Lemon Thyme Sunshine Pound Cake a Zesty Classic

Lemon Thyme Pound Cake Recipe Sunshine in Every Slice

By Lila BeaumontSeptember 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever fancied a slice of sunshine? This Lemon Thyme Pound Cake recipe delivers just that! It's a bright, citrus pound cake with a subtle herbaceous cake twist.

Honestly, it's like a hug in cake form.

Brief Overview

Pound cakes are a classic for a reason. Their history goes way back! This version, perked up with lemon and thyme, is pure joy.

It's an easy baking recipe, perfect for any skill level. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe yields 10-12 scrumptious slices.

Main Benefits

One of the best things? Fresh lemon juice is packed with Vitamin C! This Lemon Thyme dessert is perfect for afternoon tea cake or any gathering that needs a touch of Elegant Desserts .

What makes this recipe special is the unexpected combo of lemon and thyme. It's simple but sophisticated!

Ready to jump in? Let's talk ingredients.

What You'll Need for Your Lemon Thyme Masterpiece

Grab these items. For the cake, you'll need: unsalted butter (two sticks), granulated sugar, eggs, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice , fresh thyme leaves, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and milk.

Thinking of a glaze? Get powdered sugar and more fresh lemon juice .

It's that easy. Time to get mixing!.

Lemon Thyme Pound Cake: Gearing Up!

Ready to bake a Lemon Thyme Pound Cake ? Honestly, it's easier than you think. This herbaceous cake will impress your mates.

This lemon pound cake recipe is one of the easy baking recipes you will find around. Let's gather our bits and bobs.

Main Ingredients for Our Sunshine Cake

Okay, pay attention to the ingredients! For the cake itself, you'll need: 1 cup (that's 226g ) of softened unsalted butter, and 2 cups ( 400g ) of granulated sugar.

Grab 4 large eggs and make sure they're at room temperature. This helps them mix better.

Zest 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice , and squeeze out 2 tablespoons . Chop 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves.

Use 2 cups ( 240g ) of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Finally, get 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) of milk, also at room temperature.

For the glaze (it's optional, but why not?), you'll need 1 cup ( 120g ) of powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice .

Ingredient Quality : Using good quality butter makes a difference. It’s the base for this Pound Cake . For the thyme , make sure it smells lovely.

Freshness is key! Also, use fresh lemon juice! It really brightens the cake. You'll want the best, especially if you're serving it as one of your elegant desserts .

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

This recipe uses a beautiful combo of lemon and thyme. It’s a winning combo! The citrus cuts through the richness of the cake.

The thyme adds a subtle herbaceous note. It makes it an afternoon tea cake you won't forget!

If you don't have fresh thyme, dried thyme will do in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon . Lemon extract can boost the lemon flavour. But fresh lemon juice is the best!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this recipe. You'll need a 9x5 inch loaf pan . Grease it and line it with parchment paper.

Grab an electric mixer (stand or hand held). Mixing bowls are essential. A zester and juicer are important too. And, of course, measuring cups and spoons are needed.

Don’t forget a wire rack for cooling. Honestly, that’s it! Let’s get baking that lemon thyme dessert !

Lemon Thyme Pound Cake: Bake Your Day Brighter

Honestly, who can resist a good pound cake ? Especially when it's got that sunshine-in-a-slice quality? I'm talking about this Lemon Thyme Pound Cake a simple easy baking recipes that feels super fancy.

We're adding fresh lemon juice and aromatic thyme for a flavour that's both comforting and a little bit sophisticated. Perfect for that afternoon tea cake moment, don't you think?

Prep Like a Pro

Before you even think about turning on that oven, get your mise en place sorted. This means having all your ingredients measured out and ready to go.

Soften 1 cup of butter. Having your butter, 4 large eggs , and 1/2 cup of milk at room temperature makes all the difference.

Trust me, it creates a smoother batter. Plus, grease that 9x5 inch loaf pan . Line it with parchment for easy removal.

And remember, baking can be dangerous. Always use oven mitts!

step-by-step to Deliciousness

This lemon pound cake recipe is surprisingly simple.

Cream 1 cup softened butter with 2 cups of sugar until fluffy.
Beat in 4 eggs, one at a time.
Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons chopped thyme.
Whisk 2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and 1/2 cup milk to the wet ingredients. Mix till just combined.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 50- 60 minutes , or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let it cool.

Pro-Baking Tips for a Next Level Lemon Thyme Dessert

Want that herbaceous cake to be truly top-notch? Try these tricks! Avoid Overmixing! If you overmix, you will get a hard, tough pound cake.

Don't do it! Cool completely. This prevents the glaze from running everywhere. Or, for a citrusy, sophisticated twist, use orange instead of lemon! These elegant desserts are so easy and have a refreshing summer twist.

Recipe Notes for Your Lemon Thyme Pound Cake Masterpiece

Right then, let's chat about some bits and bobs to make your Lemon Thyme Pound Cake experience even better. Honestly, this herbaceous cake is pretty straightforward, but a few pointers never hurt, you know?

I’ve tried this Lemon pound cake recipe a bunch of times, and these tips are what I've learned along the way.

Serving Up Sunshine: Presentation and Pairings

Okay, so you've baked this gorgeous Citrus pound cake . How do you make it sing? Well, for plating, a simple dusting of icing sugar does wonders.

Or, go proper fancy with a few fresh thyme sprigs and a scattering of fresh lemon juice .

As for sides? A dollop of clotted cream is always a winner. Or, if you are having a fancy Afternoon tea cake , grab some fresh berries to cut through the richness.

For drinks, Earl Grey tea is classic. But a sparkling elderflower presse also works a treat!

Keeping It Fresh: Storage Solutions

Right, so you've got leftovers. Lucky you! To keep your Pound Cake moist, wrap it tightly in cling film or store it in an airtight container.

It will happily live in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Fancy freezing it? Slice it up first, then wrap each slice individually. That way, you can grab a piece whenever you need a Lemon Thyme dessert fix.

To reheat, just let it thaw at room temperature. Or give it a quick blast in the microwave.

Variations on a Theme: Tweaks and Twists

Feeling adventurous? Instead of lemon, try orange zest and juice for a citrus pound cake twist. And the almond extract it takes it to a whole other level!

If you're after some Easy baking recipes and need the recipe to fit your requirements, use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Or swap the dairy milk for almond milk. Easy peasy!

A Little Bit About Nutrition

So, what's the damage? Well, a slice of this Lemon Thyme Pound Cake is a treat, you know? It's got calories about 350 per slice.

The good news? It also has a bit of protein and some healthy fats. Plus, Thyme has some anti inflammatory properties.

Bonus!

Listen, baking this cake isn't just about the recipe. Its about creating something delicious and sharing it with people you love. So go on, give it a go! You'll smash it, honestly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Lemon Thyme Pound Cake turn out dry? Is it "soggy bottom" territory?

A dry pound cake is a common baking woe! It could be due to overbaking, so next time, check for doneness a few minutes earlier. Also, make sure you're measuring your flour accurately too much flour can lead to a dry result.

Finally, ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature, as this helps the ingredients emulsify properly, leading to a more moist cake.

Can I substitute dried thyme for fresh in this Lemon Thyme Pound Cake recipe?

While fresh thyme is ideal for the best flavour, you can substitute dried thyme. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for every 2 teaspoons of fresh. Remember that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavour than fresh, so go easy on the substitution and taste as you go. Nobody wants a cake that tastes like potpourri!

How do I store my Lemon Thyme Pound Cake to keep it fresh? Will it last until the next episode of Bake Off?

To keep your Lemon Thyme Pound Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will typically stay moist for 3-4 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

It should easily last through the next episode (or two!) of Bake Off, as long as you can resist eating it all before then!

What are some variations I can try with this Lemon Thyme Pound Cake recipe?

Get creative with your Lemon Thyme Pound Cake! You could try adding a different citrus, like orange or grapefruit, for a unique twist. Consider adding a handful of poppy seeds or a splash of almond extract to the batter. For a more rustic touch, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top before baking. Have fun experimenting!

Is this Lemon Thyme Pound Cake recipe healthy?

Let's be honest, pound cake is a treat, not a health food! It's relatively high in calories, fat, and sugar. However, you can make some adjustments to make it slightly healthier, such as using whole wheat flour (although this will affect the texture) or reducing the amount of sugar slightly.

Everything in moderation, as they say! A slice of this Lemon Thyme Pound Cake can be a lovely part of a balanced diet.

My glaze is too runny/thick, how do I fix that for the Lemon Thyme Pound Cake?

Achieving the perfect glaze consistency can be tricky! If your glaze is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens. If it's too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice or water until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency.

Remember, you're aiming for something that coats the cake nicely without disappearing completely!