Limoncello Pound Cake Lemon (Print version)

Moist and zesty cake featuring limoncello and a tangy lemon glaze for bright flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pound Cake

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1/3 cup limoncello liqueur
08 - 1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature
09 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
10 - Zest of 2 lemons
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Lemon Glaze

12 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
14 - 1 tablespoon limoncello liqueur, optional
15 - Zest of 1 lemon for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
05 - Mix in limoncello, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
06 - Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
07 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
08 - Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 40 minutes.
09 - Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and limoncello if using, adding more lemon juice for desired pourable consistency.
11 - Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and garnish with lemon zest. Let set before slicing.

# Tips from the pros:

01 -
  • Perfectly moist texture with a fine, tender crumb that melts in your mouth
  • Bold limoncello flavor balanced with fresh lemon juice and zest
  • Impressive presentation with a beautiful glossy glaze
  • Versatile enough for elegant gatherings or casual afternoon tea
  • Stays fresh for several days when properly stored
02 -
  • Always use fresh lemon juice, not bottled—the flavor difference is remarkable
  • Invest in good quality limoncello for the best flavor; cheap versions can taste artificial
  • Zest your lemons before juicing them for easier prep
  • Let the glaze set for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean, beautiful cuts
  • A serrated knife works best for slicing pound cake without crushing it
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