Lemon Pound Cake

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, at room temperature)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 6 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3–4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a large bundt pan or 2 loaf pans.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar
   In a large bowl, beat the butter, oil, and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 4–5 minutes).
3. Add Eggs
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Wet & Dry
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.
   Start and end with flour mixture. Mix gently, don’t overbeat.
6. Add Lemon Flavor
   Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Bake
   Pour batter into prepared pan(s). Bake for 55–65 minutes (bundt) or 45–50 minutes (loaf pans) until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool & Glaze
   Let the cake cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
   Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cake.

Tips:

• For extra moistness, brush the cake with a warm lemon syrup (lemon juice + sugar) right after baking.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze slices for longer storage.

Benefits of Lemon Pound Cake

1. Boost of Vitamin C

• The fresh lemon juice and zest give a natural Vitamin C kick, which helps strengthen the immune system, supports skin health, and fights fatigue.

2. Mood Lifting

• Citrus scents and flavors are proven to help reduce stress and improve mood. A slice of lemon cake with tea can brighten your day.

3. Energy Source

• Made with flour, sugar, and eggs, it’s a quick energy booster—great when you need a pick-me-up.

4. Good Fats & Protein

• Butter, eggs, and milk provide healthy fats (for satiety) and some protein (for muscle repair and body strength).

5. Comfort Food Factor

• Pound cake is often linked with family gatherings and cozy moments, which can bring emotional comfort and a sense of togetherness.

6. Digestive Support (in moderation)

• Lemon juice can aid digestion, reduce bloating, and help balance the stomach’s acidity. Note: Pound cake is rich in sugar and butter, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Pairing it with fresh fruit or a cup of green tea makes it a more balanced treat.

Method

1. Prepare Pan & Oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or 2 loaf pans.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup butter + ½ cup oil + 2 ½ cups sugar until light and fluffy (4–5 minutes).
3. Add Eggs
   Beat in 6 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk 3 cups flour + 2 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp baking soda + 1 tsp salt.
5. Combine Wet & Dry
   Alternately add dry mixture and 1 cup milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently.
6. Add Flavor
   Stir in ⅓ cup lemon juice, 2 Tbsp zest, 2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Bake
   Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 55–65 minutes (bundt) or 45–50 minutes (loaf). Toothpick should come out clean.
8. Cool & Glaze
   Let cool 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack.
   Drizzle glaze made with 1 ½ cups powdered sugar + 3–4 Tbsp lemon juice + zest.

Nutrition (per slice, ~16 servings)

(Approximate, varies by portion size)

• Calories: 380–400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Sugar: 32 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated fat: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Vitamin C (from lemon): ~6–8% DV
• Calcium: ~5% DV

Conclusion

Lemon Pound Cake is a rich, moist, and tangy-sweet dessert that brings both flavor and comfort. While it’s calorie-dense due to sugar and butter, it also provides quick energy, some protein, and a refreshing dose of Vitamin C from the lemon.

Best enjoyed as an occasional treat, paired with tea or coffee. For a lighter option, you can reduce sugar, use Greek yogurt instead of some butter, or make a whole wheat version for extra fiber.