Name: Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups Cake Flour; 1 tsp Salt; 4 Large Eggs (room temperature); 2 Large Egg Yolks (room temperature); 1/4 cup Milk (1%, 2%, or whole); 1/3 cup Fresh Lemon Juice; 2 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter (room temperature); 6 oz Cream Cheese (softened); 3 cups Granulated Sugar; 2 tsp Lemon Zest; 2 cups Powdered Sugar; 2-4 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (for glaze)

why make this recipe

This Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of cream cheese with the light and refreshing taste of lemon. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a family gathering, or just a cozy evening at home. The cake is moist, flavorful, and has the right balance of sweetness and tang that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s simple to make, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

how to make Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Ingredients

3 cups Cake Flour
1 tsp Salt
4 Large Eggs (room temperature)
2 Large Egg Yolks (room temperature)
1/4 cup Milk (1%, 2%, or whole)
1/3 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
6 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
3 cups Granulated Sugar (or organic pure cane sugar)
2 tsp Lemon Zest
2 cups Powdered Sugar
2-4 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or loaf pan.
In a bowl, mix the cake flour and salt, and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and cream cheese together until creamy.
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter mixture, mixing until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze (optional), mix the powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

how to serve Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake

This cake is wonderful on its own, but you can serve it with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzled with lemon glaze. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Adding some fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate it even more.

how to store Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For even longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, which can last for about 2-3 months.

tips to make Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour, as this can make the cake dense.
For a richer lemon flavor, you can add more lemon juice to the glaze.

variation

You can add poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful texture and additional flavor. Alternatively, consider adding a layer of fresh berries or a berry compote between the layers if you use a two-layer cake design.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. For best results, stick to cake flour.

2. Is it necessary to add cream cheese?
Cream cheese adds richness and moisture. If you prefer a lighter cake, you can omit it, but the texture will change.

3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.