun twist.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or use gluten-free flour if needed—still delish!
Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or fridge for a week—tastes great either way.
Double the Batch: Baking for a crowd? Double up and use two loaf pans—more lemon love to share!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute lemon juice with something else?

A1: Sure! Orange juice works for a different citrus vibe—just as tasty!

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?

A2: Yep! Bake it a day ahead—it gets even moister overnight—then glaze before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: In an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or fridge for a week—warm it up if chilled.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?

A4: Totally! Wrap unglazed cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months—thaw and glaze later.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat it?

A5: Microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes—keeps it moist!

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: You bet! Double everything and bake in two loaf pans—check at 60 minutes for doneness.

Q7: Can I skip the glaze?

A7: Sure thing—dust with powdered sugar or enjoy plain—it’s still lemony and lush!

Q8: What if I don’t have sour cream?

A8: Greek yogurt or buttermilk works great—keeps that moist, tangy vibe going.

Q9: Can I add fruit?

A9: Oh, yes! Fold in some blueberries or raspberries for pops of flavor—yum!

Q10: Is this kid-friendly?

A10: Absolutely! The sweet-tart combo is a hit—just watch them ask for seconds!

Conclusion

There you have it, my friend—Lemon Pound Cake that’s as easy to make as it is to love. This zesty, buttery loaf is a slice of sunshine, perfect for brightening any day or sharing with the people who make you smile. Whether you’re savoring it solo with a cuppa or passing it around the table, it’s a recipe that delivers pure comfort and joy. So grab those lemons, preheat that oven, and let’s bake something amazing. You’ve got this—and it’s going to taste like a lemony dream come true!

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