Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about the bright, citrusy aroma of a freshly baked Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake wafting through the kitchen. The zesty lemon notes paired with the tang of real buttermilk create a symphony of flavor that’s both punchy and tender. This Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake isn’t just about avoiding gluten it’s about celebrating flavor, texture, and the little joys of moist gluten-free cake done right. Whether you’re baking for someone with dietary needs or simply craving something vibrant and homemade, the use of fresh lemon zest adds a burst of sunshine in every bite.

A slice of moist Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake with a vibrant lemon glaze, showcasing its tender crumb.
Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake Slice

I remember the first time my grandmother handed me a slice of her lemon pound cake, still warm from the oven, its golden crust cracking ever so slightly under the glaze. Years later, adapting her classic to a gluten-free cake recipe felt like preserving a cherished memory while creating something new. The first bite brought back the same feeling tart, sweet, and soothing, just like her hugs. That familiar taste, now reimagined with gluten-free flour blend, means every slice is more than dessert. It’s home.

For a delightful baked treat that perfectly complements a zesty flavor profile, you might enjoy this Lemon Drizzle Pound Cake. And if you’re looking for something with a similar tender crumb and tangy essence, this Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake could be a wonderful alternative to consider for your baking adventures.

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A slice of moist Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake with a vibrant lemon glaze, showcasing its tender crumb.

Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake


  • Author: Olivia Bennett
  • Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

This gluten-free lemon buttermilk pound cake is a moist cake recipe that’s both citrusy and comforting. It features fresh lemon zest and a tender crumb, making it perfect for anyone craving delicious homemade gluten-free treats.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter, room temperature
  • 3 cups (594 g) granulated sugar
  • 5 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
  • 3/4 to 1 teaspoon pure lemon extract
  • 3 cups (360 g) gluten-free flour blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup (227 g) buttermilk or half and half plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
  • 3 cups (340 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon pure lemon extract, to taste
  • Milk, as needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously butter a large 10-inch bundt pan.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl for 3 to 5 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Mix in the lemon zest and lemon extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, salt, and baking powder.
  6. Add one third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
  7. Pour in half of the buttermilk and mix gently.
  8. Add another third of the dry ingredients, then the remaining buttermilk, and finish with the last of the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated each time.
  9. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, filling no more than 2 inches from the top.
  10. Bake for about 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  11. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack and cool completely.
  12. To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and lemon extract, adding just enough milk to create a medium-thick glaze.
  13. Once the cake is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top and let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
  • Measure ingredients carefully for consistent results.
  • Be gentle when mixing in the flour to avoid overworking the batter.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 70 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 48 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg

Keywords: gluten-free lemon buttermilk pound cake, moist gluten-free cake, gluten-free cake recipe, fresh lemon zest

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake

  • This recipe is incredibly easy to make. With simple steps and basic tools, you’ll have a delicious cake ready in no time.
  • The cake is highly flexible, allowing you to swap or add ingredients to suit your preferences or fit what you have in your pantry.
  • Perfect for busy days, families, or entertaining guests, this cake’s citrusy flavor and moist texture are sure to please everyone.
  • Featuring gluten-free baking as one of our related keywords, this cake caters perfectly to dietary needs without compromising taste.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake

Tools You’ll Need

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric Mixer
  • Loaf Pan or Bundt Pan
  • Spatula
  • Wire Rack
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Step 1: Preparation for the Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter, room temperature
  • 3 cups (594 g) granulated sugar
  • 5 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
  • 3/4 to 1 teaspoon pure lemon extract
  • 3 cups (360 g) gluten-free flour blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup (227 g) buttermilk or half and half plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 3 cups (340 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon pure lemon extract, to taste
  • Milk, as needed

Step 2: Cooking the Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously butter a large 10-inch bundt pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together for 3 to 5 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Mix in the lemon zest and lemon extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, salt, and baking powder.
  6. Add one third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
  7. Pour in half of the buttermilk and mix gently.
  8. Add another third of the dry ingredients, then the remaining buttermilk, and finish with the last of the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated each time.
  9. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, filling no more than 2 inches from the top.
  10. Bake for about 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Step 3: Assembling and Finishing

  1. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
  2. Invert onto a wire rack and cool completely.
  3. To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and lemon extract.
  4. Add just enough milk to create a smooth, medium-thick glaze.
  5. Once the cake is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top and let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
A whole Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake, baked in a bundt pan and generously drizzled with a sweet lemon glaze.
Whole Gluten-Free Lemon Pound Cake

Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake Every Time

  • Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
  • Measure your ingredients carefully for consistent results.
  • Be gentle when mixing in the flour to avoid overworking the batter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t skip the cooling stage before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
  • Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake, so mix just until combined.

Occasions Perfect for This Recipe

  • This cake makes a lovely addition to a spring brunch menu.
  • A delightful choice for summer picnics and family gatherings.
  • Perfect for birthdays or special occasions where gluten-free desserts are needed.

The Secret Behind a Great Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake

The combination of tangy buttermilk and fresh lemon zest gives the cake its unique, vibrant flavor. Using gluten-free flour blend ensures a tender crumb while the creaming of butter and sugar creates a light, fluffy texture that is hard to resist.

FAQs about Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake

What makes gluten-free cakes dry?

Gluten-free cakes can sometimes turn out dry if there’s not enough moisture, fat, or proper mixing involved. The addition of buttermilk in this recipe helps maintain a moist texture.

Can you substitute buttermilk in a gluten-free cake?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives, like almond milk mixed with lemon juice, but the tangy flavor of true buttermilk enhances the cake’s taste best.

What is the best gluten-free flour for pound cake?

The ideal flour blend depends on personal preference, but popular choices include Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 or King Arthur’s Measure for Measure for achieving a perfect texture.

How do I make a gluten-free cake moist?

Ensure you use moistening ingredients like buttermilk and butter, and avoid overmixing the batter to keep your cake tender and delicious.

Can I use lemon extract instead of lemon juice and zest in a cake?

Absolutely, lemon extract can be used, but fresh lemon zest provides an extra burst of citrus flavor that’s hard to match!

Close-up of the tender texture of a Gluten-Free Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake, highlighting the fine crumb.
Tender Crumb of GF Lemon Cake

Conclusion

The Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake is an exquisite choice for those embracing the joy of baking. Its moist texture and vibrant taste demonstrate the power of using high-quality ingredients like gluten-free flour blends to highlight delicious flavors in each slice. This recipe isn’t just for those avoiding gluten but for anyone who appreciates a delightful dessert.

If you’re in search of a delightful citrus twist, why not explore this Lemon Drizzle Pound Cake? Its zesty profile perfectly complements your adventurous baking journey.

We’d love to hear your thoughts or see the results of your baking masterpiece! Try out the recipe, share your experience, or save it for your next baking day. Happy baking!

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