Meyer Lemon Pound Cake
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
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Servings
1 loaf
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Calories
478 kcal
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Course
Cake
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Cuisine
International
Meyer Lemon Pound Cake
Description
This Meyer Lemon Pound Cake blends all-purpose flour with baking powder, salt, sour cream, sugar infused with lemon zest, butter, eggs, and fresh Meyer lemon juice to create a moist, tender cake batter. The mixer folds the ingredients carefully to maintain an airy yet sturdy texture typical of pound cakes. The loaf pan produces a substantial shape with a fine crumb.
After baking, the cake is brushed with a syrup made from granulated sugar and Meyer lemon juice, which adds moisture and a subtle tart sweetness. The finished glaze of powdered sugar and lemon juice coats the cake, giving it a smooth, slightly tangy top. This contrast highlights the citrus notes without overpowering the rich batter.
The resulting cake offers a soft crumb flecked with lemon zest, striking a balance between buttery richness and bright acidic flavor. Its texture is tender yet firm enough to slice cleanly, suitable for serving in moderate portions at gatherings or as a daily treat.
Storing the cake wrapped at room temperature keeps it fresh for several days, while freezing the unglazed loaf extends storage. This ease of storage makes it practical for advance preparation or leftovers.
Ingredients
Pound cake
- 1 3/4 cups (230 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Meyer lemon zest
- 1 cup (250 g) plus 2 additional tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup (227 g) 2 sticks butter at room temperature, unsalted
- 5 egg at room temperature, beaten, large
Syrup
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Meyer lemon juice
Glaze
- 1/2 cup (65 g) confectioners sugar sifted
- 1 tablespoon Meyer lemon juice
Instructions
To make the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Spray a 9×5-inch (23 x 12 cm) loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray that contains flour. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a small measuring cup, whisk together the sour cream and lemon juice.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the lemon zest and sugar. Rub them together with your fingertips until the sugar is moist and fragrant. Add the butter to the bowl and beat the butter-sugar mixture on medium speed until very pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix in the eggs in three additions, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth (stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary). With the mixer on low, alternately add the dry ingredients in three additions and the sour cream mixture in two additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients
- Once all the ingredients have been added, scrape down the bowl and beat on low for another 30 seconds to fully combine. Use a rubber spatula to ensure that the batter at the very bottom of the bowl is uniform.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top. Tap the pan on your work surface to release any air bubbles. Bake the cake for 55–65 minutes, or until a thin knife inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the cake cool for 10 minutes before turning it out.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and lemon juice and set over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Once you’ve turned the cake out of the pan (it should still be warm), brush the top and sides with the lemon syrup. It may seem like a lot, but use all of the syrup. Allow the cake to cool completely, about 2 hours.
To make the glaze:
- Combine the confectioners' sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl, stirring until smooth. Pour the glaze over the top of the cake, ensuring it covers completely. Allow the glaze to set for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store the cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Freeze the unglazed cake for up to one month to extend shelf life without affecting texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1loaf
Amount Per Serving
Calories 478 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1loaf | |
| Calories | 478kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 489g | 163% |
| Protein | 54g | 108% |
| Fat | 219g | 337% |
| Saturated Fat | 130g | 650% |
| Cholesterol | 1336mg | 445% |
| Sodium | 1558mg | 65% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 314g | 628% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.