I’m always on the hunt for that perfect pound cake recipe that strikes the balance between tangy and sweet—and this Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake is my current obsession. There’s something magical about the way cream cheese transforms an ordinary pound cake into something velvety and rich, while fresh lemon brightens every bite. Whether you’re hosting a fancy brunch or just craving something special with your afternoon tea, this bundt cake might just become your new signature dessert. Let me tell you why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking rotation…
Why You’ll Love this Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Citrus perfection. This little cake brings sunshine to your plate with every bite. The cream cheese creates a velvety texture that practically melts in your mouth, while the lemon zest and juice offer that bright, tangy flavor we all crave.
Don’t you just love a dessert that’s both simple and impressive? The bundt shape gives it that fancy look, but between us, it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Perfect for afternoon tea, weekend brunches, or when you need a little pick-me-up. The aroma while it’s baking? Pure kitchen magic that’ll have everyone wandering in to investigate.
What Ingredients are in Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake?
This delightful lemon cream cheese pound cake requires just a handful of pantry staples combined with fresh lemon for that perfect citrus zing.
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon extract
For best results, make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened to room temperature—this makes all the difference in achieving that perfectly smooth, velvety texture we’re after.
How to Make this Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F and thoroughly grease a 6-cup bundt pan.
Don’t skip the greasing step—nothing’s more heartbreaking than a cake that won’t release from the pan after all your hard work.
Step 2: Cream Together the Fats
Beat 3/4 cup softened butter and 4 oz softened cream cheese until completely smooth.
This might take a few minutes, but patience here creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture we’re all dreaming of.
Using a stand mixer makes this process much easier and ensures thorough creaming of the ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Sweetness
Gradually add 1.5 cups of sugar to your butter-cream cheese mixture, beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
The transformation is almost magical—from dense and heavy to airy and cloud-like.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs
Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
This slow addition prevents the batter from curdling and guarantees each egg is fully incorporated before the next one joins the party.
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Whisk together 1.5 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then add this mixture alternately with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to your batter.
This alternating method keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing.
Step 6: Add the Flavor Boosters
Gently stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, 1/2 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 tablespoon of lemon extract.
These three flavor powerhouses transform a simple pound cake into a citrus sensation.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and bake for 40-45 minutes until the cake turns a beautiful golden color.
The kitchen will fill with the most incredible lemon aroma—nature’s timer telling you something wonderful is happening.
Step 8: Cool and Release
Allow the cake to cool briefly in the pan before carefully turning it onto a cooling rack.
A too-hot cake might fall apart, but waiting too long might make it stick, so aim for that sweet spot of about 10 minutes.
What to Serve with Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
This bright, tangy cake deserves some equally delightful accompaniments. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates the perfect creamy contrast to the citrusy cake.
For breakfast or brunch, serve with a side of mixed berries—strawberries and blueberries are particularly lovely with lemon. Need something to sip? A cup of Earl Grey tea or a frothy cappuccino balances the sweetness beautifully.
For a more decadent dessert experience, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze or add a spoonful of lemon curd on the side.
And don’t underestimate the power of a small glass of limoncello for the grown-ups—it’s like serving sunshine alongside sunshine. Who could resist?
Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake Substitutions and Variations
• Garnish Options: Dust with powdered sugar before serving, or drizzle with a simple glaze (½ cup powdered sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice). Fresh mint leaves and thin lemon slices make a pretty topping.
Leftovers and Storage for this Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
This pound cake keeps beautifully, perhaps even tasting better on day two as the flavors meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
For longer storage, this cake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices or the entire remaining cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature.
To refresh a slice, warm it gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast it lightly in a skillet with a small pat of butter for a delightful crisp exterior.
The cream cheese in the batter helps maintain moisture, but covering the cut end with plastic wrap prevents the cake from drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake stands out with its perfect balance of tangy lemon and rich cream cheese, creating a moist, flavorful cake that’s both elegant and comforting.
The addition of both zest and extract guarantees that bright citrus flavor shines through in every bite. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, afternoon tea, or when unexpected guests drop by—simple enough for everyday baking but special enough for celebrations.
Whether served plain or with a light glaze, this smaller-sized bundt cake offers the perfect solution when you’re craving something sweet without overwhelming leftovers.
Sometimes the most satisfying desserts are the ones that rely on classic flavors done exceptionally well.