Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a large Bundt pan or tube pan thoroughly, making sure every groove is coated. Allow your butter, eggs, and buttermilk to come to room temperature, ensuring a smooth, velvety batter.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step adds air to the batter, giving your pound cake its classic fine crumb and lift.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The kitchen should already smell beautifully citrusy at this point.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumping once added to the batter.
Step 5: Add Buttermilk and Dry Ingredients Alternately
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix gently and only until combined. Overmixing can make the pound cake dense.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 65–75 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The cake should be golden, fragrant, and slightly pulling away from the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool fully before adding the glaze. Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth, then drizzle generously over the cake.
Variation:
- Blueberry Lemon Version: Fold 1 cup fresh blueberries coated lightly in flour into the batter.
- Extra Lemon Punch: Add lemon extract for a stronger lemon explosion.
- Cream Cheese Variation: Replace ½ cup butter with ½ cup cream cheese for a denser, richer structure.
- Lemon Coconut Pound Cake: Add ½ cup shredded coconut for tropical flavor.
COOKING Note:
For the perfect pound cake texture, all ingredients must be room temperature—this helps the batter emulsify properly, creating that classic firm yet moist crumb. Also, baking at a lower temperature (325°F) helps prevent cracking and ensures even rising.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with fresh berries or sliced strawberries.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
- Pair with hot tea or iced lemonade for a refreshing combination.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple but elegant finish.
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