Cranberry Lemon Pound Cake
Introduction
Cranberry Lemon Pound Cake is a delightful and vibrant dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty, refreshing flavor of lemon.
This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat during the colder months.
Its moist, dense texture is typical of traditional pound cakes but with a fruity twist that makes it both delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Incorporate Lemon:
Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
Combine with Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Add Cranberries:
Fold in the cranberries (and nuts if using) into the batter.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Lemon Pound Cake is a festive and flavorful dessert that beautifully marries the sharpness of cranberries with the freshness of lemon.
It’s ideal for those who appreciate a less overtly sweet dessert.
Its colorful appearance and delightful flavors make it a popular choice for festive occasions and family gatherings, providing a lovely centerpiece that is as tasty as it is attractive.