Limoncello Pound Cake Lemon (Print View)

A moist, zesty pound cake with Limoncello infusion and a tangy lemon glaze topping.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pound Cake

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
04 - 1/4 cup Limoncello liqueur
05 - 1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature
06 - 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
07 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
08 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
09 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Lemon Glaze

11 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 tablespoon Limoncello liqueur
14 - Extra lemon zest for topping, optional

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough incorporation after each addition.
04 - Stir in lemon zest, Limoncello, lemon juice, and milk until fully combined.
05 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
06 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overdevelopment of gluten.
07 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top surface evenly.
08 - Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Allow cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and Limoncello until smooth and pourable consistency is achieved.
11 - Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and top with extra lemon zest if desired. Allow glaze to set before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Moist and tender with a buttery texture enhanced by freshly grated lemon zest.
  • The Limoncello liqueur adds an authentic Italian citrus flavor that’s both aromatic and refreshing.
  • The bright lemon glaze finishes the cake with a glossy, tangy sweetness that perfectly balances richness.
  • Ideal for dessert, brunch, or a special afternoon tea treat.
02 -
  • Make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly to incorporate air, resulting in a tender, fluffy cake.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
  • Use a toothpick or skewer to check doneness early to prevent overbaking.
  • Allow the glaze to set fully before slicing to keep it neat and glossy.
  • Use freshly grated lemon zest rather than dried for the freshest flavor.
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