Description
This lemon pound cake is soft, buttery, and loaded with fresh lemon flavor. Infused with lemon syrup and finished with a tangy glaze, it’s the perfect citrus dessert for any occasion. Moist, vibrant, and easy to freeze or make ahead, this recipe yields two flavorful loaves everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- For the syrup: 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- For the glaze: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pans with parchment slings and spray with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- On low speed, alternate adding flour and buttermilk mixtures, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans and smooth tops.
- Bake 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely.
- For the syrup: boil sugar and water, then stir in lemon juice. Brush over cooled cakes.
- For the glaze: whisk confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cakes and let set.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for best flavor; you’ll need 4–5 large ones.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, combine 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
- Cakes can be made 1 day ahead and stored at room temp or frozen (unglazed) for up to 3 months.
- Apply syrup only after cakes are fully cooled to prevent a gummy texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American