In the roaring 1920s, the Ritz Carlton was the epitome of luxury and elegance, where the elite gathered to indulge in exquisite culinary delights. One standout treat from this golden era is the iconic Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake. This timeless recipe has been cherished for generations, known for its rich, buttery texture and zesty lemon flavor that dances on the taste buds.
I’ve delved into the archives to bring you a revamped version of this classic dessert that stays true to its origins while adding a modern twist. The secret lies in the perfect balance of fresh lemon zest and a moist, dense crumb that melts in your mouth with each bite. Whether you’re hosting a fancy soirée or simply craving a slice of nostalgia, this 1920s Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients
For this exquisite 1920s Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients to recreate this delightful treat at home.
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Equipment Needed
I will now list down the essential equipment you will need to prepare this delightful 1920s Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls (various sizes for dry and wet ingredients)
- Microplane zester or grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter or fine-mesh sieve
- 10-inch bundt cake pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick baking spray
- Cooling rack
- Citrus juicer
- Small saucepan (for glaze preparation)
- Whisk
Having these tools ready will ensure a seamless baking experience and help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor for your Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Batter
To begin preparing the 1920s Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake batter, I start by creaming together softened butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer until light and fluffy. Next, I add in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, I mix in the fresh lemon zest for that signature citrus flavor.
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it’s ready when the batter is prepared. I always recommend using an oven thermometer for accuracy. While the oven is preheating, grease and flour a bundt cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Baking
Baking is a crucial step in ensuring a perfect 1920s Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake. Make sure to monitor the baking time carefully to achieve the ideal texture and flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) before placing the cake batter in.
- Bake the pound cake for approximately 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Check the cake regularly towards the end of the baking time to prevent overcooking.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Icing the Cake
After baking your Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake to perfection, it’s time to add the finishing touch with a delightful icing. Here’s how I create the ideal icing for this classic dessert:
Ingredients for the Icing:
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest for garnish
- In a small bowl, sift the powdered sugar to ensure a smooth texture for the icing.
- Gradually add fresh lemon juice, one tablespoon at a time, to the powdered sugar.
- Whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps in the icing.
- Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the top of the cake using a spoon or a piping bag for a more decorative touch.
- Sprinkle some freshly grated lemon zest on top of the icing to add a pop of color and extra citrusy flavor.
- Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving your Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Now that the Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake is ready, it’s time to elevate its presentation for a delightful dining experience. Here are some tips to serve and present this delectable dessert in true 1920s style:
1. Slicing Technique:
- Angle Matters: For an elegant touch, slice the pound cake at a slight angle rather than straight down. This technique adds visual appeal to each serving.
- Even Slices: Ensure each slice is of uniform thickness to present a visually pleasing display on the plate.
2. Plating Suggestions:
- Vintage Vibes: Serve the lemon pound cake on delicate, vintage-style plates to capture the essence of the 1920s era.
- Garnish With Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing each slice with a few fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries.
3. Icing Etiquette:
- Smooth Finish: When icing the cake, aim for a smooth and even finish. Use a spatula to spread the icing evenly over the top and sides for a polished look.
- Zesty Finish: For that final touch, sprinkle extra lemon zest on top of the icing to enhance the citrus flavor and add a decorative element.
- Tea Time Affair: Pair slices of the Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake with a fragrant cup of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea for an indulgent tea time treat.
- After-Dinner Delight: Serve this decadent dessert as a sophisticated after-dinner delight to impress your guests.
Storage Tips
After indulging in the delectable Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake, you may find yourself with leftovers that you want to savor for later. Here’s how I recommend storing your lemon pound cake to keep it fresh and maintain its delightful flavors:
Refrigeration:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to preserve its moisture.
- Store the wrapped cake in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to further protect it from absorbing any odors in the refrigerator.
- Lemon pound cake can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days without compromising its taste and texture.
- If you want to extend the shelf life of your lemon pound cake, consider freezing it for future enjoyment.
- Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, ensuring it is well-protected.
- Lemon pound cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving to experience its full flavor profile.
By following these simple storage tips, you can enjoy the irresistible taste of the Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake even days after its initial baking.
Conclusion
I’ve shared the rich history of the 1920s Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake and its modern twist. With detailed instructions on preparing the batter and icing, highlighting the importance of fresh lemon zest. I’ve also provided valuable tips on storing this delightful treat, ensuring its freshness for days. By following these guidelines, you can savor the delicious Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake long after it’s baked.