Zesty Lemon Pound Cake
A zesty lemon pound cake featuring bright lemon flavors, white morsels, and a moist crumb, perfect for dessert or afternoon tea with a sweet citrus twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (6 oz.) Nestle Toll House White Morsels ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup (2 sticks) Land O Lakes Butter, softened ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ⓘ
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons grated lemon peel
- 1 1/3 cups buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 cup powdered sugar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 359 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan.
- Melt the white morsels in a medium microwave-safe bowl for one minute.
- Microwave at additional 10 to 20 second intervals, stirring until smooth; cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in grated lemon peel.
- Gradually add the flour and baking powder, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the melted morsels.
- Pour batter into prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice to make glaze.
- Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cake before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the lemon flavor, consider using fresh lemon zest instead of pre-packaged. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes. To prevent sticking, ensure the Bundt pan is well-greased and floured. For a twist, try adding nuts or poppy seeds to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Zesty Lemon Pound Cake and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside fruit salad or browse more American recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Lemon Pound Cake contains roughly 422 calories, with 6g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 852mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of white morsels?
Yes, you can substitute the white morsels with semi-sweet chocolate chips or even dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Just be mindful that the sweetness will change, so adjust the sugar if necessary.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. It's important not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry cake.
Can I freeze the Zesty Lemon Pound Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).