Sunshine Lemon Pound Cake Recipe

Irresistible Paula Deen Lemon Pound Cake Recipe Magic

Lemon pound cake bursts with sunshine-infused flavor, turning ordinary afternoons into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Citrusy whispers weave through dense, buttery layers that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Each slice promises a vibrant dance of tangy brightness and rich sweetness.

Delicate crumb and zesty undertones transform simple ingredients into a masterpiece of dessert artistry.

Bakers cherish this recipe for its perfect balance between luxurious texture and bright, refreshing notes.

Golden-edged and glistening with a delicate glaze, this cake invites you to savor every decadent moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients Breakdown for Paula’s Lemon Pound Cake

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Choose high-quality, unsalted butter for a rich, creamy texture.
  • Eggs: Select fresh, room-temperature eggs for smooth blending.
  • Milk: Opt for whole milk to enhance the cake's richness and moisture.
  • Lemon Zest, Lemon Extract: Use fresh, bright lemons with vibrant, fragrant zest.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for better texture and flavor.
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.
  • Baking Powder: Ensure it's fresh and not expired for proper rising.
For Glaze and Topping:
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Sift to remove lumps for a silky-smooth glaze.
  • Whipped Cream, Strawberries: Choose ripe, sweet strawberries and heavy cream for garnish.

Your Equipment Checklist for Lemon Pound Cake

  • Stand Mixer: Perfect for whipping butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
  • 8×4-inch Loaf Pan: Ideal size for baking this delicious lemon cake.
  • Cooking Spray: Essential for preventing the cake from sticking to the pan.
  • Mixing Bowls (3): One for dry ingredients, one for liquid mixture, and one for sugar glaze.
  • Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients and creating smooth mixtures.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing the center.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
  • Grater or Zester: Perfect for creating fresh lemon zest.
  • Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and scrape batter into the pan.

Directions to Bake Paula’s Lemon Pound Cake to Perfection

Directions to Bake Paula’s Lemon Pound Cake to Perfection
  • Prepare Your Baking Station

Set oven to 325°F and grease a loaf pan thoroughly with cooking spray. Gather all ingredients and equipment for smooth sailing.

  • Craft The Base Mixture

Cream butter and sugar in a mixer until silky and light. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, creating a smooth, luxurious base that’s ready for transformation.

  • Blend Dry Ingredients

Sift flour, salt, and baking powder together in a bowl. Shake gently to ensure even distribution, creating a perfect powder base for your lemony treat.

  • Develop Liquid Components

Whisk milk with bright lemon zest and extract. The fragrant mixture will infuse your cake with vibrant citrus notes that dance on the taste buds.

  • Merge Mixtures Carefully

Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into butter blend, alternating with milk mixture. Stir gently to maintain a tender, delicate texture that promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

  • Bake To Perfection

Pour batter into prepared pan and slide into the oven. Bake for about 1.5 hours, watching for a golden exterior and testing with a toothpick for doneness. Let cake rest briefly before releasing from pan.

  • Finish With Zesty Glaze

Whip together powdered sugar and milk to create a silky glaze. Drizzle over cooled cake, adding a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra burst of sunshine and flavor.

Lemon Pound Cake Tips You’ll Love from Paula Deen

  • Boost Moisture Magic: Add a splash of buttermilk instead of regular milk for an extra tender, tangy crumb that melts in your mouth.
  • Zesty Flavor Upgrade: Experiment with different citrus zests like orange or lime to create unique flavor profiles that surprise your taste buds.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and convenience.
  • Texture Transformation Trick: Fold in a handful of poppy seeds or finely chopped nuts to add delightful crunch and unexpected texture to your lemon cake.

Ideas for Serving Paula Deen’s Bright Lemon Pound Cake

  • Pair with Creamy Delight: Serve generous slices alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream, enhancing the lemon cake's bright, zesty flavor profile.
  • Berry Bliss Garnish: Top each slice with a handful of ripe, sliced strawberries to add a refreshing burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Tea Time Companion: Enjoy a slice with a warm cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, letting the subtle lemon notes complement the fragrant brew.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Present the cake as a stunning dessert during a weekend brunch, offering guests a light and elegant sweet treat to conclude their meal.

Keeping Your Lemon Pound Cake Moist and Fresh

  • Preserve Peak Freshness: Store the lemon cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping its soft texture and bright flavor intact.
  • Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: When wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, the cake stays moist and delicious for 5-7 days in the refrigerator, perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers.
  • Freeze for Future Cravings: Slice the cake, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake remains delectable for up to 2 months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever a sweet craving hits.
  • Serve with Confidence: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its original soft texture and maximize flavor profile.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sunshine Lemon Pound Cake Recipe

Sunshine Lemon Pound Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rich and tender Paula Deen Lemon Pound Cake delivers zesty citrus elegance with classic Southern charm. Dense crumb and luscious glaze make this dessert a crowd-pleasing treat you’ll savor slice by slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 g/8 oz)
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup plus 4 tbsps whole milk, divided (180 ml/6 fl oz)
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp lemon extract
  • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (60 g/2 oz)
  • Garnish: lemon zest
  • Garnish: sweetened whipped cream
  • Garnish: sliced fresh strawberries

Instructions

  1. Batter Preparation: Cream butter and sugar in a stand mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, consistent mixture.
  2. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl to eliminate any potential clumps and ensure even distribution.
  3. Liquid Components: Whisk milk, lemon zest, and lemon extract together, creating an aromatic blend that will infuse the cake with vibrant citrus notes.
  4. Batter Composition: Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk mixture. Mix delicately to maintain the cake’s tender crumb, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan thoroughly. Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for approximately 1½ hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cooling and Finishing: Remove cake from oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely to room temperature.
  7. Glaze Creation: Whisk confectioners’ sugar with milk until smooth and achieve a drizzling consistency. Pour generously over the cooled cake, allowing the glaze to elegantly cascade down the sides.
  8. Presentation: Optionally garnish with additional lemon zest for extra visual and flavor dimension. Serve with sweetened whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a delightful culinary experience.

Notes

  • Zest Selection: Use fresh, bright yellow lemons with firm, unblemished skin for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic notes.
  • Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is softened at room temperature, but not melted, to achieve proper creaming consistency and smooth batter texture.
  • Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to prevent a dense, tough cake – stop mixing when ingredients are just combined.
  • Baking Precision: Check cake doneness early to prevent overbaking; start testing with a toothpick around 1 hour 15 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star