Delightful Twist to Traditional Pound Cake Recipe
Dear readers,
Allow me to introduce you to a sweet and tangy delight that will undoubtedly be a hit on your next gathering. I present to you my Lemon Lime Pound Cake recipe, a British classic that will elevate any occasion with its bright flavors and decadent texture.
As an expert in British cuisine, I take pride in selecting the finest ingredients and crafting them into delectable dishes. That is why I have chosen fresh lime juice and zest, along with lemon juice and zest, to infuse this cake with refreshing citrus notes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
But it’s not just about the flavors; the texture of this cake is what truly sets it apart. Baked to perfection, this pound cake boasts a tender crumb that is both dense and moist without being too heavy. Each bite is a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re serving it as an afternoon tea-time treat or dessert after dinner, this Lemon Lime Pound Cake recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t be able to resist the temptation of indulging in seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dearest friends and food enthusiasts, I must admit that this Lemon Lime Pound Cake recipe is one of my most treasured cakes. This delectable cake is sure to dazzle even the most discerning palates. It comprises a perfect balance of sweet and tanginess that satisfies every taste bud.
The fresh lime juice and zest combined with the powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and cake flour create a unique texture of softness that melts in your mouth. The blend of lemon and lime gives it exceptional zing; it’s no surprise that this remarkable recipe is a favorite among culinary experts.
This cake recipe stands out from its counterparts due to its sumptuous flavors and moist texture. You will appreciate the 5 large eggs and 1 1/2 cups of unsalted butter that make it richer than any other pound cake recipe you have ever tasted! The ingredients are easy to find, making it not only delicious but also convenient to prepare.
Lastly, whether you serve this Lemon Lime Pound Cake at home or use it as a gift for special occasions such as Christmas or birthdays, it will surely capture the hearts of all those who try it. So why not indulge in something new yet delightful? Trust me, this Lemon Lime Pound Cake will be your new favorite recipe!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients needed to make this delectable lemon lime pound cake:
For the Cake:
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime zest
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
- 3 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature (softened for about 30 minutes at room temp)
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
Please note that “room temperature” for eggs means leaving them out of the refrigerator for at least an hour before using them in the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now let us dive into the heart of the recipe, my dear friends. My Lemon Lime Pound Cake Recipe promises a tangy taste that I assure you would not disappoint your taste buds. With its crumbly texture and zingy flavor, it is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Step 1:
First and foremost, you should start preheating your oven to 325°F with the rack placed in the center. Making sure that your oven is warm is essential in achieving a perfectly baked bundt cake. Don’t forget to grease up a 10-inch bundt pan with butter using a baking brush or paper towel.
Step 2:
Using a large mixing bowl, cream together 3 cups of granulated sugar and 3 sticks of softened unsalted butter until they are light and fluffy. For best results, use butter at room temperature to ensure that it blends well with the sugar.
Step 3:
Next, add in 5 large eggs, one at a time. Continuously beating the mixture on low speed before adding each egg.
Step 4:
Once you’re done adding eggs, mix in 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, and 2 teaspoons of lime zest. Using fresh citrus fruits is an absolute must when baking this cake as it gives out that genuinely tangy flavor that we’re all looking for.
Step 5:
Now let us sift together the dry ingredients. In another bowl, sift together 3 cups of cake flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Sifting helps in removing lumps from dry goods like flour and ensuring that they blend more easily with other ingredients.
Step 6:
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture alternating with the addition of milk which is around 1/4 cup to get that delectable and moist texture.
Step 7:
Once it is all mixed thoroughly, pour the batter into your prepped bundt pan. Bake for approximately 60 minutes or until a cake tester inserted at the cake’s core comes out clean.
Step 8:
Now it’s time to let the cake cool down before removing it from the pan by placing it on a wire rack.
For that extra zestful kick, I suggest dusting your Lemon Lime Pound Cake with some powdered sugar before serving. You can also serve it with whipped cream, lemon curd, or a berry compote on top for added sweetness.
There you have it! A perfect bundt cake you can confidently make for any occasion.
Substitutions and Variations
My dearest readers, in life, we often face twists and turns that require us to be adaptable. Similarly, when it comes to baking, sometimes you may not have all the required ingredients on hand or simply cannot find them. But fret not! I am happy to share with you some substitutions and variations for this delectable Lemon Lime Pound Cake Recipe!
Firstly, if you do not have cake flour on hand, fear not! You can make your own with essential pantry staples. Simply take 1 cup of all-purpose flour and remove 2 tablespoons from it. Replace these tablespoons with cornstarch and sift the mixture at least 3 times to ensure they are thoroughly combined.
Secondly, if you prefer a stronger lemon or lime flavor, simply adjust the amount of zest and juice used in the recipe accordingly. If you take a fancy for key lime instead of conventional lime, use key lime juice instead.
Thirdly, for those who are feeling adventurous, you can add in some blueberries or strawberries for a fruity twist to this delightful pound cake. Or, put in some poppy seeds for an added crunch.
Lastly, for those who prefer a glaze instead of dusting the cake with powdered sugar, mix together 1/4 cup of fresh lemon or lime juice with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Pour over the cooled cake and admire its gleaming beauty.
In conclusion, there are many ways to experiment with this Lemon Lime Pound Cake Recipe by using various substitutes and additions – go wild and bake up a storm!
Serving and Pairing
Once the lemon lime pound cake is baked to perfection and ready to serve, it’s important to specify the perfect way to enjoy your creation. Allow the cake to cool properly and then dust it with a fine layer of powdered sugar or drizzle on a zesty glaze made from fresh lemon and lime juice. This will add an extra dimension of flavor and texture, making it all the more delicious.
This bundt cake is perfect for any time of day. You can serve it as a refreshing tea-time snack, breakfast treat or even as a light and refreshing dessert after dinner. Pair this delightful pound cake with freshly brewed tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon tea break. This tart and tangy lemon lime pound cake also pairs perfectly with a bottle of sweet Riesling, Prosecco or Champagne for those who are in the mood for wine or something bubbly.
If you want to take things up a notch, consider serving it with freshly-whipped cream, berries or citrus fruits like oranges, lemons or limes. These ingredients add an extra zing and sweetness to this already delicious cake. Another way to perk up your lemon lime pound is by cutting a slice, then toasting the cake lightly before topping it off with honey-lime butter or some homemade citrus jelly. Serve this delightful recipe in pretty ceramic plates or dazzling glass platters that showcase the lightness of the cake’s color and texture.
Remember that the best thing about this wonderful recipe is how versatile it is. It can sit proudly at any occasion, whether it’s enjoyed simply over a cup of tea, served as part of brunch on weekends or even during an elegant soirée. The possibilities are endless! So why not unleash your creativity and experiment with various serving options until you find out what mixes well with your tastes?
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As with many pound cakes, this lemon lime pound cake can be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated beautifully. After baking, let the cake cool completely before storing. You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
If you’re planning on storing the lemon-lime pound cake for longer than 2 days, it’s best to wrap the cake well in plastic wrap and freeze it. The frozen cake can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat the pound cake, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the plastic wrap or foil from the frozen or room temperature cake and place it on a baking sheet. Heat until warm – about 5-10 minutes for a room temperature cake and about 20-30 minutes for a frozen cake. You can also microwave individual slices on high for 20-30 seconds until they’re warm.
This lemon lime pound cake is a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings and events or simply as a treat for yourself. Its long shelf life makes it practical as well as delicious!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect lemon lime pound cake, there are some tips and tricks I would like to share with you. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your cake turns out moist and flavorful.
First and foremost, it’s important to use fresh ingredients for this recipe. This includes fresh lime juice and zest, fresh lemon juice and zest, and fresh eggs. The freshness of the ingredients can have an impact on the final outcome of your cake, so make sure you go for quality whenever possible.
Another key element is properly creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, which contributes to a tender cake texture. Make sure the butter is at room temperature before you start, as it will help it blend smoothly with the sugar without overworking the mixture.
It’s also vital not to overmix your batter or overbake your cake. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop too much, resulting in a tough or dense cake. Overbaking can dry out your cake or cause cracks on top. Keep a close eye on your cake and insert a toothpick in the center after about 70 minutes of baking time; if it comes out clean, then it’s done!
If you decide to bake this pound cake in a bundt pan, be sure to generously grease the pan before starting, using either butter or non-stick cooking spray. Once baked, allow your cake to cool completely before attempting to remove it from the pan.
Finally, don’t skimp on the toppings! A dusting of powdered sugar over a freshly baked pound cake can provide an elegant visual appeal while enhancing its already delicious flavor profile; alternatively, try glazing it with a citrus-flavored icing made from powdered sugar mixed with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to bake a perfectly moist and tender lemon lime pound cake that will delight your guests and make you proud!
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, it’d be essential to address some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this lemon lime pound cake recipe. I understand that even with an elaborate recipe such as this, there may be questions that arise as you try out making it for the first time or are looking for ways to improve it. Therefore, in this section, I have addressed some of the common queries and concerns about this recipe that I hope will be helpful to you. Let’s dive in!
Why is my lemon pound cake dry?
There are a few reasons why your cake might turn out dry. One possible factor is overcooking, which can result in a dry texture. Another possibility is that the cake is lacking sufficient butter or sugar, or contains too much flour, leading to a less moist consistency. If you are experiencing this issue, you could consider adjusting the oven temperature to prevent overcooking, or take the cake out of the oven sooner to avoid dryness.
Can you use lemon juice instead of water in a lemon cake mix?
When it comes to making cakes, you may opt for juice or milk instead of water to add more flavor. To ensure the best results, it’s important to take note of a few precautions. For instance, if you choose to use juice, make sure it’s freshly squeezed. Avoid canned juices as they contain methyl silicone, which may hinder your cake from rising properly. Additionally, when using fresh juice, keep in mind that it should be mixed with water to maintain the right consistency and prevent your cake from becoming tough or crumbly.
Why a cold oven is the secret to a better pound cake?
Did you know that the way you start baking your pound cake can have an impact on its texture? By beginning the baking process in a cold oven with a lower temperature and longer bake time, the leavening agents in the cake get more time to work before the cake sets. This, in turn, results in a taller and fluffier cake.
What makes a pound cake heavy?
It is recommended to use branded ingredients while preparing the recipe. This is because sugar from store brands is usually finely ground compared to the name brands, which can result in more sugar per cup and lead to the cake collapsing. Similarly, butter from store brands may have a higher amount of liquid fat or contain more hard wheat flours, which can make the cake dense in texture.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this lemon lime pound cake recipe is a true masterpiece. It blends the tangy flavors of fresh lime juice and zest with the sweetness of powdered sugar to create a delicate and delicious cake that you won’t be able to resist. With simple ingredients like eggs, cake flour, unsalted butter, and salt, this recipe is easy to follow even for novice bakers. You can also customize it by adding in your favorite variations or serving it alongside your favorite drinks, fruits, or toppings.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply entertaining at home, this lime pound cake will definitely make the occasion more memorable. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked. So go ahead and give it a try today and let us know what you think!
Lemon Lime Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 lb organic powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons lime zest, reserve the juice for the glaze below (about 3 medium limes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 large eggs
- 2 1/3 cups cake flour, sifted
- 3 teaspoons powdered lemon flavoring (available from King Arthur Flour Company)
Glaze
- 1 cup organic powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon powdered lemon flavoring
- 5 teaspoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Butter and flour a 12-cup angel food cake pan with removable bottom or you may use a 12 cup *bundt cake pan.
- Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar, then lime zest and salt. Bet in eggs 1 at a time. Add flour and lemon powder in 3 additions, beating just until blended each time. Transfer batter to prepared pan.
- Bake cake until a golden color and tester inserted near center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cut around center tube and pan sides of angel food cake pan to loosen cake. Remove pan sides.
- Cool cake completely.
- *If using a bundt cake pan, cool cake in pan for 5 minutes. Turn cake out on rack; cool completely.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon powder and lime juice until smooth.
- Transfer cake to a plate, then drizzle glaze over cooled cake and let stand until glaze is set, about 20 minutes.
- Cooks Note: Cake (without glaze) can be made 1 day ahead and kept, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, at room temperature. This recipe can be made with all organic ingredients.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.