Delicious Sunshine Pound Cake Recipe for Summer Gatherings
Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m delighted to share my recipe for Sunshine Pound Cake with you. This pound cake brings sunshine to any table with its citrusy flavor and bright, sunny appearance. Pound cakes have been a staple in Southern households for generations, and this recipe is one of my all-time favorites.
As a chef, I believe that good cooking is not just about preparing food; it’s also about the emotions and memories that food can bring. And this cake brings sunshine to every plate and elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Whether for a family gathering, a potluck party or simply indulging yourself, this dessert always hits the spot. Even better, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
So heat up your oven, grab your mixing bowl and join me in making a classic pound cake recipe that will bring joy and cheer to all who try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a sweet and tangy dessert that will brighten up your day? Look no further than this Citrus Sunshine Pound Cake, also known as the Sunshine Pound Cake. This cake brings sunshine to your table with its zesty lemon flavor, which is perfect for spring and summer days.
One of the best things about the sunshine pound cake is how versatile it is. You can serve it with fresh strawberries, cream, or even a dollop of lemon curd or raspberry jam. You can also mix things up by adding poppy seeds to the batter for a poppy seed sunshine cake or turning it into a pineapple sunshine bundt cake by using pineapple cake mix.
The recipe starts with simple ingredients such as butter, sugar, eggs, flour and baking soda. But when combined and whipped together with a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or by hand, magic happens! The crispy crust on top and moist inside make the perfect complement to any meal.
But what really makes this recipe so loved by many is its fresh citrus scent that will surely capture anyone’s heart, and bring back memories of warm summer days. It’s the perfect cake to bake when entertaining guests or simply enjoying time with family at home.
So why not add this delicious Citrus Sunshine Pound Cake recipe to your list of go-to dessert recipes? Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy yourself or impressing your friends and family, this super easy recipe will have everyone smiling and thanking you for bringing sunshine to their table.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make a Citrus Sunshine Pound Cake that brings nothing but sunshine to your table!
Cake Ingredients:
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Zest of 3 oranges
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Lemon Glaze:
- Juice of 1 lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Poppy Seed Glaze:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon-lime soda
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Poppy seeds (optional)
N.B. Be sure to use fresh strawberries to serve with the pound cake as it adds a sweet and fruity flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Preheat and Prepare
To make this delicious Sunshine Pound Cake, preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp baking soda in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Make Butter Mix
In a separate mixing bowl, beat 2 cups of butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups of granulated sugar, beating for about 5-7 minutes or until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Mix in Eggs and Lemon Zest
Add in 6 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in freshly grated lemon zest (about 2 tablespoons).
Add Dry Ingredients and the Remaining Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with 1 cup of milk, beginning, and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition.
Bake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the surface with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 70-75 minutes or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.
Allow to Cool
Cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before removing from the bundt pan. Allow it to cool completely.
Serve
Serve slices of this perfect citrusy cake with fresh sliced strawberries, whipped cream, or lemon glaze drizzle! This sunshine pound cake brings joy to anyone’s day!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about baking is that there are so many variations and options to choose from! This Sunshine Pound Cake recipe is already bursting with citrusy flavor and perfect texture, but there are a few substitutions or additions you can make to switch it up:
– Fresh Strawberries: Instead of serving the pound cake with just whipped cream, try adding fresh strawberries on top for a fruity burst of flavor.
– Pineapple: If citrus isn’t your thing, you can try creating a pineapple version of this cake by using a pineapple cake mix instead of lemon and adding some chopped fresh pineapple pieces.
– Poppy Seed: Another variation is to add poppy seeds into the cake mix along with the zest for an extra crunch and some depth in taste.
– Orange: To add some more variety, switch out the lemon zest and juice for 3 oranges and 1 lemon. You’ll be able to create a slightly sweeter citrus sunshine cake and it will be just as delicious!
– Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake: Add 8 oz of softened cream cheese into the butter-sugar mixture for an even richer, tangier taste.
Overall, this sunshine pound cake recipe is a great base that allows for plenty of experimentation. Get creative with what you’ve got in your fridge and pantry – you never know what delicious combinations might come out!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve baked the perfect Sunshine Pound Cake, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Slicing into this bright yellow cake brings sunshine to any table. Serve individual slices or go ahead and cut into thick pieces if you’re feeling fancy. This pound cake is versatile and perfect for any time of day; serve it for breakfast with coffee or as an afternoon snack when entertaining guests.
If you want to add a bit more sweetness, top your slice of cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The combination of tangy citrus and sweet berries complement each other perfectly. You can also try serving it with lemon curd or raspberry sorbet for a delectable treat.
For pairing suggestions, the lemon zest gives this cake a refreshing twist, making it pair well with anything from Earl Grey tea to a crisp white wine. A glass of Prosecco or Moscato pairs phenomenally with the sweetness in the cake while balancing out the tartness from the citrus zest.
This cake is also perfect for hosting events and celebrations. You can slice it up for a dessert platter, set out with fruit and whipped cream on the side so guests can make their own combinations. You could even elevate it by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or an indulgent drizzle of caramel sauce.
No doubt, this Sunshine Pound Cake brings sunshine to any table and compliments any occasion—it’s simply impossible to resist a good slice!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making a cake in advance is always a great idea when hosting events or parties, especially when you have limited time available. Fortunately, the Sunshine Pound Cake recipe is an excellent candidate for make-ahead baking. You can bake it up to three days in advance and store it at room temperature in an airtight container.
When storing the sunshine pound cake, make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can cut the cake into slices and freeze them in freezer-friendly containers for up to a month. This way, you can thaw out each slice as needed and enjoy its delicious flavor anytime.
Reheating the cake couldn’t be easier! Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and place the cake on a baking sheet. Loosely tent the cake with foil, then heat it up for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. However, if you’re looking for a more decadent experience, try popping it in the microwave for several seconds before serving to achieve that warm and extra gooey texture.
Whether you are planning to serve this as part of your party spread or just save some sweet treats for later enjoyment, storing sunshine pound cake will keep your dessert fresh and flavorful until the very last slice.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Sunshine Pound Cake brings the sunshine to your table, I’ve compiled some tips for perfect results!
First of all, it’s important to have all of your ingredients at room temperature before beginning. This includes the butter, eggs, and any other chilled ingredients you might be using. Room temperature ingredients help everything incorporate more easily which will give you a smoother batter.
When creaming together the butter and sugar, make sure to do so on medium-high speed for at least 2-3 minutes. This will help to break down the sugar crystals and fully incorporate the butter with the sugar resulting in a light texture.
A tough crust on your pound cake can occur if the oven temperature is too high, or if it’s baked for too long. I suggest baking this cake at 325°F (163°C) and checking for doneness with a toothpick after the one hour mark.
If you’re looking to add an extra boost of citrus flavor, try brushing your cooled cake with a mixture of fresh lemon or orange juice and powdered sugar. This will give your Sunshine Pound Cake a lovely glaze and keep it moist.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to play around with variations! Try adding some poppy seeds or fresh strawberries into the batter before baking. Or instead of a bundt cake, make this into smaller loaf cakes for individual servings. The possibilities are endless!
By following these tips, you’re sure to have a perfect Sunshine Pound Cake every time. Enjoy!
FAQ
As we near the end of our recipe article for Sunshine Pound Cake, it’s now time to address the common questions and concerns that may have crossed your mind while reading this recipe. In this section, we will provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the recipe, ensuring that you feel confident and prepared when attempting to make this delicious cake. So let’s review some FAQ about Sunshine Pound Cake!
What’s the difference between bundt cake and pound cake?
When it comes to cakes, there are various types to choose from, including pound cakes and bundt cakes. While bundt cakes can be any type of cake baked in a bundt pan, pound cakes are distinct from other kinds. Traditionally, pound cakes have a dense texture and are prepared using equal amounts of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
What is Elvis Presley pound cake?
There is a story that goes around about how Elvis Presley’s favorite pound cake recipe was given to a couple named the Sterns by a childhood friend of The King, Janelle McComb. It happened on the 10th anniversary of Elvis’s death, and ever since then, the Sterns have held onto the recipe with great care. The story suggests that every year on Christmas, Janelle McComb would bake two loaves of this pound cake and bring them to Graceland.
What causes hard crust on pound cake?
If you’re finding that your pound cake has a tough crust, it’s likely due to the oven temperature being set too high. The high heat cooks the crust faster than the rest of the cake, causing it to become hardened while the inside remains soft. To remedy this, try reducing the oven temperature and baking the pound cake for a bit longer.
What does baking soda do to a pound cake?
When it comes to cake baking, using both baking powder and baking soda can give you the best results. Baking soda reacts right away with acidic ingredients, while baking powder continues to react with the heat in the oven. This combination of leavening agents can provide the perfect amount of lift to most cake recipes.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Sunshine Pound Cake recipe is a perfect addition to any occasion or celebration. It brings happiness and sunshine to your table with its sweet lemony flavor and beautiful golden color. This cake recipe is simple and easy to make, with ingredients that can be easily found at any grocery store. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just want to enjoy a slice of dessert, this cake will surely satisfy your taste buds.
With the sunshine pound cake recipe, you can customize it to suit your preferences by using different variations and substitutions. You can try adding fresh strawberries or poppy seeds, or experiment with different citrus flavors like oranges or pineapples, for an exciting twist on the classic pound cake recipe.
Additionally, you can store your pound cake in an airtight container or freeze it for longer shelf life so that you can enjoy it anytime that you want. Lastly, experiment with different pairings- such as serving it with sliced strawberries, whipped cream or even brown-butter glaze will also delight you.
Overall, this cake brings sunshine to any table and is perfect for all ages. Try this recipe out and watch as it becomes a staple dessert for all of your events!
Sunshine Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb cake
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare medium-hot fire. Clean grill with a wire brush to remove any food or ash particles.
- Cut cake into 8 slices and brush both sides with melted butter.
- Grill 4-6 inches from the coals until lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Transfer to serving plates and spread each slice with 1 tablespoon lemon curd. Garnish with strawberries and serve.
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.