🍋 Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Beyond the Butter

Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a rich, zesty, velvety creation that walks the line between tangy brightness and deep buttery indulgence. But what takes this cake truly beyond the butter is the clever addition of cream cheese, which transforms a classic Southern-style pound cake into something luxuriously moist, dense, and flavorful.

In this detailed article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake step by step. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a celebration, or just because lemon desserts make you smile, this recipe will elevate your baking game.

🌟 Why This Cake is Special

Traditional pound cake recipes rely heavily on butter for richness and structure. But when cream cheese joins the mix:

Moisture increases without making the cake too soft.
Tangy flavor balances the sweet, citrusy lemon.
Texture becomes velvet-like, perfect for slicing.

The lemon zest and juice give it a fresh citrus burst, making every bite light yet decadent.

🧈 Ingredients – The Essentials

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic 10-inch bundt or tube pan version:

Dry Ingredients

3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, room temperature
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, room temperature
2 ¾ cups (550g) granulated sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Lemon Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

🥣 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan thoroughly, or use baking spray with flour.
Tap out the excess flour and set the pan aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside. This will ensure even rising and no clumping.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl (use a stand mixer if you have one), cream the butter and cream cheese together on medium-high speed for about 2–3 minutes until fluffy and smooth.
Add the granulated sugar gradually and beat for another 3–5 minutes, until light and creamy. This step incorporates air and gives the cake its structure.

Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined evenly.

Step 5: Add Flavorings

Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until just combined.
The lemon zest adds oils that enhance the citrus aroma while the juice provides acidity and tang.