Description
Brighten your dessert table with Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake, a delightfully zesty and moist cake balancing rich creaminess and fresh citrus in every tender bite. This classic dessert features a perfectly moist crumb thanks to cream cheese, enhanced by the brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest. Ideal for any occasion, it stays fresh for days and offers a burst of sunshine with every slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep and Combine Wet Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease your loaf pan well. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and prevent lumps.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, folding gently after each addition. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make the cake dense.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use all ingredients at room temperature for a smooth, even batter.
- Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice does not compare.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender, moist crumb.
- Grease and flour your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy release.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to maintain its structure.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 to 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg