Lemon Pound Cake
Lemon Pound Cake is a classic dessert that perfectly balances bright, zesty lemon flavor with a moist and tender texture. Made with simple pantry staples and fresh lemons, this cake is easy to prepare and delivers a rich, buttery taste enhanced by vibrant citrus notes. Ideal for any occasion, it offers a refreshing and timeless treat that’s sure to delight everyone.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour is used)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 large lemons
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Bring the butter and eggs to room temperature. Zest and juice fresh lemons. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your loaf pan to ensure an easy release.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, creating the perfect base for a tender cake crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice for the signature bright flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before turning it out onto a rack. This step helps maintain moisture and perfect texture.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest, most authentic flavor.
- Bring ingredients to room temperature for even mixing and a smooth batter.
- Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and avoid overmixing.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to help it set and retain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: lemon pound cake, lemon cake, citrus cake, moist cake, classic dessert, gluten-free lemon cake, easy baking