Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting 🍋
Introduction:
This Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a rich, buttery treat with a perfect balance of tangy lemon and the smoothness of cream cheese. The moist pound cake is infused with hints of lemon and vanilla, creating a heavenly flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy, citrusy frosting. This recipe is a cherished one, found in an old cookbook, and has stood the test of time with its simple yet indulgent ingredients.
Ingredients:
For the Pound Cake:
- 3 sticks of butter (room temperature)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese (Philadelphia recommended)
- 3 cups sifted cake flour
- 1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix (Jello)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (or 2 tsp for extra flavor)
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon flavoring
- A pinch of salt
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 stick butter (room temperature)
- Approximately 3 cups powdered sugar (adjust to desired sweetness)
- 1-2 packets of True Lemon or Lime (optional, for added citrus flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp lemon juice (or lemon extract for a stronger flavor)
- A splash of milk (to thin the frosting, if needed)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Pound Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (or 325°F if you prefer).
- Grease a 10-inch tube pan generously with Baker’s Joy or another nonstick spray with flour.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process can take about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add Vanilla and Salt:
- Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon flavoring, and pinch of salt, beating well to combine.
4. Incorporate the Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter and helps create the rich, moist texture of the cake.
5. Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the sifted cake flour and the box of vanilla pudding mix. Stir gently to combine, making sure not to overmix.
6. Bake the Pound Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The lower oven temperature of 300°F ensures a gentle bake, resulting in a beautifully tender cake.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
- In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the Flavorings:
- Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon juice (or extract). If using True Lemon packets, add them at this stage to boost the citrus flavor.
3. Incorporate the Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Adjust the amount to reach your desired level of sweetness.
4. Adjust Consistency:
- If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your preferred consistency. The frosting should be smooth and spreadable, but not runny.
Frosting the Cake:
- Once the pound cake has cooled completely, generously spread the lemon cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake.
- Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving, giving the flavors time to meld together.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth batter and frosting.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
Conclusion:
This Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is an irresistible dessert that combines a buttery, tender crumb with a zesty, creamy topping. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat at home, it’s a dessert that will surely impress and become a family favorite! Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgence.