Refreshing Lemon Pound Cake: A Zesty and Irresistible Delight<br />Introduction:<br />When life gives you lemons, why not transform them into a delectable lemon pound cake? Bursting with citrusy flavor and boasting a moist, tender crumb, this homemade treat is perfect for lemon lovers and anyone seeking a bright and refreshing dessert. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you'll have a delicious lemon pound cake that will impress your friends and family.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />To create your irresistible lemon pound cake, gather the following ingredients:<br /><br />1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour<br />1 and ½ teaspoons baking powder<br />½ teaspoon salt<br />1 cup unsalted butter, softened<br />1 and ½ cups granulated sugar<br />4 large eggs<br />2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)<br />2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice<br />½ cup sour cream<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />Instructions:<br /><br />Preparing the oven and pan:<br /><br />Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).<br />Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.<br />Mixing the dry ingredients:<br /><br />In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.<br />Creaming the butter and sugar:<br /><br />In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon for this step.<br />Adding the wet ingredients:<br /><br />Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one.<br />Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined. The batter will have a lovely lemon aroma.<br />Incorporating the dry ingredients:<br /><br />Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.<br />Baking the cake:<br /><br />Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.<br />Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden brown.<br />Cooling and serving:<br /><br />Once baked, remove the lemon pound cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.<br />Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.<br />Once cooled, you can slice and serve the lemon pound cake as is, or dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee and makes for a delightful treat any time of the day.<br />Conclusion:<br />You've successfully baked a scrumptious lemon pound cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With its vibrant citrus flavor and moist texture, this homemade treat is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a slice of this zesty delight and let the refreshing taste of lemons brighten your day.
