Moist and buttery lemon pound cake recipe with a bright lemon glaze. Perfectly sweet and tangy, ideal for dessert, tea time, or celebrations.
Lemon Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze
Lemon Pound Cake is a moist, buttery cake with a bright citrus flavor, topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for dessert, tea time, or celebrations, this cake combines rich texture with refreshing lemony goodness.
Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
For the Cake
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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½ cup milk
For the Lemon Glaze
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
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½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly flour it, or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 4: Add Flavorings
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Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
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Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk.
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Start and end with the flour mixture.
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Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
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Smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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If the cake starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
Step 7: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
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In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
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Adjust consistency: add more lemon juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
Step 8: Glaze the Cake
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Once the cake has cooled for 10–15 minutes, remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack.
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Pour the lemon glaze over the top of the warm cake, letting it drip down the sides.
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Allow the glaze to set before slicing.
Step 9: Serve
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Slice the cake into pieces and serve at room temperature.
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Optional: garnish with extra lemon zest for a bright presentation.
Tips for Best Results
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Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smooth batter.
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Don’t overmix after adding flour to keep the cake tender.
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For extra lemon flavor, brush the cake with a little fresh lemon juice before adding the glaze.
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Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.