Refreshing Lemon Pound Cake: A Zesty and Irresistible Delight
Introduction:
When life gives you lemons, why not transform them into a delectable lemon pound cake? Bursting with citrusy flavor and boasting a moist, tender crumb, this homemade treat is perfect for lemon lovers and anyone seeking a bright and refreshing dessert. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you'll have a delicious lemon pound cake that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
To create your irresistible lemon pound cake, gather the following ingredients:
1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 and ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 and ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preparing the oven and pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
Mixing the dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Creaming the butter and sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon for this step.
Adding the wet ingredients:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined. The batter will have a lovely lemon aroma.
Incorporating the dry ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Baking the cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden brown.
Cooling and serving:
Once baked, remove the lemon pound cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, you can slice and serve the lemon pound cake as is, or dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee and makes for a delightful treat any time of the day.
Conclusion:
You've successfully baked a scrumptious lemon pound cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With its vibrant citrus flavor and moist texture, this homemade treat is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a slice of this zesty delight and let the refreshing taste of lemons brighten your day.
