Ingredients
Cake:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus a bit more for greasing the pan)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour (a little extra for the pan, too!)
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, room temperature
– 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Lemon Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Preparation
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (that’s about 175°C) and with a smidge of butter and a sprinkle of flour, prepare your 9×5 inch loaf pan to make sure your cake comes out as easy as pie.
2. In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s fluffy and light – like a little cloud.
3. One at a time, beat in the eggs, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until everything’s getting along nicely.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, gently fold this into your buttery lemon mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top like you’re tucking a blanket over a sleeping baby.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is a lovely golden brown.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for a bit, and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until it’s smooth as silk.
10. Once the cake is cool, drizzle that bright lemon glaze over the top – as little or as much as you like. Let it set for a few minutes if you can stand waiting.
Variations & Tips:
– If you have someone in the family who’s not a fan of too much tartness, reduce the lemon juice in the glaze and replace it with milk for a softer sweetness.
– To make it gluten-free for your friends with dietary restrictions, swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend – just make sure it’s a 1:1 type.
– If you want to add a bit of texture, feel free to fold in a half cup of poppy seeds into the batter for a delightful little crunch.
– Always make sure your ingredients are at room temperature to ensure everything mixes evenly and your cake rises to its full glory.
Enjoy the smiles and warm hugs that this Lemon Pound Cake is sure to bring to your kitchen table. It’s one of those recipes that feels like home, don’t you think?