A Glazed Lemon Supreme Pound Cake is a perfect dessert to brighten up any occasion. With its rich, buttery flavor and zesty lemon glaze, this cake embodies all things refreshing and indulgent. Ideal for family gatherings, brunches, or simply to savor with a cup of tea, this Glazed Lemon Supreme Pound Cake Recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. Let’s dive into making this classic cake that’s full of lemony goodness!
Ingredients for Glazed Lemon Supreme Pound Cake Recipe
Essential Ingredients for the Cake and Their Role
The beauty of this cake lies in its carefully selected ingredients that balance richness with a fresh citrus kick:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any cake, providing structure and stability.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping achieve that classic, moist pound cake texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor. Room temperature butter ensures a smooth batter.
- Eggs: Important for structure and moisture. Use large eggs for best results.
- Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice: The star flavors in the cake. Freshly grated zest intensifies the lemony aroma.
- Buttermilk: Enhances moisture and adds a slight tang that complements the lemon.
- Baking Powder: Provides a light rise, ensuring the pound cake isn’t too dense.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Lemon Glaze Ingredients
The glaze is simple but essential for that perfect, glossy finish:
- Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth glaze that clings to the cake.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings a burst of citrus flavor to the glaze.
- Lemon Zest: Adds extra color and a hint of texture.
Substitutions and Variations
Customizing your Glazed Lemon Supreme Pound Cake is easy with these substitutions:
- Butter Substitution: Use margarine or plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
- Buttermilk Alternatives: Substitute with a mix of milk and vinegar or lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk.
- Add-Ins: Add poppy seeds, blueberries, or raspberries to make the cake even more unique.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Glazed Lemon Supreme Pound Cake
Preparing the Cake
Follow these steps to get that perfectly golden, moist pound cake:
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a bundt or loaf pan thoroughly with butter and dust it with flour, tapping out any excess.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process should take around 3-5 minutes to incorporate air, which helps with the cake’s texture.
- Add Eggs One at a Time: Crack in one egg at a time, beating well after each addition. This step ensures that the eggs are evenly distributed in the batter, adding both structure and richness.
- Incorporate the Lemon Zest and Juice: Gently fold in the lemon zest and juice, infusing the batter with a fresh, citrusy aroma.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.
- Alternate Adding Flour and Buttermilk: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour to prevent the batter from curdling and ensure a smooth texture.
- Pour into the Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the Pan: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Lemon Glaze
Now, let’s add that beautiful, shiny glaze:
- Mix Powdered Sugar and Lemon Juice: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Sprinkle with a bit of lemon zest for added visual appeal and flavor.
- Allow to Set: Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Perfect Glazed Lemon Supreme Pound Cake
Balancing Flavors
Achieving the ideal lemon flavor in your pound cake can make all the difference:
- Lemon Zest vs. Juice: The zest holds essential oils that provide a concentrated lemon flavor, while the juice adds a bright, tangy taste. Use both for the best flavor.
- Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness without overwhelming the lemon.
- Salt: A pinch of salt in the batter enhances the overall flavor and keeps the cake from tasting too sweet.
Texture Tips
Achieving the right texture is key for a supreme pound cake experience:
- Cream Butter and Sugar Thoroughly: Proper creaming introduces air into the batter, resulting in a soft, airy cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake. Fold in the flour gently to preserve the cake’s light texture.
- Bake at the Right Temperature: Baking at 325°F ensures the cake bakes evenly without becoming too dry.
Enhancing the Cake with Additional Ingredients
Experiment with these options to make the cake even more indulgent:
- Poppy Seeds: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for texture and a hint of nuttiness.
- Fresh Berries: Gently fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Lavender: For a floral twist, add a teaspoon of dried lavender to the batter for a lemon-lavender pound cake.
Pairing Suggestions for Glazed Lemon Supreme Pound Cake
Beverages to Pair with Lemon Pound Cake
Pair your Glazed Lemon Supreme Pound Cake with these refreshing drinks:
- Tea: A cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea enhances the citrus notes in the cake.
- Coffee: A light roast coffee pairs well with the cake’s sweetness.
- Sparkling Water: A simple, unsweetened sparkling water with a hint of lemon or lime complements the cake beautifully.
Toppings and Sides That Complement Lemon Pound Cake
Enhance your dessert experience with these accompaniments:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy touch to balance the density of the pound cake.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a colorful and refreshing contrast.
- Lemon Curd: A spoonful of lemon curd on the side intensifies the lemon flavor and provides a creamy texture.
Nutritional Information
Calories and Macronutrient Breakdown
Here’s a general nutritional overview for a slice of Glazed Lemon Supreme Pound Cake:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per slice, depending on portion size and ingredient adjustments.
- Protein: Around 4-5 grams per slice.
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50 grams, mainly from the sugar and flour.
- Fat: Roughly 15-18 grams, primarily from butter.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Despite being an indulgent treat, this cake includes ingredients with some health benefits:
- Lemon: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, lemon can boost immunity and promote skin health.
- Butter: Provides fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which are essential for overall wellness.
- Buttermilk: Contains beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion and add a subtle tang without added fat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Glazed Lemon Supreme Pound Cake?
Yes, this pound cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy!
How Can I Make a Gluten-Free Version?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum. Check the texture, as gluten-free cakes can sometimes be denser.
Can I Use Lemon Extract Instead of Fresh Lemon?
While fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor, you can substitute with 1-2 teaspoons of lemon extract if fresh lemons aren’t available. Adjust to taste, as extracts can vary in strength.
What Type of Pan Works Best for This Recipe?
A bundt pan is traditional for pound cakes, but you can also use a loaf pan. Be sure to adjust the baking time as needed; loaf pans may take longer to bake through.
Can I Make the Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This pound cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
Conclusion
This Glazed Lemon Supreme Pound Cake Recipe is a delightful blend of tart lemon and rich, buttery pound cake. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dessert that brings freshness and indulgence to every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it with tea, coffee, or as a post-dinner treat, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it out, make it your own with add-ins, and savor the supreme flavor of this classic lemon cake.