Lemon Glazed Pound Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Pound Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients to ensure even mixing.
5. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
   • Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
6. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the amount of lemon juice for desired thickness.
7. Glaze the Cake:
   • Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Slice and serve this zesty, moist pound cake as a dessert or with afternoon tea.

Nutritional Value (Per Slice, 1/10 of Cake):

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Vitamin C: 8% of Daily Value

Health Benefits of Lemon Glazed Pound Cake:

1. Vitamin C Boost:
   The fresh lemon juice and zest in this recipe provide a healthy dose of Vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
2. Mood-Boosting Properties:
   Citrus fruits like lemons have been linked to reduced stress and improved mood, thanks to their invigorating scent and essential oils.
3. Balanced Energy:
   The combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins provides steady energy, making this cake suitable as a mid-afternoon treat or post-dinner dessert.
4. Supports Digestive Health:
   Lemon juice can promote healthy digestion, acting as a natural cleanser for the digestive system.
5. Customizable for Healthier Options:
   Substitute whole-wheat flour or reduce the sugar for a more fiber-rich and lower-sugar version. Adding yogurt instead of butter can also reduce the fat content while keeping the cake moist.

Conclusion:

This Lemon Glazed Pound Cake offers the perfect combination of sweetness and citrusy zest. With its light, fluffy texture and refreshing glaze, it’s a versatile dessert for any occasion. The added health benefits of lemons make it not just delicious but also nutritious. Enjoy it with coffee, tea, or as a standalone treat—it’s guaranteed to brighten your day!