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Classic Lemon Pound Cake

Easy Lemon Pound Cake

Camila Benitez
This Classic Lemon Pound Cake recipe is my family's favorite. The cake has a pleasing lemon flavor that brings out the freshness of the desert, thanks to the zest and fresh lemon juice. It has a light, fluffy, moist texture from the buttermilk and a sweet and tangy lemon glaze that is delicious. It is also one of the easiest cakes to make.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 18

Ingredients
  

Lemon Pound Cake:

For the Lemon Glaze:

Instructions
 

  • Adjust the oven rack to the center position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a standard 12-cup Bundt pan or spray with Baking Spray with flour.
  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cornstarch. Set aside. In the stand mixer bowl, beat the butter and  sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg and scraping down the sides of the bowl. In a two-cup liquid measuring cup, combine  ¼ cup of the lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and buttermilk.
  • With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture in thirds, beginning and ending with the flour. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and give a quick mix to be sure the batter is well incorporated.
  • Pour the lemon batter into the prepared bundt and smooth the surface. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a cake tester or skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a rack and cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, make the Lemon Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth, adding more lemon juice as needed, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the glaze is pourable. Spoon the glaze over the Lemon Pound Cake and allow to set for 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Ensure it has cooled completely, then tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or up to a week, respectively. If the cake has a glaze, note that it may become tacky or absorbed over time. Before serving, you can refresh the glaze with a dusting of powdered sugar.
To reheat: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). Place the desired slices on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish and warm them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Monitor closely to prevent over-baking. Once reheated, you can serve the slices as is or add a fresh glaze drizzle or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful touch.
Make-Ahead
The lemon pound cake can be made a day ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days with a cling film cover over the top of the pan.
How to Freeze
Freeze the lemon pound cake without the glaze for up to 3 months. Wrap the cake in clingfilm twice and foil once. To defrost, unwrap and defrost for about 5 to 8 hours at room temperature on a wire rack—Glazed before serving.
Notes:
  • How to Make Homemade Buttermilk: add 4 teaspoons of fresh lemon, lime, or white distilled vinegar to a glass measuring cup, and add enough milk to make 1 cup of total liquid; stir to combine and let stand for 5 minutes (the mixture will begin to curdle). Then, use as stated in the recipe.
  • For thinner frosting, add 1 to 4 tablespoons of milk or evaporated milk.
  • Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 5 days, making sure to bring the lemon pound cake back to room temperature before serving.
  • Don't overdo it when it comes to mixing; mix until just combined.
  • Do not overcook them.
  • This lemon pound cake recipe can also be used to make 36 cupcakes (baking time should be between 25 and 30 minutes), (3) 9-inch round cakes (30 and 35 minutes), or a 13 x 18 inch half sheet pan cake ( 20 and 25 minutes)
Nutrition Facts
Easy Lemon Pound Cake
Amount per Serving
Calories
293
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
12
g
18
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Trans Fat
 
0.4
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Cholesterol
 
65
mg
22
%
Sodium
 
105
mg
5
%
Potassium
 
69
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
43
g
14
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
26
g
29
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
390
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
 
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
36
mg
4
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.

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