ITALIAN LEMON POUND CAKE RECIPE
Italian Lemon Pound Cake is a moist, zesty, and buttery dessert, perfect for tea or special gatherings. It combines a rich lemon flavor with a tender crumb, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest from 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
Add Eggs and Flavor:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the Glaze:
- While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.
Glaze and Cool:
- Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a few tablespoons of limoncello to the glaze.
- To enhance the lemon flavor, you can add lemon extract to the batter.
- This cake can be served with whipped cream or fresh berries for added elegance.