
Instructions:
Step 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.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk (start and end with the dry ingredients). Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Glaze
- In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add more lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 4: Glaze the Cake
- Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the cake. Let the glaze set before slicing.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice the cake and serve. You can garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh berries if desired.
Tips:
- Moistness: For an extra-moist cake, you can replace some of the butter with oil or add a little sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
- Lemon Flavor: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice for the best results.
- Glaze Thickness: Adjust the amount of lemon juice in the glaze to achieve your preferred thickness. A thinner glaze will be more liquid, while a thicker glaze will be more like frosting.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Enjoy your homemade Lemon Pound Cake! It’s a bright, refreshing, and delightful treat perfect for any occasion. 🍋🍰