Table of Contents
Introduction:
Imagine a warm, golden cake fresh out of the oven, with the perfect balance of tart lemon and creamy cheese frosting. That’s what you get with a lemon pound cake with cream cheese. This delightful treat has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share how to make it perfectly every time.
PrintLemon Pound Cake with Cream Cheese: The Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
Description
Lemon cream cheese pound cake is the ultimate indulgence, bringing together the richness of traditional pound cake with a tangy twist of lemon and cream cheese. This dense yet moist cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations. Its creamy texture and burst of citrus flavor make it an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cream the butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the sugar gradually, and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Incorporate the lemon zest and juice: Stir in the fresh lemon zest and juice, ensuring the batter is well mixed.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Make sure all ingredients, including butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
Fresh lemons are key for the best citrus flavor; don’t substitute with bottled lemon juice.
For added flavor, you can drizzle a powdered sugar glaze or top the cake with fresh berries before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Lemon cream cheese pound cake is a luscious, dense dessert that combines the richness of traditional pound cake with the tangy flavor of cream cheese, creating a soft, moist, and flavorful cake. It’s the perfect blend of citrus and creaminess, making it a favorite for family gatherings, brunches, and festive occasions.
What is a Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake?
A lemon cream cheese pound cake is an upgraded version of the classic pound cake, where cream cheese replaces some of the butter, making the cake extra moist and rich. The tangy lemon zest and fresh juice infuse the cake with a burst of citrus flavor that balances out the richness from the cream cheese. It’s the perfect dessert for those who love a soft, dense, yet flavorful cake.
Why Lemon and Cream Cheese?
The cream cheese helps the cake maintain its moisture, ensuring it doesn’t dry out during baking. It also adds a rich texture, making the crumb tender and melt-in-your-mouth. On the other hand, the lemon enhances the flavor profile with a refreshing citrusy note, giving the cake a balanced sweetness.
The Baking Process
What Makes This the Best Pound Cake Recipe?
The best pound cake recipe is all about creating the perfect texture. The right balance of ingredients—cream cheese, butter, eggs, and flour—along with the perfect baking method, will yield a cake that is both dense and light at the same time. The secret is to cream the butter and cream cheese properly and to incorporate the lemon juice and zest thoroughly for the best flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Success
For the best results, make sure you use room temperature butter and cream cheese. Fresh lemons for zest and juice will help bring out the best citrus flavor in the cake. Stick to high-quality vanilla extract and eggs for a rich and flavorful batter.
How Long Do You Bake a Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake?
A lemon cream cheese pound cake typically bakes at 325°F (163°C) for about 60-75 minutes. The exact baking time depends on your oven and the pan size, so it’s important to check for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean, it’s done!
Tips for Preventing a Dry Cake
To avoid a dry cake, make sure not to overmix the batter. Mixing for too long can cause the cake to become dense. It’s also important to keep an eye on the cake in the last 10 minutes of baking. If you notice it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Tips for Serving & Storing
Best Ways to Serve a Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Serve the cake on its own, or you can enhance it by topping it with a light powdered sugar glaze or fresh berries. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream pairs wonderfully with the tangy lemon flavor.
How to Store Lemon Pound Cake with Cream Cheese
Store your lemon pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like it to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. It can last in the fridge for up to 5 days. To keep it fresh, you can also freeze individual slices of cake for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a lemon cream cheese pound cake?
A lemon cream cheese pound cake combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the richness of cream cheese. It has a tender, moist crumb, and is perfect for anyone who loves the classic pound cake with an extra layer of flavor.
What is the best pound cake recipe?
The best pound cake recipe uses cream cheese to add richness and moisture, and fresh lemon for a refreshing citrus kick. The ideal pound cake is moist, dense, and light, with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
How long do you bake a lemon cream cheese pound cake?
Bake a lemon cream cheese pound cake at 325°F (163°C) for about 60-75 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Why do you put cream cheese in a pound cake?
Cream cheese in pound cake helps keep the cake moist, adds a rich, tender crumb, and balances out the sweetness with its slight tanginess. It’s key to achieving a soft, dense, and flavorful cake.
Conclusion
This lemon pound cake with cream cheese is a showstopper dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy texture, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the light, fluffy, and oh-so-moist results!