Italian Lemon Pound Cake Recipe
Transport your taste buds to Italy with this delightful Italian Lemon Pound Cake! 🍋☀️ This moist, buttery cake is bursting with fresh lemon flavor, topped with a luscious glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. It’s perfect for an afternoon treat, family gatherings, or a simple moment of indulgence with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 50-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10-12 slices
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard bundt pan or loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Lemon
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in the lemon zest and juice.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients
- Stir in the sour cream and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Prepare Glaze
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake and sprinkle with lemon zest if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and serve with a warm beverage or fresh fruit for a taste of sunshine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright lemon flavor: Perfectly sweet and tangy.
- Moist and tender: Thanks to the sour cream and butter.
- Elegant yet easy: Perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake as a delightful dessert after dinner, or enjoy it as a mid-morning snack with a cup of coffee or tea. It also makes a beautiful addition to brunch spreads or holiday tables.
Share the Joy!
Save this recipe and share it with a friend who loves lemon desserts. Have you ever tried Italian pound cake before? Let us know in the comments what you think! 🍋💕