If you love bright, citrusy desserts, this lemon pound cake is going to become your new favorite bake. This homemade lemon pound cake recipe is soft, moist, and packed with fresh lemon flavor from real lemon juice and zest. Perfect for any occasion, this lemon pound cake brings together a buttery texture with a refreshing tang that makes every bite irresistible.
Whether you’re serving it at brunch, family gatherings, or enjoying a slice with tea or coffee, this lemon pound cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus zing that everyone will love.
Method
Cream Together
To begin making your lemon pound cake, start by creaming together the coconut oil and granulated sugar. This step is essential for creating a light and airy texture in the final cake. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the coconut oil and sugar until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and well combined. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Once you’ve reached the right consistency, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the mixture emulsify and stay smooth. After all the eggs are mixed in, stir in the Greek yogurt, which adds richness and moisture to the cake. Then add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. The juice brings a tangy flavor, while the zest gives your cake a fresh, aromatic citrus note that really makes it shine.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl, sift together your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Sifting not only removes lumps but also aerates the flour and helps the leavening agents (baking soda and baking powder) to evenly distribute throughout the batter. This is a small but important step that helps your cake rise evenly and gives it a soft texture.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to combine the two mixtures. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or a wooden spoon. It’s important to do this step gently overmixing can result in a dense, chewy cake. Stir just until no more flour is visible and the batter looks smooth and well-blended. The batter should be thick but still pourable. At this point, your kitchen will already smell wonderfully lemony!
Bake the Cake
Once your batter is ready, pour it evenly into a loaf tin that’s been lined with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes it easier to lift the cake out after baking. Smooth the top with a spatula to make sure the batter is evenly distributed. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake the loaf in the center rack for about 50 minutes. Since every oven is a little different, start checking your cake around the 45-minute mark. Insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center of the loaf if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready to come out.
Make the Glaze
While your cake is cooling, you can prepare the sweet lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a tablespoon of your preferred milk. Stir until the glaze is completely smooth and lump-free. If it’s too thick for drizzling, add a tiny bit more milk, a few drops at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not too runny.
Finish the Cake
Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack or a plate to cool completely. This step is important because if the cake is too warm, the glaze will soak in instead of sitting beautifully on top. Once the loaf is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, letting it naturally flow down the sides for that classic glazed look. Give it a few minutes to set, then slice it up and serve.
Necessary Tools
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 2 mixing bowls
- Sifter (for dry ingredients)
- Loaf tin (parchment paper-lined)
- Small bowl for the glaze
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack (optional but helpful)
Lemon Pound Cake A Delicious Citrus Delight
Recipe by George Mendes10
servings15
minutes50
minutes1
hour5
minutesIngredients
For the Cake:
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1/2 cup coconut oil (room temperature)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup granulated sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk of choice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
- Cream Together: Start by creaming together the coconut oil and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix them well until the combination is light and fluffy. Then, add in the eggs one at a time. After that, mix in the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and zest. This step makes the base of your cake super moist and flavorful.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the baking soda, baking powder, and flour. This ensures that there are no lumps and everything is evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Now, slowly fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Take your time to ensure that the batter is smooth and well-mixed. Don’t overmix to keep your cake light and airy.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a parchment paper-lined loaf tin. Pop it into the oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for around 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cake cool.
- Make the Glaze: While your cake cools, it’s time to make the glaze. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finish the Cake: Once your cake has cooled down, drizzle the glaze over the top. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and coconut oil are at room temperature before starting. Cold ingredients can cause your batter to curdle, which affects the texture of the cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Check the Cake Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested bake time to avoid overcooking. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Let it Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glaze. If the cake is too warm, the glaze will melt into the cake and won’t create that perfect, glossy finish.



Serving Suggestions
This lemon pound cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent treat. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. You could even serve it at brunch with a fresh fruit salad on the side to balance out the sweetness.
Fun Fact
Did you know that lemons were once considered a symbol of wealth and luxury? They were so rare in Europe during the Middle Ages that only the richest people could afford to enjoy them! Today, we get to enjoy this zesty fruit in so many recipes, like our delicious pound cake.
Conclusion
This homemade lemon pound cake is the perfect combination of moist texture, rich buttery flavor, and refreshing citrus notes. With its simple preparation and delicious lemon glaze, this lemon pound cake recipe is ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Whether you’re baking it for guests or treating yourself, this lemon pound cake is sure to impress every time. Save this recipe, share it with friends, and enjoy every slice of this bright and flavorful lemon pound cake.



