Iced Lemon Pound Cake: A Refreshing Citrus Treat

Iced Lemon Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich and dense texture of traditional pound cake with the refreshing zest of lemon. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, whether served as a sweet treat with afternoon tea or as a refreshing dessert on a warm summer day. Topped with a tangy lemon glaze, this cake is sure to brighten your day with its citrusy flavor and irresistible sweetness. In this article, we’ll explore how to make Iced Lemon Pound Cake from scratch, providing step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting the recipe, and ideas for serving this delightful treat.

Ingredients Needed

For the Pound Cake:

1. Unsalted butter: Provides richness and flavor to the cake.
2. Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and adds moisture.
3. Eggs: Add structure and richness to the cake.
4. All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the cake.
5. Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
6. Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
7. Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
8. Lemon zest: Infuses the cake with bright and citrusy flavor.
9. Fresh lemon juice: Adds tanginess and enhances the lemon flavor.

For the Lemon Glaze:

1. Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and creates a smooth texture.
2. Fresh lemon juice: Adds tanginess and citrus flavor to the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Lemon Zest:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Mix in the lemon zest until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk.
   • Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Add Lemon Juice:
   • Stir in the fresh lemon juice until evenly incorporated into the batter.
7. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Cake:
   • Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
   • Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
10. Glaze the Cake:
    • Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
11. Slice and Serve:
    • Slice the Iced Lemon Pound Cake into thick slices and serve it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Tips for Perfecting Iced Lemon Pound Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing the batter for optimal texture and rise.
• Zest Before Juicing: Zest the lemons before juicing them to ensure you capture all the flavorful oils from the peel.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the lemon glaze to prevent it from melting and becoming too runny.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy Iced Lemon Pound Cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Serve it as a light dessert after a summer barbecue or picnic, paired with fresh berries or sliced fruit.
• Gift slices of Iced Lemon Pound Cake to friends and family as a thoughtful homemade treat for special occasions or holidays.

Iced Lemon Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer with its bright and citrusy flavor. With its moist and tender crumb and tangy lemon glaze, this cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Whether enjoyed as a sweet indulgence on its own or served alongside your favorite beverage, Iced Lemon Pound Cake is a refreshing and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.