Limoncello Pound Cake Lemon

Featured in: Simple Sweet Finishes

This pound cake combines the rich flavors of buttery batter with the zesty brightness of lemon and the subtle complexity of Limoncello liqueur. Moist and tender, it bakes to a golden finish and is topped with a tangy glaze made from fresh lemon juice, powdered sugar, and a hint of liqueur. Perfect as a sweet treat with tea or as a special dessert, its balanced citrus notes and soft crumb make it a delightful choice for gatherings. Optional zest topping adds a fresh aromatic touch.

Updated on Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:45:30 GMT
Golden Limoncello pound cake with lemon glaze, moist and fragrant, served on a white plate with a drizzle of citrus icing. Save
Golden Limoncello pound cake with lemon glaze, moist and fragrant, served on a white plate with a drizzle of citrus icing. | mesastories.com

Experience the perfect balance of moist texture and zesty brightness with this Limoncello Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze. Infused with the vibrant flavors of Limoncello liqueur and fresh lemon, it’s an irresistible treat that elevates any dessert table or afternoon tea. Each slice promises a fragrant citrus aroma complemented by a tangy glaze, making it a delightful way to celebrate simple pleasures with an Italian-American twist.

Golden Limoncello pound cake with lemon glaze, moist and fragrant, served on a white plate with a drizzle of citrus icing. Save
Golden Limoncello pound cake with lemon glaze, moist and fragrant, served on a white plate with a drizzle of citrus icing. | mesastories.com

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This pound cake is a celebration of simple but bold flavors, marrying buttery richness with the lively notes of lemon and liqueur. The recipe guides you step-by-step to achieve a perfect rise and moist crumb, while the glaze provides a gleaming, flavorful finish that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Limoncello liqueur
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted (for glaze)
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
  • 1 tbsp Limoncello liqueur (for glaze)
  • Optional: extra lemon zest for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan or a bundt pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Add eggs
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Combine flavorings
Stir in the lemon zest, Limoncello, lemon juice, and milk until combined.
5. Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Combine wet and dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
7. Prepare to bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the glaze
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and Limoncello until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled cake. Top with extra lemon zest if desired.
11. Serve
Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a lighter texture, consider substituting half the all-purpose flour with cake flour. This small change can create an even more tender crumb that melts in your mouth, enhancing the delicate citrus notes.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

Limoncello can be replaced with additional fresh lemon juice for an alcohol-free version; however, the flavor will be less complex. Feel free to add extra lemon zest on top for a vibrant finish or experiment with different zest combinations for a personalized twist.

Serviervorschläge

Serve your Limoncello Pound Cake with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. It pairs wonderfully with afternoon tea or as a refreshing dessert to impress guests.

Save
| mesastories.com

This luscious Limoncello Pound Cake with its zesty glaze is sure to become a favored recipe in your collection. Celebrate simple citrus comforts with a slice that brightens any occasion and invites you to savor every moist, fragrant bite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What makes the cake moist and flavorful?

Butter and eggs provide richness, while Limoncello and fresh lemon juice add moisture and zesty flavor, resulting in a soft, tender crumb.

Can I substitute Limoncello in this dish?

Yes, you can replace Limoncello with additional lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version, though the flavor will be less complex.

What is the purpose of the lemon glaze?

The glaze adds a bright, tangy finish that enhances the citrus profile and gives a subtle sweetness and shine to the baked cake.

How should I bake the cake for best results?

Use a greased and floured loaf or bundt pan, bake at 350°F for 50–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, then cool before glazing.

Are there suggested serving ideas?

Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the zesty and buttery flavors for an indulgent experience.

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Limoncello Pound Cake Lemon

A moist cake infused with Limoncello and bright lemon glaze, ideal for an indulgent treat or afternoon tea.

Prep Time
25 min
Time to Cook
55 min
Overall Time
80 min
Created by Spencer Maddux

Recipe Type Simple Sweet Finishes

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Italian-American

Portions 12 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You Need

Pound Cake

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 2 cups granulated sugar
03 4 large eggs, room temperature
04 1/4 cup Limoncello liqueur
05 1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature
06 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
07 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
08 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
09 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
10 1/2 teaspoon salt

Lemon Glaze

01 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
02 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
03 1 tablespoon Limoncello liqueur
04 Extra lemon zest for topping, optional

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare baking vessel: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan.

Step 02

Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 03

Incorporate eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 04

Add wet ingredients: Stir in lemon zest, Limoncello, lemon juice, and milk until fully combined.

Step 05

Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 06

Blend batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.

Step 07

Pour batter: Transfer batter into prepared pan and smooth the top surface.

Step 08

Bake cake: Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.

Step 09

Cool in pan: Allow cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

Step 10

Complete cooling: Turn out onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Step 11

Prepare glaze: Whisk together sifted powdered sugar, lemon juice, and Limoncello until smooth and pourable.

Step 12

Glaze and set: Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and top with extra lemon zest if desired. Allow glaze to set before slicing.

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Tools You Need

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Zester or grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire rack

Allergy Notice

Carefully check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a medical provider if you have questions.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains milk and dairy products
  • Contains wheat and gluten

Nutrition Details (Each Serving)

For informational use only. Please consult your healthcare provider for dietary advice.
  • Calories: 340
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 4 g

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