### Lemon Pound Cake: A Classic Treat with a Zesty Twist
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### **Introduction**
Lemon Pound Cake is a timeless dessert that blends the rich, buttery texture of traditional pound cake with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons. It’s perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to family gatherings, offering a refreshing citrus twist to a beloved classic. This cake is both indulgent and refreshing, making it a crowd-pleaser for lemon lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
Pound cake dates back to the 18th century, with its name originating from the traditional recipe that called for a pound each of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. This basic formula allowed for variations in flavor and texture, and over time, different versions emerged. The addition of lemon, which provides a burst of citrus flavor, became popular as it complemented the richness of the cake and offered a delightful contrast. Lemon Pound Cake holds a special place in both American and European dessert traditions, often serving as a symbol of home-baked comfort and warmth.
### **Ingredients and Quantities**
To make a delicious Lemon Pound Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– **For the cake:**
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– ½ cup whole milk
– 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
– ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– **For the glaze (optional but recommended):**
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 1 tsp lemon zest
### **Optional Additions**
To enhance the flavor or customize your Lemon Pound Cake, consider adding:
– **Fresh herbs:** A teaspoon of finely chopped thyme or rosemary for a herbal twist.
– **Blueberries:** Add a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity touch.
– **Coconut:** A ½ cup of shredded coconut can bring a tropical flair.
– **Lemon extract:** For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon extract.
### **Tips for Success**
– **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This will help the batter mix more evenly and result in a smoother, lighter cake.
– **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense. Mix until just combined for a light, airy texture.
– **Use Fresh Lemons:** Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can lack the intensity and fragrance of fresh lemons.
– **Grease and Flour the Pan:** Properly greasing and flouring your cake pan ensures the cake releases easily once baked.
– **Check for Doneness:** Test the cake with a toothpick or cake tester; it should come out clean when the cake is done. Don’t open the oven door too early to prevent the cake from sinking in the middle.
### **Instructions**
1. **Preheat the oven** to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or two loaf pans.
2. **Mix dry ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream butter and sugar:** In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
4. **Add eggs:** Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
5. **Alternate dry ingredients and milk:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. **Add lemon juice:** Stir in the fresh lemon juice, then pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
7. **Bake:** Bake for 55-70 minutes (depending on pan size), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
9. **Glaze (optional):** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
### **Description**
Lemon Pound Cake has a dense, moist texture with a golden brown crust. Its flavor profile is perfectly balanced between the rich, buttery cake and the vibrant citrus notes from the lemon zest and juice. The optional lemon glaze adds a touch of sweetness and extra zing, making each bite an indulgence that is both comforting and refreshing.
### **Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)**
– **Calories:** 350
– **Total Fat:** 18g
– **Saturated Fat:** 11g
– **Cholesterol:** 90mg
– **Sodium:** 180mg
– **Total Carbohydrates:** 47g
– **Dietary Fiber:** 1g
– **Sugars:** 31g
– **Protein:** 4g
– **Vitamin C:** 10% of Daily Value
– **Calcium:** 2% of Daily Value
– **Iron:** 4% of Daily Value
*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the size of the slices and specific ingredients used.*
### **Conclusion**
Lemon Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines simplicity and elegance. Its tender crumb, fragrant lemon flavor, and the possibility for creative variations make it an enduring favorite. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a dessert to finish off a family meal, this cake is a treat that offers comfort and indulgence in every slice.
### **Recommendation**
For those looking to embrace healthful indulgence, consider making a few modifications, such as substituting some of the butter with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture or using a sugar alternative. While this cake is a bit rich, enjoying it in moderation as part of a balanced diet can provide a refreshing and satisfying sweet treat. It’s an excellent choice for special occasions or as a homemade gift to brighten someone’s day.