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Italian Lemon Pound Cake

Italian Lemon Pound Cake

Patricia
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 12 slices
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3-4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  • Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan or tube pan, ensuring all crevices are coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 cup softened butter and 2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time

  • Add the 4 eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 5: Incorporate Lemon and Vanilla

  • Mix in the 2 tablespoons lemon zest and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Liquids

  • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the 1 cup buttermilk and ¼ cup lemon juice.
  • Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
  • Mix on low speed just until each addition is incorporated—avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan

  • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  • Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

  • Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Start checking for doneness at the 60-minute mark.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

  • Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
  • Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest.
  • Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar (to thicken) or lemon juice (to thin) as needed.

Step 11: Glaze the Cake

  • Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to run down the sides.
  • For a neater presentation, place a sheet of parchment paper under the rack to catch any excess glaze.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

  • Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve the cake at room temperature, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor—avoid bottled juice if possible.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
  • Properly Grease the Pan: To prevent sticking, thoroughly grease and flour the Bundt pan, reaching all the grooves.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
  • Test for Doneness: Ovens vary, so use a toothpick to check if the cake is baked through.