Lemon Crunch Pound Cake

Description: Betty Ledford’s Lemon Crunch Pound Cake is a delightful treat for anyone who loves the zesty flavor of lemon in a rich, moist cake. This recipe features a unique texture with a crunchy top, making it stand out from traditional pound cakes. The lemon flavoring adds a refreshing twist, perfect for tea parties, dessert after dinner, or as a special treat for lemon enthusiasts.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Inactive Time: 1 hour (for cooling)

Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

• 1¾ cups sugar

• 2 cups cake flour

• 1 cup oil

• 5 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons lemon flavoring

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a tube pan and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and oil until thoroughly combined.

3. Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar-oil mixture, beating well after each addition.

4. Stir in the lemon flavoring.

5. Sift the cake flour four times to ensure it’s light and aerated.

6. Gradually add the sifted cake flour to the wet mixture in four parts, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

9. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. The cake should have a notably crunchy top, which adds a delightful texture contrast to the moist interior.

Notes to Make it Better:

• For an enhanced lemon flavor, add the zest of one lemon to the batter.

• To ensure even baking, position the pan in the center of the oven.

• If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 380-420

• Fat: 20-24g

• Sodium: 50-70mg

• Carbohydrates: 45-50g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 30-35g

• Protein: 5-6g

Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient choices and serving sizes.