Lemon Pound Cake

This Lemon Pound Cake is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a rich, moist texture and vibrant lemon flavor. The addition of fresh ginger adds a subtle warmth that elevates this classic cake, while the lemon glaze and cream cheese frosting make every bite a luscious experience. Whether it’s a holiday, special occasion, or just a cozy day at home, this pound cake is bound to be a hit. Let’s get into how to make this irresistibly moist and flavorful treat!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe 🍰

This Lemon Pound Cake combines the classic richness of a pound cake with the bright, fresh taste of lemon. It’s soft and fluffy, with a balanced sweetness that’s complemented by the tang of buttermilk and sour cream. The ginger and lemon zest create a layer of flavor that’s not only aromatic but also unforgettable. And don’t forget the double dose of lemon – both the glaze and cream cheese frosting add the final, citrusy touch that makes this cake so satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

For the Lemon Pound Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cake that gives it structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Adds a bit of lift to the cake, so it’s light and fluffy.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Provides richness and that classic pound cake texture.
• 2 cups sugar – Sweetens the cake, helping to bring out the lemon flavor.
• 3 eggs – Adds structure and moisture.
• ½ cup buttermilk – The tanginess of buttermilk complements the lemon and makes the cake incredibly moist.
• ½ cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and a hint of tang.
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright citrus flavor.
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced – Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
• Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tablespoons) – Intensifies the lemony goodness throughout the cake.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla – Adds a sweet, comforting aroma that complements the lemon.

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1½ cups powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice, at room temperature – For a sweet and tangy finish.

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened – Makes the frosting creamy and tangy.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Adds a bright citrus flavor.
• ¼ cup lemon juice – Enhances the lemon flavor while thinning out the frosting to the perfect consistency.
• 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and helps achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions 📋

Let’s dive into each step to create a Lemon Pound Cake that’s rich, tangy, and beautifully moist.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven 🔥

Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature is ideal for baking pound cake because it allows for even cooking without drying out the cake. Generously spray a bundt pan with baking spray or grease with butter and dust with flour to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients 🌾

1. Sift and Combine
   In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps aerate the flour, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar 🍯

1. Beat Until Fluffy
   In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for a tender pound cake.
2. Add the Eggs One at a Time
   With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures a smooth, homogenous batter.

Step 4: Add the Flavors 🍋

1. Mix in the Flavorings
   To the butter mixture, add the sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, ginger, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined. The ginger and lemon zest infuse the batter with a delightful aroma, while the sour cream and lemon juice add a balanced tanginess.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients 🥣

1. Incorporate Half of the Dry Ingredients
   Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
2. Add the Buttermilk
   Pour in the buttermilk and mix until just incorporated. Buttermilk not only makes the cake moist but also contributes to the tender crumb.
3. Add the Remaining Flour Mixture
   Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and mix until the batter is smooth, just until the flour disappears. Overmixing at this stage can toughen the cake, so mix gently.

Step 6: Bake the Cake 🍰

1. Pour and Smooth the Batter
   Pour the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake
   Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 70-80 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
3. Cool
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, turn the cake over onto a cake platter. Allow it to cool slightly before glazing.

Step 7: Prepare the Lemon Glaze 🍋

1. Mix the Glaze
   In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice.
2. Glaze the Cake
   Pour the lemon glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the cake for extra flavor and moisture.

Step 8: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting 🧀

1. Combine Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Drizzle the Frosting
   Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the cake in a decorative pattern. The frosting will harden slightly as it sets, creating a beautiful finish on top of the cake.

Serving Suggestions 🍴

This Lemon Pound Cake is wonderful on its own, but here are some ways to make it extra special:

• Serve with Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries on the side for a pop of color and flavor.
• Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add a light, airy contrast to the dense cake.
• Enjoy with Tea or Coffee: The tangy lemon flavor pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Storage Tips 🥡

• Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For a slightly longer shelf life, store the cake in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavor and texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze this pound cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Recipe Tips and Variations 🌟

• Use Meyer Lemons: For a sweeter, more aromatic lemon flavor, try using Meyer lemons in place of regular lemons.
• Try Adding Poppy Seeds: Mix a tablespoon of poppy seeds into the batter for a lemon-poppy seed variation.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can sometimes taste bitter and lack the bright citrus flavor of fresh lemons.

2. Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt works as a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe and adds a similar tangy richness.

3. What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

4. How can I make the cake even more lemony?
For extra lemon flavor, add an additional tablespoon of lemon juice or more lemon zest to the batter.

Final Thoughts 🌞

This Lemon Pound Cake is a delightful way to bring sunshine to any day. Its perfect balance of sweetness and tang, combined with the rich, moist texture, makes it a cake worth savoring. Whether you’re enjoying it with a hot cup of tea or sharing it with friends and family, this cake is bound to impress with its fresh, vibrant lemon flavor and irresistible cream cheese frosting. Enjoy each slice – it’s like a bite of sunshine in every mouthful!