Lemon Pound Cake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This cake is a combination of buttery, soft, and moist textures with the bright, refreshing flavors of fresh lemons. With a zesty lemon glaze on top, it’s a treat every lemon lover will adore. This simple yet indulgent dessert is guaranteed to brighten up your day, making it ideal for everything from family gatherings to celebrations or just a cozy afternoon snack.

Table of Contents
Why Lemon Pound Cake is the Perfect Dessert
Lemon Pound Cake is a crowd-pleasing favorite that combines the richness of a traditional pound cake with the vibrant, fresh flavor of lemons. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s quick to make, requires common ingredients, and delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced cook, this cake is an easy-to-follow recipe that promises delightful results.
Ingredients for the Perfect Lemon Pound Cake
To make this delicious Lemon Pound Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
• Butter – Unsalted butter, brought to room temperature, helps create a tender, fluffy texture.
• Lemon – Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest are key to achieving that zesty, citrusy flavor.
• Eggs – Four large eggs help the cake rise, creating a light yet dense texture.
• Milk – Whole milk provides moisture and richness.
• Powdered Sugar – Used for the glaze, giving it a smooth and sweet finish.
• All-purpose Flour – Forms the base of the cake, ensuring it holds together perfectly.
• Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise, creating that perfect soft crumb.
• Salt – A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
Ingredient Alternatives for a Personalized Touch
If you’re looking to adjust the recipe for dietary preferences or what you have on hand, here are a few ingredient substitutions you can try:
- Gluten-Free Flour: If you need a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter and milk alternative, like coconut oil and almond milk, for a dairy-free version of this Lemon Pound Cake.
- Greek Yogurt: Replace the whole milk with Greek yogurt for a tangy, moist texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lemon Pound Cake
Making Lemon Pound Cake is a simple process. Follow these steps to create your own delicious loaf:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in the lemon juice and zest and beat again.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Incorporate dry ingredients and milk: With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: While the cake cools, mix together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your delicious Lemon Pound Cake.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Lemon Pound Cake
To ensure your Lemon Pound Cake turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are all at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you’ve added the flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense, rubbery texture.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a wooden pick or toothpick into the center of the cake to check if it’s done. It should come out clean.
- Prevent Overbaking: If your cake starts browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Lemon Pound Cake is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a variety of accompaniments to enhance its flavor:
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a fruity contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Top with freshly whipped cream for added richness and texture.
- Lemon Ice Cream: Pair it with a scoop of tangy lemon ice cream for an extra citrusy treat.
For a fun twist, try adding different flavorings to the batter, such as vanilla extract or even a pinch of cinnamon for a spiced version.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, be sure to store them properly to maintain freshness. Keep your Lemon Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake, either whole or in individual slices, for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, let the cake thaw at room temperature.
Lemon Pound Cake is a delightful, timeless dessert that brings together the best of sweet and tart. With its rich flavor and moist texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it with a cup of tea, this cake will always be a hit!
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pound Cake
Lemon Pound Cake is the ultimate treat for those who crave the perfect balance of rich, buttery texture and a bright, citrusy flavor. The combination of moist crumb, fresh lemon juice, and a sweet glaze makes this cake an irresistible choice for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it at a special event, this cake will surely impress everyone with its delightful taste and refreshing lemony zest. Plus, it’s simple enough for any baker to master!
By following the easy step-by-step instructions, you can create a delicious homemade Lemon Pound Cake that’s perfect for any season. It’s a must-try recipe that you’ll come back to again and again!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What can I do if my Lemon Pound Cake turns out too dry?
If your cake turns out too dry, it could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. To prevent this, ensure you’re measuring your flour properly (fluffing and spooning it into the cup). Additionally, check the cake for doneness 5 minutes before the recommended baking time is up to avoid overbaking.
2. Can I make Lemon Pound Cake without a glaze?
Yes, you can make the cake without the glaze if you prefer a less sweet option. The cake itself is already rich and flavorful, so it will still be delicious without the glaze. However, the glaze adds a lovely citrus finish that enhances the lemon flavor.
3. How long will the Lemon Pound Cake stay fresh?
If stored properly in an airtight container, your Lemon Pound Cake will stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just make sure it is wrapped tightly to maintain its moisture.

Lemon Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Pound Cake is a buttery, moist, and dense cake bursting with fresh lemon flavor. This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion, topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1¼ cup sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
- 2 teaspoons whole milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add sugar and continue beating for 2 minutes.
- Beat in the lemon juice and zest until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the batter, as it can make the cake dense.
- If the cake starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Room temperature ingredients mix better, so ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are not cold.
- If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can make it at home by blending regular sugar until fine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 65-70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 4579 kcal
- Sugar: 377g
- Sodium: 3333mg
- Fat: 211g
- Saturated Fat: 126g
- Unsaturated Fat: 68g
- Trans Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 622g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 64g
- Cholesterol: 1248mg