Description
This Grilled Sunny Lemon Pound Cake with Raspberries is a moist and zesty dessert ideal for spring and summer gatherings. Featuring fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright citrus flavor, the pound cake is tender and buttery, enhanced by a subtle tang from sour cream. Served with fresh raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart. The recipe is straightforward, baking a luscious loaf that’s great for breakfast, tea time, or an elegant dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Finishing
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for brushing the cake)
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to ensure smooth, well-blended batter.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the sour cream, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, blending completely for a moist and flavorful cake.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Cool Completely and Brush with Butter: Remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, brush the top lightly with 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter to add moisture and a shiny finish.
- Serve with Raspberries and Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, arrange fresh raspberries on top or alongside the cake and dust with 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming with the sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense cake.
- If you don’t have fresh raspberries, frozen can be used but thaw and drain them before serving.
- For an extra lemony flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract if available.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American