Lemon Glazed Pound Cake Recipe

by

Lemon Glazed Pound Cake is a classic dessert that combines the dense, buttery texture of a traditional pound cake with the refreshing citrusy tang of lemon. The addition of a sweet, zesty lemon glaze enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful shine to the cake. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoon teas to festive celebrations. It’s a simple yet elegant treat that will impress your guests and leave them coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.
  • Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.

2. Bake the Cake:

  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Lemon Glaze:

  • While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. If you’d like a more intense lemon flavor, you can add lemon zest to the glaze as well.
  • The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle over the cake but still runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more lemon juice until the desired consistency is reached.

4. Glaze the Cake:

  • Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect choice for afternoon tea.
  • With Fresh Berries: Serve the cake with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for added color and flavor.
  • As a Dessert: Enjoy it as a simple dessert after dinner. The refreshing lemon flavor makes it an excellent finish to a light meal.

Helpful Tips for Success

  1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smoother batter and ensure better mixing.
  2. Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sift the dry ingredients together to avoid lumps and ensure an even distribution of baking powder.
  3. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense texture. Mix the batter until just combined.
  4. Storage: If not serving immediately, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 4-5 days.
  5. Freezing: You can also freeze the pound cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Slice)

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Protein: 3g

Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including cooling time)

Description

This Lemon Glazed Pound Cake is the perfect balance of rich, buttery flavor and the bright, fresh zing of lemon. The cake’s dense yet tender crumb makes it incredibly satisfying, while the sweet and tangy glaze adds an irresistible finish. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just for a sweet treat, this pound cake is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the refreshing lemon flavor in every bite!

Leave a Comment