Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Lemon Pound Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (170°C) and set an oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Butter and flour a 12 -cup Bundt pan or loaf pan.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until pale, fluffy, and creamy, about 4 minutes. Add the cream cheese and lemon zest, and beat for another minute until well combined. Reduce the speed to low, gradually add the sugar, and continue to beat until fully incorporated, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs: In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and add the vanilla. Whisk until fully blended. With the mixer on low speed, gradually pour in the beaten eggs, mixing for 20 to 30 seconds after each addition. Continue this process until all the eggs are combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled; that’s okay.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently mix by hand first to prevent splattering, then use the mixer on the lowest speed for a few seconds, just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake for an additional 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Lemon Glaze:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, zest and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Drizzle the Glaze: Once your cake is completely cooled, use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.