If you love the richness of a classic pound cake but want something with a little more brightness and zest, this Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake is your new favorite recipe.
The combination of cream cheese and butter creates an incredibly velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the fresh lemon juice and zest cut through the richness with a bright, citrusy punch. Topped with a simple lemon glaze that seeps into every crevice, this cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It’s an elegant dessert for a spring brunch, a summer picnic, or any time you need a little sunshine on your plate.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
· ✅ Ultra-Moist: The cream cheese guarantees a soft, tender crumb that lasts for days.
· ✅ Bright Lemon Flavor: Fresh zest and juice give it a vibrant, natural citrus taste.
· ✅ Beautiful Glaze: The simple lemon glaze adds sweetness and a stunning finish.
· ✅ Perfect for Any Occasion: A show-stopping cake that’s easy to make.
Full Recipe: Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cool Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 large bundt or tube cake (12-16 servings)
📝 Ingredients:
(Exact ingredients from the image)
For the Cake:
· All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (360g)
· Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon
· Salt: ½ teaspoon
· Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g), softened to room temperature
· Cream Cheese: 8 oz (226g), softened to room temperature
· Granulated Sugar: 2 ½ cups (500g)
· Large Eggs: 6, room temperature
· Fresh Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
· Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon (from about 2 lemons)
For the Lemon Glaze:
· Powdered Sugar: 1 ½ cups
· Fresh Lemon Juice: 2-3 tablespoons
· Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon (optional, for garnish)
🥣 Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Generously grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan, making sure to coat all the crevices.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat on medium-high speed for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Lemon
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Beat until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Turn the mixer to low speed. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a long wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Tip: If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil after the first hour.
Step 7: Cool
- Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Invert the cake onto the wire rack and let it cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Glaze and Finish
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle with additional lemon zest if desired. Let the glaze set for 15 minutes before slicing.
💡 Chef’s Pro Tips:
· Room Temperature Ingredients: This is crucial for a smooth batter. Cold cream cheese or eggs will cause the batter to curdle.
· Zest Matters: Use a microplane to zest the lemons. Only grate the yellow part of the skin, avoiding the white pith, which is bitter.
· Don’t Skip the Cooling: Letting the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before inverting is key. If you try to invert it too soon, it will break. If you wait too long, it may stick.
· Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
· Serving Suggestions: This cake is delicious on its own, but also pairs beautifully with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.