When it comes to bright and sunny flavors, my lemon yogurt pound cake recipe is a true delight. Bursting with zesty citrus notes, this cake is a perfect companion for a spring picnic or a morning coffee treat. The secret to its moist and tangy goodness lies in the triple dose of lemon—infused in the cake, drizzled with lemon syrup, and topped with a luscious lemon glaze.
Crafted with care and a touch of sophistication, this lemon yogurt pound cake is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or simply craving a slice of homemade goodness, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game. Embrace the flavors of spring with each bite of this buttery and tangy lemon-infused delight.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (180g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar (200g), plus ⅓ cup (67g) for glaze
- Zest of two lemons
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup lemon juice for cake (2 oz), plus ⅓ cup (2.6 oz) for syrup and 2 tablespoons for glaze
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (143g)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (50g)
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Equipment Needed
To prepare this delightful Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake, you won’t need any fancy equipment. The simplicity of this recipe is part of its charm. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:
- Loaf Pan: A standard loaf pan is perfect for baking this pound cake to perfection.
- Mixing Bowls: Two mixing bowls, one for the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients, will suffice.
- Whisk: A whisk for mixing the batter to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Measuring Cups: For accurate measurements of the ingredients, have a set of measuring cups on hand.
With just these basic kitchen tools, you’ll be all set to create a moist, tangy, and zesty Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake that will impress your guests at any gathering.
Preparation Steps
Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven
To begin preparing the lemon yogurt pound cake, grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases smoothly once baked. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) to get it ready for the baking process.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the cake batter. Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the batter, ensuring a consistent rise and flavor profile.
Directions
Creating a delightful lemon yogurt pound cake is a rewarding experience. Let’s walk through the steps to make this tangy treat perfect for any occasion.
Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, vanilla, and vegetable oil.
- Blend the wet ingredients into the dry ones until well mixed using a mixer.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for around 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, cook ⅓ cup lemon juice and ⅓ cup sugar in a saucepan until dissolved.
- Once the cake is done, allow it to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a rack over a sheet pan.
- While the cake is still warm, pour the prepared lemon glaze over it.
- Cook ⅓ cup lemon juice and ⅓ cup sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear.
- Set the lemon glaze aside to cool slightly.
- After cooling the cake in the pan for 10 minutes and transferring it to a rack, drizzle the warm lemon glaze over the cake.
- Allow the glaze to soak into the cake and serve once fully cooled.
Assembling the Cake
Assembling this delightful Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake is a straightforward process that brings together all the zesty flavors in a harmonious blend. Here’s how to bring the cake to life step by step.
Applying the Glaze
- Once the cake has cooled, prepare the lemon glaze by sifting the powdered sugar into a medium bowl.
- Whisk in two tablespoons of milk until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Pour the glaze generously over the top of the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a beautiful finish.
- Garnish the glazed cake with candied lemon slices for an extra burst of citrus freshness.
- Serve the Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake with pride, showcasing its moist crumb and tangy profile to delight your guests or treat yourself to a flavorful dessert experience.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delightful Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake, the options are endless. Here are some creative and delectable serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience:
1. Afternoon Tea Delight:
For a classic touch, slice the lemon yogurt pound cake into thick wedges and serve it alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey or English breakfast tea. The citrus notes of the cake beautifully complement the robust flavors of the tea, making it a perfect treat for a leisurely afternoon tea session.
2. Brunch Essential:
Make your brunch spread shine by incorporating slices of this moist and tangy cake onto the menu. Pair it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a light and refreshing brunch option that will impress your guests.
3. Dessert Extravaganza:
Turn this Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake into a stunning dessert centerpiece by serving it with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of lemon curd. The combination of creamy, cold ice cream with the zesty cake creates a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
4. Picnic Perfection:
Pack slices of the cake for a picnic in the park or a day at the beach. Its sturdy yet moist crumb makes it an ideal travel companion, and the bright lemon flavors will add a refreshing twist to your outdoor dining experience.
5. Party Favorite:
Impress your guests at your next gathering by serving this Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake as part of a dessert buffet. Cut it into bite-sized cubes for easy snacking, or present it on a cake stand for an elegant touch. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh mint leaves for a visually appealing presentation.
Storage and Reheating Tips
After baking this delightful Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake, you may want to store any leftovers properly to maintain its freshness and flavors. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat your delicious cake:
Storing the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it.
- Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
- To reheat slices of the cake, you can gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds until slightly warm.
- For a more tender and moist texture, you can also reheat the cake slices in a preheated oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake for days to come without compromising its delicious taste and texture.
Conclusion
Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring with its zesty lemon flavors. This recipe offers a moist and tangy cake that is sure to impress at any gathering. With its simple preparation steps and versatile nature, this cake is a go-to option for various occasions. Remember to follow the storage and reheating tips provided to keep your cake fresh and flavorful for days. Whether enjoyed at room temperature or gently reheated, this Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake is bound to be a crowd favorite that will leave everyone craving for more.