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The Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake Recipe is a dazzling celebration of bright citrus and rich buttery goodness all baked into one stunning, moist cake that feels like a warm hug from a close friend. This classic dessert is incredibly satisfying with its tender crumb, zesty lemon flavor, and delightful texture that makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual tea times to elegant gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and moisture that keeps you coming back for another slice.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and slightly tender crumb for the pound cake.
- 1 Tbsp baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle lift without overpowering the dense texture.
- ¾ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, cutting through the sweetness and brightening the lemon notes.
- 3 cups sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly and helps create that familiar tender crumb.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and moisture for that buttery punch.
- ½ cup Crisco shortening: Contributes to a moist, soft texture that lasts for days.
- 5 large eggs: Bind all ingredients together and build a sturdy yet tender cake foundation.
- 1 cup whole milk: Provides moisture and a smooth texture while balancing the batter.
- 6 Tbsp lemon juice: Delivers a fresh, tangy brightness that defines the cake’s signature flavor.
- 1 lemon, zested: Intensifies the citrus aroma and infuses delicate lemon oils throughout the batter.
How to Make The Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Grease and flour a 15-cup Bundt pan thoroughly. This preparation is essential because it ensures your beautiful cake releases easily without any sticking or cracking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Sifting not only blends these dry ingredients uniformly but also helps keep your cake light and free of lumps—a foundational step for perfect texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Shortening, and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter, Crisco shortening, and sugar together until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This process traps air into your batter, which leads to a tender crumb and beautiful rise.
Step 4: Add Eggs Gradually
Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. This careful incorporation ensures your batter stays light and well-emulsified, vital for the perfect texture of The Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake Recipe.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Add your sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, beating at low speed just until blended after each addition. This technique prevents overmixing and keeps the cake tender.
Step 6: Fold in Lemon Juice and Zest
Finally, mix in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. These ingredients infuse the batter with bright, tangy lemon flavor and a refreshing aroma classic to The Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake Recipe.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared Bundt pan and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then gently turn it out onto a rack to cool completely—this resting period is crucial for moistness.
How to Serve The Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving experience by garnishing slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze. Fresh lemon curls or a few edible flowers add a charming touch and complement the cake’s vibrant flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair the cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tangy lemon with smooth sweetness. Fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, offer a juicy contrast that elevates every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, consider slicing the cake into petite portions and serving them in delicate dessert cups layered with lemon curd or mascarpone cream. You can also assemble mini trifles with layered cake, lemon mousse, and berries to delight your guests visually and deliciously.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover lemon pound cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep The Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake Recipe fresh for longer, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It freezes beautifully for up to two months without losing the signature lemon flavor and tender texture.
Reheating
To reawaken the cake’s moistness after storage or freezing, warm slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (around 300ºF) for a few minutes. This brings back the freshly baked charm every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pan for The Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While a 15-cup Bundt pan is ideal for the traditional shape and even baking, you can also use a loaf pan or tube pan. Just adjust baking time accordingly and check for doneness with a tester.
Is it necessary to use both butter and shortening?
Yes, using both provides a perfect balance of rich flavor from butter and moist, tender crumb from shortening. If you prefer, you can substitute all with butter, but the texture might be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make The Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake Recipe gluten-free, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. You may need to experiment slightly with texture and baking time to get it just right.
How can I make the cake more lemony?
If you love an extra punch of lemon, boost the lemon zest by one or two additional lemons and add a little extra lemon juice to the batter. A tangy lemon glaze over the top also amplifies the citrus flavor beautifully.
What is the best way to prevent the cake from drying out?
Properly wrapping the cake after it cools completely and storing it in an airtight container at room temperature will keep it moist. Avoid refrigerating unless wrapped tightly, as cold air can dry it out quickly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly special dessert to impress your friends or treat yourself to cozy indulgence, The Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake Recipe is your answer. Its tender crumb, vibrant lemon flavor, and buttery richness come together in one unforgettable cake that’s surprisingly simple to make. Give it a try and watch this classic recipe become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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The Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 Bundt cake (serves approximately 12-14 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake is a classic, moist, and rich dessert bursting with bright lemon flavor. Perfectly tender with a buttery crumb, this pound cake is elevated by fresh lemon juice and zest, making it ideal for afternoon tea or a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup Crisco shortening
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 lemon, zested
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease and flour a 15-cup Bundt pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl, then set it aside for later addition.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric mixer, cream the unsalted butter, Crisco shortening, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the cake’s tender texture.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure even incorporation.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until the ingredients are blended after each addition to avoid overmixing.
- Add Lemon Flavors: Fold in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest gently to infuse the batter with bright lemon flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake in the preheated oven until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, approximately 55 minutes.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- If you want extra lemon flavor, consider making a lemon glaze or drizzle to pour over the cooled cake.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free adaptation, substitute milk with a plant-based milk and replace butter and shortening with non-dairy alternatives.
