Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (adjust for desired thickness)
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Directions:

1. Prep Your Oven & Pan:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Generously grease and flour a 10- or 12-cup bundt or tube pan, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated for easy release.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside you’ll add it later.
3. Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and beat on medium speed for 3–4 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs & Flavorings:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to incorporate before adding the next. Then mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet & Dry:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Mix just until combined be careful not to overmix, which can make the cake dense.
6. Bake:
   Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 75–85 minutes. Start checking at 75 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool the Cake:
   Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before glazing.
8. Make the Glaze:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.

Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 75–85 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calories per serving: Approx. 450 | Servings: 12