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lemon cake on a plate with slices of lemons on top and lemons beside

Simple Sourdough Lemon Pound Cake From Scratch

Molly LaFontaine of Plum Branch Home
This sourdough lemon pound cake is for you if you’re looking for an easy wholesome cake recipe. This lemon cake made with sourdough is cherished in our home and I hope it will be in yours as well!
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Sourdough
Servings 1 (1/2 pound) cake

Ingredients
  

Pound Cake

  • 1/2 cup sourdough starter (fed or discard)
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon zest
  • 3 Tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup Butter (room temperature)
  • 2 Tbsp sour cream
  • 2 Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Cane Sugar
  • 1 tsp Pure Vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Lemon juice

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare & Preheat

  • Prepare a loaf pan with a light greasing of butter then dust with flour and tap the pan upside down to remove excess. Or place parchment paper inside instead.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Make Batter

  • In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and cane sugar with an electric mixer on low speed until fluffy (1 minute)
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until evenly combined.
  • Add in sourdough starter, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix until smoothly combined on medium-low speed.
  • Then on medium speed, add flour. Mix just to combine, don’t over mix.
  • With a spatula or spoon, stir in lemon zest gently just until combined.
  • Optional – At this point you can either continue the recipe or place the batter covered in the fridge for 12-24 hours to long ferment for more sourdough gut benefits.

Step 3: Bake

  • Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-65 mins (toothpick comes out clean in center) (don’t open the door during baking).

Step 4: Cool & Glaze

  • Once baked, let cool in loaf pan for 10 mins on a wire rack (do not remove from pan before this).
  • While the cake is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice glaze until combined in a small bowl.
  • Once cake is cooled, gently transfer out pan and onto a plate. Drizzle glaze over top and enjoy!

Video

Notes

How to Storing Pound Cake

After baking, store your pound cake glazed or unglazed at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to store mine in a cake or pie storage container. You can also place it in an air-tight container. Just don't refrigerate it. This will dry the cake out.

How to Freeze Lemon Pound Cake

When you're ready to freeze pound cake make sure it's completely cooled and unglazed. Wrap it in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place in a freezer safe bag or container. It'll last 2 months in the freezer.

How to Thaw Frozen Pound Cake

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen pound cake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then bring it to room temperature on the counter before serving. Cover with glaze after it is thawed.
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