Lemon Pound Cake
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This lemon pound cake is the ultimate dessert for lemon lovers.
Calling all lemon lovers! This lemon pound cake is a dessert made just for you. The recipe incorporates both lemon zest and lemon juice into the cake batter, infusing the cake with a lovely lemon flavor. But the real magic happens after baking — the cake is generously doused with lemon syrup and then drizzled with a tart lemon glaze, delivering an intense burst of lemon flavor with every bite. The recipe yields two ultra-moist loaves that stay fresh for days on the countertop or can be frozen for later. If you’d like to switch things up, try my popular lemon poppyseed cake and lemon blueberry pound cake variations. A big thank you and shoutout to Karen Tannenbaum, one of my longtime readers, for inspiring this wonderful recipe!
What You’ll Need To Make Lemon Pound Cake
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Start by zesting and juicing your lemons. And be sure you zest the lemons first, otherwise, it will be impossible once they are juiced. The best tool for zesting is a rasp grater but any fine grater will do.
Combine the flour, salt, and baking soda in a mixing bowl. I always add dry ingredients in little piles so I don’t forget what I’ve already added.
Whisk and set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or beaters), cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again.
With the mixer on low speed, beat in one-quarter of the flour mixture, then one-third of the buttermilk mixture. Beat in another quarter of the flour, then another third of the buttermilk mixture. Repeat with another quarter of the flour and the remaining buttermilk mixture. Finally, beat in the remaining flour mixture.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and give a quick mix to make sure all of the ingredients are well-incorporated.
Transfer the cake batter to the prepared pans and smooth with a rubber spatula.
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the top is golden and a tester comes out clean.
Set the cakes on a cooling rack, and cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
Carefully run a knife along the unlined sides of the pans to loosen the cake from the pan. Using the parchment slings, lift the cakes out of the pans and place onto the rack, leaving the parchment paper in place under the cakes. Let cool for about 1 hour.
When the cakes are almost cool, make the syrup. Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
To make the glaze: in a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice. Add more confectioners’ sugar or lemon juice as necessary to make a thick but pourable glaze (it should be a little thicker than you’d think, about the consistency of molasses or honey).
When the cakes are cool, carefully transfer them to serving platters. Gradually brush the warm syrup all over the cakes, including the sides, letting it soak in as you go.
Finally, spoon the glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Let the cakes sit for about one hour to allow the glaze to set before serving.
How To Freeze Lemon Pound Cake
The cakes can be frozen without the glaze for up to 3 months. After they are completely cooled, double-wrap them securely with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving. (Add the syrup before the cake is frozen and add the glaze after the cake is thawed.)
Note: This recipe was updated in 2022; to see the original version, click here.
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Lemon Pound Cake
This lemon pound cake is the ultimate dessert for lemon lovers.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off with a knife
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (low-fat is fine) (see note)
- 2 tablespoons (packed) grated lemon zest (see note)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 2¼ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
For the Syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
For the Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Spray two 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray. Line the long sides of the pans with parchment paper “slings” and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray again.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, lemon zest and lemon juice. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or beaters), cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again.
- With the mixer on low speed, beat in one-quarter of the flour mixture, then one-third of the buttermilk mixture. Beat in another quarter of the flour, then another third of the buttermilk mixture. Repeat with another quarter of the flour and the remaining buttermilk mixture. Finally, beat in the remaining flour mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and give a quick mix to make sure all of the ingredients are well-incorporated.
- Divide the thick batter into the prepared pans and smooth with a rubber spatula. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the top is golden and a tester comes out clean.
- Set the cakes on a cooling rack, and cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife along the unlined sides of the pans to loosen the cake from the pan. Using the parchment slings, lift the cakes out of the pans and place onto the rack, leaving the parchment paper in place under the cakes. Let cool for about 1 hour.
- When the cakes are almost cool, make the syrup. Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- When the cakes are cool, carefully transfer them to serving platters.
- Gradually brush the warm syrup all over the cakes, including the sides, letting it soak in as you go.
- To make the glaze: in a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and lemon juice. Add more confectioners' sugar or lemon juice as necessary to make a thick but pourable glaze (it should be a little thicker than you'd think, about the consistency of molasses or honey). Spoon the glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Let the cakes sit for about one hour to allow the glaze to set before serving.
- Note: If you’d like to make your own buttermilk, check out the easy method here.
- Note: You'll need 4 to 5 large lemons for the entire recipe.
- Make-Ahead/Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cakes can be made up to 1 day ahead of time and stored in a cake dome or airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen (without the final glaze) for up to 3 months. After they are completely cooled, double-wrap securely with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving. (Add the syrup before the cake is frozen and add the glaze after the cake is thawed.)
Nutrition Information
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- Per serving (16 servings)
- Serving size: 1 slice
- Calories: 313
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Sugar: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 143mg
- Cholesterol: 51mg
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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Good morning Jenn…
I’m a little embarrassed,and I’ve read the recipe a couple X’s. In the comments I’ve read about sour cream or yogurt being added,but I’m not seeing it in the recipe. Am I understanding correctly that sour cream or yogurt is interchangeable w/the buttermilk?
😊 Thanks got your help!
Lisa
Hi Lisa, no need to feel embarrassed and you’re not missing anything! A number of readers have asked if they can replace buttermilk with sour cream or Greek yogurt and the answer is yes, as long as you thin it out with a little bit of milk. Hope that clarifies and that you enjoy the cake! 😊
😊 Thank you! As I’ve mentioned a few times……I have no idea how you answer all our questions so quickly! I’m very appreciative ❤️
Lisa in Laton
I have now made this cake four times and each time it was a hit with everyone! What a winning recipe!! Thank you! The baking time of 55-65 minutes is pretty accurate as well, depending on the humidity of the day and my inconsistent oven. I’ve had to tent the cakes with foil twice (after 50-55 minutes) since the top was browning too much and the middle needed more baking. This is the best pound cake recipe ever!
Lemon Pound Cake
Recipe was easy to follow.
I made for New Year’s Day everyone loved it.
Not too sweet. Texture good. The flavor with lemon zest and lemon juice added made it the perfect lemon taste.
I will definitely make again.
Thank you
Did not mention the temperature….
Hi Julia, the cakes should be baked at 350°F/175°C. Hope you enjoy!
Baking powder should be part of this receipe since the cake did not rise at all.
Waste of time and money!
My first time baking it, and it turn out delicious. Very easy to follow instructions.
However, I did cut way back on the sugar using only 1 1/4 cups. Also added double the lemon juice. Will be making again.
I just made this. Absolutely delish. I made a raspberry sauce to put on when served. Just amazing.
I just made this to bring to a friend. Saved the other loaf for husband & Me. Just cut with a serated bread knife and found it to be a bit crumbly not clean curtains like photos . Is there a better knife to use to get cleaner cut? Otherwise cake is delicious!
Hi Carol, Glad you like it! A serrated knife should work well. Was the cake completely cooled when you sliced it?
Darn. The center collapsed during cooking. Looked up reasons for this, and found too much baking soda (that didnt happen), or over beating & adding too much air to the batter (yep that probably happened). Parchment was very much needed for mine – the ends that did not have parchment stuck, but I was able to separate the cake from the pan with a knife.
Overall very tasty, and stayed moist for several days. However, I’d probably reduce the sugar to 2/3rds cup or less for my personal preference. I found this much too sweet.
This recipe is great because my household of 3 will go through some baked goods, so two loaves was perfect. I never have buttermilk on hand so I used three quarters of a cup of sour cream, and the a quarter cup of milk mixed until smooth and the loaves turned out great, I did double the syrup recipe just to get as much flavor as possible.
I love the lemon pound cake recipe it was buttery however it was tough and hard so I substitute the butter milk with sour cream and it was so much better. Thanks.
Absolutely delicious! Minor process, but worth it. And for those of you who say you ‘don’t like buttermilk’…you can’t taste it, don’t be silly snd use it.
Hello,
I’d like to make this lemon cake ahead and freeze. When is the best time to add the syrup? Before I freeze the cakes or when I take them out – thaw and before serving ?
Also what is the best way to thaw these cakes?
Your guidance would be much appreciated.
Andrea
Hi Andrea, you can go through the step where you add the syrup, but refrain from the final glaze until after you’ve thawed the cake. See the bottom of the recipe for detailed freezer friendly instructions. Hope you enjoy!
What if I don’t like buttermilk is there a substitute I can use? Very excited to make this!
Hi Angie, you can use either sour cream or yogurt; just thin it out with a little regular milk. Enjoy!
I think this would have come out perfectly, but I made my own confectioner’s sugar.
I used one cup of granulated sugar that I pulsed into a fine powder and added 1 tbsp of cornstarch. It came out the consistency of molasses, but it was quite sticky and grainy and very, very sweet. I still put it on my cakes, but I fear I ruined them.
I would make them again, with real confectioner’s sugar!
I made these loaves yesterday. The loaves were very moist, but I have to say I was expecting the syrup to penetrate the top layer more deeply. Perhaps the recipe didn’t explicitly state this, but I would prick the loaves with a toothpick before brushing with the syrup.
This recipe is a keeper.
Hey Jenn! I’m planning on halving the recipe, but as it calls for three eggs, how would you halve that?
Also, what should cooking time and temp be for one loaf pan? Thanks!
Hi Nicole, for the odd egg, beat it in a measuring cup, discard half of it, and use the remaining half. And the cooking time and temp will remain the same for one loaf. Enjoy!
Delicious. I wish I could add a picture.
I made it on a round pan, the one with the whole in the middle and I used 1 cup of low fat Greek yogurt instead of butter milk. I left 65 minutes in the oven, but could probably have done 60. It is soft and moist and taste delicious. I also used fresh organic lemons.
Absolutely delicious! BUT – absolutely NO reason to go to the trouble of using parchment “sleeves.” I simply sprayed the pans with non-stick olive oil cooking spray and they literally fell right out of the pans when turned upside down. Save yourself the time! Just spray.
2nd – I’m not convinced the “syrup” changes the taste at all. Only 2T being spread all over the whole loaf changes pretty much nothing. I’d just do the frosting next time.
And there will be a next time! They are yummy 🙂
Why is the recipe for two cakes… it would be easier if for one tbh, I would rarely need two.
Hi Steph, feel free to cut the recipe in half if you’d like. This also freezes nicely, so you can make the full recipe and freeze one of the cakes.
Keep the other one well-wrapped in the freezer for later! I love doing that. Same with homemade cookies – then I just thaw 2 for hubby & me at lunch when we want them. Things keep way longer that way.
Hello, can’t wait to make this! I have regular Buttermilk, not low-fat will that work? And can you use 1 Bundt pan for this recipe instead of the 2 loafs?
Hi Katie, your buttermilk is fine. And this recipe was actually originally baked in a Bundt pan but so many people were having problems with it sticking, that I updated the recipe to use two loaf pans instead. If you don’t have any problems with things sticking to your Bundt pan, feel free to use one. I will email you that version. Hope you enjoy!
Uh oh! I forgot to click on 5 STARS… SO SORRY
Jenn, thanks for your response(s) to my egg question. I made the two cakes – no changes – and the result was incredible! Great taste, great crumb, lots of raves… Thank you for such amazing, fool-proof recipes.
So glad they came out well — thanks for taking the time to let me know!
Delicious everytime! This is my hit in every family gathering.. Question.. Can I make ahead and refrigerated? No freezer time. I need to make it for Saturday but I only have the time to prepare it on Thursday.. it will be alright?
So glad you like it! The cake keeps nicely for 3 to 4 days and no need to refrigerate it — I’d store it in a cake dome on your counter.
Hi Jen,
I was about to make this when I realized I do not have buttermilk. Can you offer a substitute that would work: yogurt or simply 2% milk?
And another one for you: do I need to line the pans with parchment paper?
Many thanks,
Steph
Hi Steph, you can actually make your own buttermilk. See how here. And to avoid sticking, I’d recommend using the parchment slings. Hope you enjoy!
I’m trying this recipe this weekend and I want to know since I plan to use the bundt cake pan instead of the 2 loaf pans, would the cook time?
Hi Nique, I’d reduce the oven temp to 325 degrees and bake it for 65 to 75 degrees or until the cake is golden brown and a tester comes out clean.
Have made this twice and both times the center collapsed. Will not make this again.
AMAZING!!! I will he making this all the time now thanks for sharing this!
The loaf was lemony and tender but way too sweet! The recipe called for 2 1/4 cups sugar so I cut it back to 2 cups. Next time, I’d cut it back even more if there is a next time?
Halved this recipe with a lemon and a half leftover from over projects. Still turned out very lemony and delicious (we squeezed as much lemon juice and harvested as much lemon zest as possible). My partner ate half a loaf within fifteen minutes. I made the glaze too runny so there wasn’t the nice visual contrast of a thick, white glaze. Still more than edible though.
Perfect recipe. Did this in a large USAPan Pullman pan (lid off) instead of the 2 loaf pans. Turned out great— took exactly 60 mins to bake. Family loved it! Thank you!
Jen, love this recipe which I also make into a bundt cake. Can I make this into cupcakes and how long should I bake them? I’m sure someone has already asked this in the 1887 comment section.
So glad you like it! Yes, these should work as cupcakes. I’d start checking them for doneness at about 18 minutes. Please LMK how they turn out!
This was delicious but for some reason my loaves were no more than 1 1/2″. Could that be the humidity? I followed measurements exactly.
Hi Andrea, I don’t think it would be the humidity. Were your loaf pans 8½ x 4½-inches? Is your baking soda very old or expired?
I would like to make this cake using cake flour. Do I still need to add the baking soda when adding baking soda to cake flour? it changes the texture of the cake or should I use 2 1/2 cups cake four 1/2 cup plain flour. any suggestions?
Hi Theola, I’m concerned that cake flour wouldn’t give this cake enough structure so for the best results, I’d stick with all-purpose.
Absolutely delicious and so simple to make.
I didn’t feel the Lemon Syrup was even necessary…
But, a nice touch, for sure!!
Next time- I plan to bake several; good to know it freezes well.
This is delicious. I made it for my dad on Father’s Day.
Two thumbs up! This is a keeper.
This recipe is wonderful! It’s the perfect addition to any summer party
The cake turns out delicious every time and it’s not as difficult to make as other recipes I’ve tried. And the extra glaze beneath the icing adds to the lemon flavor
How can I make this great sounding cake in mini loaf pans please?
Hi Connie, think mini loaves would work here. I’ve never made this in mini loaf pans, so I can’t say for sure, but I think it will make anywhere between 3 and 5 loaves. I’m not certain how long they’ll take to bake (so keep a close eye on them), but I would start checking them at about 35 minutes. Please LMK how they turn out!
My husband and I absolutely love this recipe! I made the full recipe and froze one of the cakes. We couldn’t tell it had been frozen. It was still moist and delicious.
Wondering…do you think this recipe would work with limes?
So glad you liked it! It won’t have quite the zing that lemons provide, but this will work with limes. I’d love to hear what you think if you try it!
Hi Jen! I love your website! I have made many of your recipes (and have your first book) and usually they all turn out great. This one however, did not. The cake turned out flat, it didn’t rise… I think because I didn’t add the baking soda. I didn’t have any left at home so I thought it would not be a big deal (only half a teaspoon?)… So does baking soda work just as baking powder? The flavors are good but it’s flat and little too moist inside. Tips?
Hi Samantha – so glad you enjoy the recipes! Yes baking soda is a must here, as it makes the cake rise. Generally when baking it’s important to stick to the recipe precisely or it won’t turn out right. Hope that helps!
Love this!! Nice texture and just the right amount of lemon! Will make again
Can I give this ten stars?
This is the second time I’ve made this cake in three days. I halved the recipe both times but used the syrup amount for two cakes and poked holes in the warm cake and drizzled the syrup on it. The first time I made it I didn’t have enough lemons and used a combination of lemon, lime and orange zest and my buttermilk was fat free but it still was the best lemon pound cake EVAH.
I don’t trust myself to have two of these cakes around at one time and why would I freeze one when I could just bake one fresh.
Just perfect with coffee or tea or when you pass it by on the counter and it calls your name.
I have a pan that makes 6 mini bundt cakes, I was just wondering about how long they would need to be in the oven so as to maintain moistness?
Hi Kimberly, How much batter do the mini bundts hold?
My baby brother and I are going to make this for our mom as a Mother’s Day gift! because I don’t have fresh lemons I’m using orange zest and pre-made lemon juice to make a citrus pound cake; fingers crossed!
Wow! One of the best lemon pound cakes I’ve ever made, made it several times. I particularly like it’s baked in loaf pans, easier to tell when it’s done as opposed to baking in a Bundt pan.
Is it crazy to make this as a layer cake with frosting for someone’s birthday? If you think it’s not crazy, what size pans would you recommend? I have 6″, 8″ and 9″!
Hi Jane, It’s not crazy! You can make this into an 8-inch layer cake, but keep in mind that it will be more dense than your typical layer cake. The bake time will be shorter, so keep a close eye on it. Please LMK how it turns out!
I’m going to make this for my granddaughter’s BD on Saturday. She LOVES lemon. I just made some lemon curd to go with the cake, do you recommend that I go ahead and use the syrup as well?
Hi Jackie, I wouldn’t skip the soaking syrup as it adds moisture to the cake. Hope your granddaughter enjoys!
I’ve made this recipe twice now, using one bundt pan instead of two loaf pans, and it’s incredible!! The first time I made it as is, it made a simply irresistible cake, and just today I made it with lemons and limes and swirled in some leftover lemon curd and raspberry compote I had from another bake – also delicious.
How long did you bake the Bundt cake?
Hi Suzanne, Just in case Holly doesn’t weigh in, I thought I would. I’d reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees and bake it for 65 to 75 minutes or until the top is golden and a tester comes out clean. Enjoy!
Hi there! I stumbled upon this and I think I’m going to make it this weekend. Only problem is, I only have one loaf pan. Can I half the ingredients to do one? Or should I bake one and sit the batter in the refrigerator and the bake the other? Lastly, I am sorry if I missed it but how many total cups of batter is this? If I choose to just put it in another pan entirely, what size pan would fit the amount equal to these 2 loaves? (I just threw out my Bundt cake pan due to rust. It was my moms and we just didn’t use it. So any other pans besides that one – thx)
Thanks so much! I’m looking forward to making this.
P.S. would a light lemon buttercream taste ok on top instead of the glaze?
Hi Cy, You have a few options — you could either halve the recipe or try baking it in a larger pan. If you’re going to do that, I think your best bet is a 9-inch square (keep in mind I haven’t baked it in that size pan). The bake time will be different in a 9-inch pan so make sure you keep a close eye on it. And you could do a light lemon buttercream on top in place of the glaze. I’d love to hear how it turns out if you try it!
Outstanding recipe! My friend recently had surgery and I wanted to make her something she would enjoy. She loves lemon so I searched and found your highly rated recipe. So glad I chose your lemon pound cake! Fabulous feedback from my friend…big hit with the family as well! Will make this again and again. Thank you!