Classic Lemon Pound Cake Recipe

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
   • Example: Flour → Milk → Flour → Milk → Flour
2. Mix gently after each addition until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.

Step 6: Add Lemon and Vanilla

1. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until evenly distributed, infusing the batter with a bright, citrus aroma.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

1. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes.
2. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is important to prevent the glaze from melting too much.

Step 9: Optional Lemon Glaze

1. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or juice as needed.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for an extra layer of tangy sweetness.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Pound Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and milk should all be at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Zest Before Juicing: Always zest lemons before cutting to avoid removing zest along with the juice.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Extra Moisture: For an extra moist cake, brush the top with a simple syrup made of equal parts sugar and water before glazing.

Why This Cake Works

The combination of creamy butter, sugar, eggs, and milk gives the pound cake its classic dense yet tender texture. Lemon zest and juice provide a fresh contrast, keeping the cake light and flavorful. This timeless recipe is simple but produces a show-stopping result that’s perfect for any occasion.

A slice of this classic lemon pound cake is soft, buttery, and bursts with lemony goodness in every bite. Pair it with tea, coffee, or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat.

If you want, I can also create a short, visual step-by-step version with pictures or illustrations to make it even easier to follow in the kitchen.

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