Description
Creamy lemon pound cake with a tangy lemon icing delivers pure citrus bliss from Southern kitchens. Delicate crumb and zesty glaze make this dessert irresistible for home bakers seeking classic comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by greasing a loaf or bundt pan thoroughly and heating the oven to 325°F.
- Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, creating a smooth base.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.
- Combine dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt – in a separate bowl, creating a uniform mixture.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a consistent texture.
- Infuse the batter with bright citrus notes by gently stirring in fresh lemon zest and juice, distributing evenly.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it smoothly and evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack, allowing it to settle and develop its full flavor profile.
- Create a tangy lemon icing by whisking powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle the vibrant lemon icing over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
- Grate lemon zest carefully to avoid bitter white pith, which can make the cake taste harsh.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum for better texture.
- Enhance moisture by brushing warm cake with lemon simple syrup before adding icing, creating a more intense citrus flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 444
- Sugar: 44 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg