There’s something undeniably enchanting about the aroma of Italian Lemon Pound Cake wafting through the house. Imagine golden crusts that cradle a tender, moist interior bursting with zesty lemon flavor. pairing with a pasta dish Each slice is a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, making it the perfect companion for an afternoon coffee or a cozy dessert after dinner. sweet mascarpone stuffed dates
Every time I bake this cake, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she whipped up her signature lemon pound cake every Sunday. The whole family would gather around, eagerly waiting for that first slice—an explosion of citrus happiness that made all our worries melt away.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Italian Lemon Pound Cake is simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
- The vibrant flavors make it stand out at any gathering
- Its beautiful presentation adds elegance to your dessert table
- Perfect for brunch or as a sweet treat anytime you need a lemony lift!
I remember the first time I served this cake to my friends; their faces lit up like Christmas trees when they took their first bites!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for rich flavor; ensure it’s softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best here, creating that perfect balance of sweetness in the cake. For more inspiration, check out this cinnamon sugar donut sweet bread recipe.
- Large Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind all ingredients together for a fluffy texture; bring them to room temperature before using.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cake; sift it beforehand for a lighter crumb.
- Baking Powder: Ensure freshness for the best rise; check the expiration date on your baking powder to avoid flat cakes.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest will give your cake its signature zing—avoid dried zest if possible.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice adds brightness and moisture; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it!
- Powdered Sugar: For a sweet glaze or dusting; use organic powdered sugar for an extra touch of sophistication. For more inspiration, check out this easy sugar cookie frosting recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. a flavorful steak bowl recipe.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan, ensuring every corner is covered so your cake slides out easily later.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes—trust me, it’s worth it!
Add Eggs One at a Time: Crack in your eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. You want everything combined smoothly for that luscious texture we crave.
Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution when combined with wet ingredients—no one likes clumps in their cake!
Add Zest and Juice**: Gently fold in the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice into your batter. The moment you do this, expect an aromatic citrus explosion that’ll have everyone wondering what you’re baking.
Pour Into Loaf Pan**: Transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
When you take this Italian Lemon Pound Cake out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. delicious banana bread alternative This way, you avoid any sticky situations where half of your delicious creation stays stuck inside.
Finally, drizzle some powdered sugar glaze over it once completely cooled—or don’t! You really can’t go wrong here because who doesn’t love more lemony goodness? Enjoy each bite as it melts in your mouth like sunshine on a warm day!
You Must Know
- This delightful Italian Lemon Pound Cake is a burst of citrusy joy, perfect for any occasion
- Its moist texture and zesty flavor will have your taste buds dancing
- Make it ahead for a refreshing dessert or afternoon treat with tea
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add eggs and lemon zest for maximum flavor. This order ensures a light and airy cake that rises beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits like oranges or limes for a unique twist on this classic recipe. You can also add poppy seeds for extra texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Italian Lemon Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To enjoy it warm, simply pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For that perfect rise, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
- Avoid opening the oven door too soon—this can cause the cake to collapse
- Always measure flour correctly; spooning it into the cup prevents a dense cake
Baking this Italian Lemon Pound Cake always brings back memories of family gatherings, where everyone would eagerly wait for the first slice— it’s simply irresistible!
FAQ
Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, but all-purpose flour provides the best texture for this Italian Lemon Pound Cake.
What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use applesauce or flaxseed meal as an egg substitute in this recipe.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!

Italian Lemon Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Italian Lemon Pound Cake! This moist cake, with its golden crust and zesty flavor, is a perfect companion for afternoon tea or as a sweet dessert after dinner. Each slice offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and tartness that will transport you back to cherished family gatherings. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring that every bite feels like a slice of sunshine.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Zest of 2 lemons (freshly grated)
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until just combined.
- Fold in lemon zest and juice until fully incorporated.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan; smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze once cooled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg