Pound Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl and Glaze Recipe

Indulge in this delicious, dense, and perfectly moist pound cake, enhanced by a delightful lemon cream cheese swirl and a zesty lemon glaze. This recipe transforms a classic pound cake into an elevated treat with layers of creamy, tangy lemon filling that surprise with every bite. It’s a perfect dessert for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or any time you want a slice of something sweet and refreshing.

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Ingredients

For the Pound Cake:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

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Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

• In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Add in the sugar, egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour, mixing until thoroughly combined and smooth. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Pound Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon zest.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Swirl

• Pour half of the pound cake batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
• Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter, spreading it gently to cover the entire layer.
• Top with the remaining pound cake batter, spreading it evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 6: Swirl and Bake

• For a marbled effect, gently run a knife through the layers in a swirling motion.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into 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.

Step 7: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
• Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled pound cake and let it set before slicing.

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Cooking Notes

• Consistency of Batter: The pound cake batter should be thick but spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or water to loosen it slightly.
• Swirl Technique: Swirl gently with a knife, ensuring not to overmix, or you may lose the distinct cream cheese layer.
• Lemon Glaze: For a bolder lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon juice in the glaze, or add a dash of lemon zest for extra zestiness.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices of this pound cake with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a festive dessert.
• Add a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream alongside for a refreshing twist.
• Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

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Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure all ingredients (especially eggs, butter, and cream cheese) are at room temperature.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This pound cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

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Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

60-70 minutes

Total Time:

90 minutes

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Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 180mg

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Conclusion

This Pound Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl and Glaze is an elegant, moist, and flavor-packed dessert, bringing together the richness of cream cheese with the brightness of lemon. Easy to prepare yet sophisticated in taste, it’s an ideal choice for gatherings, special events, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Try this recipe, and you’ll have a new favorite pound cake to savor year-round.

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