Lemon Pound Cake Clara quick dinners

Lemon pound cake is a rich, buttery loaf infused with bright citrus flavor and topped with a sweet lemon glaze. Dense yet moist, it’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it a classic treat for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemon pound cake is a crowd-pleasing favorite thanks to its tender crumb and vibrant lemon flavor. The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and a buttery base creates a deliciously moist cake that stores beautifully. It’s simple to make, looks elegant on a serving plate, and tastes even better the next day—ideal for gatherings, gifting, or just a personal treat.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Whole milk or sour cream
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for glaze)
• Additional lemon juice (for glaze)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Mix in the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
6. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk (or sour cream), mixing just until combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 5060 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice to form a glaze, then drizzle over the cooled cake.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1012 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 5060 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Glazed Bundt Cake: Double the recipe and bake in a Bundt pan for a beautiful presentation.
• Blueberry Lemon: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Lemon-Lime: Use a mix of lemon and lime juice/zest for a citrus blend.
• Greek Yogurt: Substitute milk or sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, denser cake.
• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute and sugar-free glaze for a lower-sugar version.

storage/reheating

Store lemon pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To freeze, wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 1015 seconds.

FAQs

What makes pound cake different from regular cake?

Pound cake is denser and richer, traditionally made with equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

How do I keep the pound cake moist?

Avoid overbaking and store it properly in an airtight container. Using sour cream or yogurt also helps retain moisture.

Can I add a lemon syrup?

Yes, brushing the cake with lemon syrup after baking boosts moisture and flavor.

What kind of pan should I use?

A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best. Bundt pans or mini loaf pans also work with adjusted baking times.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour substitute to make a gluten-free version.

Why did my pound cake crack on top?

Cracking is normal in pound cakes due to their dense texture and long bake time.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use two loaf pans or one large Bundt pan.

What can I serve with lemon pound cake?

Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a cup of tea or coffee all pair perfectly.

Is this cake better the next day?

Yes, the flavors develop more after resting, making it even more delicious the next day.

Conclusion

Lemon pound cake is a timeless, elegant dessert with a bold citrus punch and a rich, buttery texture. Whether enjoyed as a sweet breakfast, an afternoon indulgence, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this cake is a simple yet satisfying recipe that everyone will love. Bake it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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