LEMON BUTTERMILK POUND CAKE WITH LEMON SYRUP — MOIST, TENDER, AND AROMATIC
This delightful lemon pound cake combines the tang of fresh lemon juice and zest with the richness of buttermilk, creating a tender crumb soaked in a vibrant lemon syrup. Light, moist, and bursting with natural citrus flavor, it’s a perfect dessert or teatime treat.
🕒 Prep Time: 20 min
⏲️ Baking Time: 50 min
🍽️ Yields: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
Cake:
- 125 g unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 250 g sugar
- 150 ml buttermilk
- 80 ml fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (from 1½ lemons)
- 250 g all-purpose flour (type BL55 or similar), sifted
- 25 g cornstarch
- 5 g baking powder (½ packet)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Lemon Syrup:
- 80 ml fresh lemon juice
- 250 g powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease a 30 cm loaf pan with butter.
- Melt the butter and set aside to cool.
- Sift flour 4 times together with cornstarch, salt, and baking powder to ensure lightness.
- In a bowl, beat egg yolks with 200 g sugar until pale and creamy.
- Add buttermilk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well for 1 minute.
2. Whip the Egg Whites
- In a separate clean bowl, whip egg whites at medium speed until a dense foam forms but it doesn’t yet hold peaks.
- Gradually add 50 g sugar while increasing speed. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form and the foam holds when the bowl is inverted. Don’t overbeat.
3. Combine Ingredients
- Gently fold half of the sifted flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture using a whisk or spatula.
- Fold in half of the whipped egg whites gently from top to bottom to avoid deflating.
- Add the remaining flour and fold in gently.
- Finally, fold in the remaining egg whites.
4. Add Butter
- Stir 5 tablespoons of the batter into the cooled melted butter to loosen it.
- Fold this buttered mixture gently back into the main batter until well incorporated.
5. Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake at 160°C for about 50 minutes.
- Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
6. Prepare and Apply Lemon Syrup
- Combine lemon juice and powdered sugar in a saucepan. Heat gently until sugar dissolves completely to form the syrup.
- Turn the cake out onto a serving plate. Prick the surface about 30 times with a toothpick.
- Slowly drizzle the syrup over the cake in stages—add a few tablespoons, allow absorption, then continue until all syrup is used.
- (Optional: Use half the syrup if you prefer less sweetness and lighter soaking.)
- Let the cake cool completely to absorb the syrup fully.
💡 Tips
- Sifting flour multiple times creates a lighter, fluffier cake.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor and aroma.
- Pricking the cake ensures even syrup absorption.
🎉 Perfect For
- Lemon lovers craving moist, citrusy cake
- Afternoon tea or dessert
- Light, refreshing homemade treats
📝 Final Thoughts
This lemon buttermilk pound cake soaked in luscious lemon syrup offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness with a tender crumb. The syrup infusion guarantees moistness and a vibrant citrus punch, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.