Start by listing all the necessary ingredients for your Lemon Pound Cake. Common ingredients include flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, salt, and of course, fresh lemons for that zesty flavor.
Begin by preheating your oven to the required temperature. Meanwhile, gather all the ingredients and bring them to room temperature, especially the butter and eggs, which helps in achieving a better texture.
Creaming is a crucial step in pound cake recipes. Beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a tender cake.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps in emulsifying the batter and giving the pound cake its rich and dense texture.
Sift together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) to ensure an even distribution and to prevent lumps in the batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Grate the lemon zest and squeeze fresh lemon juice. Add these to the batter for a burst of citrus flavor. The zest provides aromatic oils, while the juice adds a tangy kick, making the cake a zesty delight.
Pour the batter into a prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can also add a simple lemon glaze or dust it with powdered sugar for a decorative touch and added sweetness.