Italian Lemon Pound Cake

When life gives you lemons, bake a cake an Italian Lemon Pound Cake, to be precise. This luscious dessert is the epitome of sophistication, marrying the buttery richness of a classic pound cake with the vibrant tang of fresh lemons. It’s perfect for everything from casual coffee breaks to elegant dinner parties.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lemon Lovers’ Dream: Packed with lemon zest, juice, and optional extract for the ultimate citrus flavor.
• Moist and Tender: Sour cream ensures every bite is rich and moist without being overly dense.
• Elegant and Versatile: Ideal for special occasions or as a simple treat to brighten your day.
• Showstopper Glaze: A drizzle of lemon glaze takes it over the top with extra zestiness and shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: The foundation of sweetness.
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature for a velvety texture.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Add just enough lift for a perfect crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature for moisture and richness.
• Zest of 2 large lemons: Brings out the bold lemon flavor.
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Adds tang and brightness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional): Amplify the flavors.

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar: Creates the sweet base for the glaze.
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adjust for your desired glaze consistency.
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional): For extra flair and flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat and Prep Your Pan

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan to ensure the cake releases smoothly.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed using a hand or stand mixer.
• Mix for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender crumb.

3. Add Eggs, One at a Time

• Crack the eggs into the batter one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.

5. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

• Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream.
• Begin and end with the dry ingredients. This technique ensures the batter remains light and airy.

6. Infuse with Lemon Goodness

• Gently fold in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and extracts (vanilla and lemon, if using).
• Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

7. Bake to Perfection

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool the Cake

• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
• Carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

9. Make the Lemon Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
• Add lemon zest for extra citrusy brightness, if desired.

10. Glaze and Serve

• Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides.
• Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Lemons

• For the best flavor, always opt for fresh lemons. Pre-bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrancy needed for this recipe.

2. Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature

• Room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream ensure the batter mixes evenly and creates a tender crumb.

3. Don’t Overmix

• Once the flour is added, mix just until combined to avoid a tough cake.

4. Test for Doneness

• Since ovens vary, start checking for doneness around the 1-hour mark.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian Lemon Pound Cake is incredibly versatile. Serve it as:

• Afternoon Tea Treat: Pair with a hot cup of Earl Grey or green tea.
• Elegant Dessert: Dress it up with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Perfect for holidays or family gatherings.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

1. Room Temperature

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

2. Refrigeration

• If glazed, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

3. Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Variations and Customizations

1. Add Poppy Seeds

• Turn it into a lemon poppy seed pound cake by folding in 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds with the dry ingredients.

2. Make It Orange

• Swap the lemon zest and juice for orange, creating a vibrant orange pound cake.

3. Chocolate Twist

• Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the lemon glaze for a decadent finish.

Why This Cake is a Classic

This Italian Lemon Pound Cake strikes the perfect balance between richness and brightness. The sour cream adds creaminess, the lemon zest and juice bring a refreshing zing, and the buttery crumb ensures every bite melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or indulging in a weekday treat, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This in a Loaf Pan?

Yes! Divide the batter between two standard loaf pans and adjust the baking time to 50–60 minutes.

2. What If I Don’t Have Lemon Extract?

You can omit it, but the extract enhances the lemon flavor. Use a bit more lemon zest for compensation.

3. Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream?

Absolutely. Full-fat Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute.

Final Thoughts: A Cake to Brighten Any Day

This Italian Lemon Pound Cake is more than just a dessert it’s a little slice of sunshine. With its vibrant citrus notes, rich texture, and irresistible glaze, it’s guaranteed to impress your family, friends, and taste buds.

So, grab those lemons and get baking you’re about to fall in love with this zesty delight!