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### **Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or two 9-inch loaf pans. If you’re using a bundt pan, be sure to coat all the crevices to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking.
#### **Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar**
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the **butter** and **cream cheese** using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, gradually add the **sugar**, beating continuously until fully incorporated. The sugar will help create a light texture and a slightly airy crumb.
#### **Step 3: Add the Eggs**
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. This ensures the batter is smooth and evenly mixed. The eggs provide structure and moisture to the cake, so it’s important not to rush this step.
#### **Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, and **salt**. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the **lemon juice**. Start with the dry ingredients, then add a little lemon juice, and repeat until everything is fully combined. Mix until just incorporated; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
#### **Step 5: Add Lemon Zest and Extract**
Once the flour mixture is incorporated, fold in the **lemon zest** and **vanilla extract**. If you’re using **lemon extract**, add it at this point for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
#### **Step 6: Bake the Cake**
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan or loaf pans, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake the cake for about 60-75 minutes (depending on the pan size), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Check the cake after 50 minutes of baking. If the top is becoming too brown, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
#### **Step 7: Cool the Cake**
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allow the cake to cool fully before applying any glaze or frosting.
#### **Step 8: Make the Lemon Glaze**
While the cake is cooling, prepare the **lemon glaze** by mixing the **powdered sugar**, **lemon juice**, and **lemon zest** in a small bowl. Stir until smooth, and adjust the consistency if needed. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
#### **Step 9: Drizzle the Glaze**
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the **lemon glaze** over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.
#### **Step 10: Serve and Enjoy**
Slice the cake and serve. If desired, dust the cake with a light sprinkling of **
powdered sugar** for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
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## **Why Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake is the Ultimate Dessert**
**Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Beyond the Butter** is the perfect combination of rich, tangy, and sweet. The **cream cheese** creates an ultra-moist cake with a delicate crumb, while the **lemon** brightens the flavor and adds a refreshing, zesty note. The glaze elevates the cake, giving it a glossy finish and an extra punch of citrus.
This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of tea. Its versatility allows you to customize it with additional flavors or toppings, but its classic lemon and cream cheese combination is timeless and guaranteed to impress.
Whether you bake it for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or just because, **Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake** is a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The rich, comforting flavors, combined with the refreshing lemon, make it a dessert that’s truly beyond the butter.
