Delightful Southern Lemon Pound Cake Recipe

Embracing Southern Baking with Citrus Love

When it comes to Southern baking, nothing brings a smile quite like a moist, buttery lemon pound cake. This classic dessert combines the warmth of homemade goodness with the bright flavor of fresh lemons, making it a favorite for gatherings and family celebrations. With its zesty glaze, this cake captures the essence of Southern hospitality and the joy of sharing sweet treats.

A moist, buttery pound cake infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, topped with a sweet-tart lemon glaze. Every bite tastes like sunshine and Southern hospitality.

🕒 Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Servings: 10–12

🧂 Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2–3 lemons)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze

• 1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

🔪 Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a Bundt or loaf pan.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 4–5 minutes).

3. Add Eggs
   Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Mix Wet and Dry
   Add the dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk and lemon juice, beginning and ending with flour.
   Stir in lemon zest and vanilla.

6. Bake
   Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
   Bake for 1 hour 5–10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   Cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

7. Make the Glaze
   Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
   Drizzle over the cooled cake.

💡 Pro Tips

• Use fresh lemons, not bottled juice, for the brightest flavor.

• For an extra punch, brush warm cake with lemon syrup before glazing.

• Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving for a bakery finish.