Nothing beats the buttery richness and citrusy brightness of a homemade Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake! This ultra-moist, tender cake is infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, balanced with smooth cream cheese, and finished with a lusciously tangy lemon glaze. Every slice is a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors, making it an absolute showstopper for any occasion!
Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, afternoon tea, or simply treating yourself, this pound cake is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the details and master the art of making the ultimate lemon cream cheese pound cake!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
✔ Super Moist & Tender: Thanks to cream cheese and butter, the texture is soft and rich.
✔ Bright & Zesty Lemon Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest make this cake irresistibly citrusy.
✔ Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a foolproof recipe!
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it plain, with fresh berries, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
✔ Stays Fresh Longer: This cake keeps its moisture and flavor for days!
📋 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs (room temperature) 🥚
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 🍋
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice 🍋
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
📝 Step-by-Step Directions
1️⃣ Prepare the Oven & Cake Pan
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Generously grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
3️⃣ Cream Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
- Gradually add sugar and beat for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- This step is crucial—it creates air pockets that give the cake its light yet rich texture.
4️⃣ Add Eggs & Flavoring
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- The citrusy aroma at this stage is heavenly!
5️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Mix on low speed until just combined—do not overmix, or the cake may become dense.
6️⃣ Bake to Perfection
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 75-85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- If the cake browns too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15-20 minutes.
7️⃣ Cool the Cake
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cooling ensures the cake sets properly and remains moist.
8️⃣ Prepare the Lemon Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice (for thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for thicker glaze).
9️⃣ Glaze & Serve!
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top.
- For an extra zesty touch, sprinkle with more lemon zest.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy the perfect combination of tangy, creamy, and buttery goodness! 🍋🍰
💡 Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
✔ Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
- Butter, cream cheese, and eggs mix better when they’re at room temperature, ensuring a smooth batter.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Batter:
- Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined.
✔ Measure Flour Correctly:
- Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off—don’t scoop directly, or you’ll use too much.
✔ Grease the Pan Well:
- Bundt cakes can stick easily, so use butter & flour or non-stick baking spray.
✔ Test for Doneness:
- Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
✔ Let the Cake Rest Before Slicing:
- The flavors intensify as the cake cools, making it even more delicious the next day!
⏱ Timing Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 75-85 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
🍽 Servings: 12
🍋 Creative Variations & Serving Ideas
🌿 Lemon-Honey Pound Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of honey for a deeper sweetness.
🍊 Citrus Twist: Mix in some orange zest for a more complex citrus flavor.
🍓 Berry Bliss: Serve with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
🍦 Extra Indulgence: Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
☕ Perfect with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a warm cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea.
🌟 Why This Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a Must-Try!
This Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake is the perfect balance of moist, buttery richness and zesty citrus freshness. The cream cheese makes the texture velvety soft, while the lemon glaze adds an extra burst of flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or craving a homemade treat, this cake is always a hit.
Are you ready to bake this masterpiece? Let us know in the comments how it turns out! 🍋🍰🤤
