This glazed lemon pound cake is a double shot of lemon deliciousness that everyone will love. Dense, tender pound cake infused with lemon juice and zest is coated with a simple glaze that balances the sweetness of powdered sugar with the tartness of more lemon juice and zest to create a delicious treat that can’t be beat.

I’m a big fan of cake in all varieties. I love making sheet cakes, poke cakes, dump cakes, and fancy layer cakes frosted to the hilt. I also really love making simple pound cakes. This type of cake is so incredibly simple to make and absolutely delicious, to boot. It’s a type of cake with such a rich flavor that it stands out all on its own without the need for a ton of frosting or fillings. All it needs is itself – and maybe a glaze.
I make pound cake quite a bit. I love the delicious flavor, and I love how simple it is. It only takes a few ingredients, and you’re off to the races. Fun fact: it’s actually called pound cake because the original recipe called for a pound of butter, eggs, and flour. A simple recipe, to say the least. However, its flavor shines as much as its simplicity does. When I make my pound cakes, especially this glazed lemon pound cake, my family and friends come running. It’s proof that the simple things in life generally are the best.
Glazed Lemon Pound Cake
What do you get when you combine the delicious simplicity of pound cake with a splash of lemon and an easy-to-make glaze? Well, you get this glazed lemon pound cake, of course. I’ve already waxed poetic about how easy and delicious this recipe is, but darn it, I just can stop. You guys, it’s dense like any good pound cake should be. It’s tender and moist – again, like any good pound cake should be.
But it doesn’t end there. The addition of the lemon juice and zest makes for a delicious kick of citrus goodness that just goes so perfectly with all that sweet deliciousness of the base recipe. I’m sure you’ve had lemon recipes that were, for lack of a better term, just TOO lemony. You could see where the baker was going, but that lemon. HOOO. Just a bit on the heavy side. That’s why this cake is so good. It has just enough lemon. It’s that sweet spot of, well, sweet and tart, and it is so, so good. I’m not just saying that, either. My family and friends can vouch for it, provided they can stop eating it long enough to talk.
Tips
Like any good pound cake, this recipe is super simple. It’s a straight-ahead recipe that calls for nothing more than mixing and baking. That’s it, and that’s all. However, like many easy things, there’s an art to the simplicity of this lemon pound cake recipe. I have a few tips here that will make sure you get the absolute best pound cake possible when you make this recipe.
Room Temperature Eggs and Butter
It’s important to use room temperature butter when you’re creaming it with sugar or anything else. Room temperature butter is nice and soft and will incorporate easily with other ingredients, ensuring uniform mixing and texture.
Just like butter, eggs should be at room temperature when used for baking as well. Although eggs are watery, they still incorporate better when they’ve been brought to room temperature. Again, this ensures uniform emulsification or mixing along with texture.
To Glaze or not to Glaze
I love adding the lemon glaze called for in this recipe for an extra kick of sweet lemon goodness, however, this cake is so incredibly delicious, you can feel free to serve it without the glaze if you like. Either way, it’s super tasty.
Variations
I wouldn’t change a thing with this recipe. It’s perfect just as it is. However, if you’re not a fan of lemon, you can simply leave out the zest and substitute milk or cream for the lemon juice to create a traditional pound cake. The same goes for the glaze. Simply leave out the lemon juice and zest and add a bit of vanilla, and you’ll have a classic glaze for your traditional pound cake.
Serving Glazed Lemon Pound Cake
This delicious glazed lemon pound cake is so delicious on its own that I prefer to serve it as is. There’s no need for extra whipped topping or anything else, for that matter. Simply pair it with a glass of milk or cup of coffee, and you have the perfect dessert or afternoon snack. Or breakfast!
Storing Glazed Lemon Pound Cake
This pound cake will keep well in an air-tight container for up to three days on the counter or for up to one week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to six months. Simply wrap it tightly in cling wrap and then store it in an air-tight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
To thaw, put the pound cake on the counter without unwrapping it for best results.
Lemon Pound Cake Ingredients
For the Lemon Pound Cake
- All purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Milk
- Eggs
For the Lemon Glaze
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Milk
How To Make Lemon Pound Cake
For the Lemon Pound Cake
- Preheat oven to 300° and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt together. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest and milk. Beat until combined.
- Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients and beat until combined.
- Beat eggs one at a time into batter and beat well after each addition.
- Lastly, pour batter into prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back with lightly touched.
- Carefully remove from oven and run a knife along the edges.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
For the Lemon Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and milk together until smooth.
- Pour over cake once the cake has cooled.
Try This Glazed Lemon Pound Cake For Yourself
This glazed lemon pound cake is incredibly easy to make and exceptionally delicious. The rich, dense cake is sweet and filled with zesty lemon for a delicious zesty flavor everyone loves. It’s perfect for weeknight desserts, potlucks, and even holiday get-togethers. Give it a try, and I know you and your family will absolutely love it.
Here are a few more delicious cake recipes that can be found on the blog:
And here is a delicious Cream Cheese Lemonade Poke Cake from Great Grub, Delicious Treats you might enjoy as well.
Ingredients
For The Lemon Pound Cake
- 2¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1½ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- â…“ cup milk
- 3 eggs, room temperature
For The Lemon Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
For The Lemon Pound Cake
- Preheat oven to 300° and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt together. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest and milk. Beat until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients and beat until combined.
- Beat eggs one at a time into batter and beat well after each addition.
- Lastly, pour batter into prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back with lightly touched.
- Carefully remove from oven and run a knife along the edges.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
For The Lemon Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and milk together until smooth.
- Pour over cake once the cake has cooled.
Notes
Here are a few pics that are the perfect size for pinning to Pinterest.