Lemon Thyme Pound Cake
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Let’s talk about this Lemon Thyme Pound Cake for a second—because if you’re into fresh, bright flavors and the softest, most moist cake, then you’re going to want to make this. It’s got that zesty lemon kick you crave, plus the herbaceous depth of fresh thyme, making it feel a little fancy, but not fussy. The cake itself is soft, buttery, and full of flavor, especially with the caramelized nectarines on top that add a perfect touch of sweetness. This one’s great for when you want something impressive but not time-consuming. The meringue topping adds this light, melt-in-your-mouth finish that’s a little unexpected and definitely adds a nice “wow” factor. Honestly, it’s the kind of cake that could be perfect for a laid-back afternoon or even a special occasion. It’s versatile, easy to make, and honestly, just really good.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Thyme Pound Cake
- Bright, Fresh Flavors: The combination of zesty lemon and fresh thyme creates a refreshing, unique flavor profile that’s both light and aromatic.
- Moist, Buttery Texture: The pound cake has a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth, thanks to the sour cream and butter.
- Topping That Wows: The caramelized nectarines add a perfect balance of sweetness and depth, elevating the cake to something extra special.
- Meringue Magic: The light, airy meringue on top adds a surprising twist, giving this cake a beautiful and fluffy finish.
- Simple Yet Elegant: The recipe comes together easily, but the end result is impressive—perfect for both casual snacking and more formal gatherings.
Ingredients Needed To Make Lemon Thyme Pound Cake
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Brown sugar
- White sugar
- Almond extract
- Butter, room temperature
- Greek yogurt
- Eggs
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
- Lemon zest
- Fresh thyme, chopped
- Ricotta
- Honey
- Nectarines, cubed
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Lemon Thyme Pound Cake
- Preheat the oven and prepare a loaf pan.
- Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs, yogurt, lemon juice, and almond extract.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the fresh thyme and lemon zest.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake until done.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Make the whipped ricotta by mixing it with honey until smooth.
- Caramelize the nectarines by cooking them in butter and brown sugar until soft.
- Spread the whipped ricotta on the cake and top with the caramelized nectarines.
- Serve and enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make this pound cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pound cake a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost it with the whipped ricotta and caramelized nectarines right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How do I store leftover pound cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can refrigerate it, but the cake might lose some of its moisture. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic and freeze it.
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Can I use a different fruit instead of nectarines?
Absolutely! If nectarines aren’t available, peaches, plums, or even apricots would work wonderfully. Just caramelize the fruit in the same way to bring out its natural sweetness.
How do I know when the pound cake is fully baked?
The pound cake is done when it has a golden brown top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking.
Can I make the meringue ahead of time?
Meringue is best made just before serving to maintain its airy texture. If you need to make it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few hours before using.
Can I skip the meringue topping?
While the meringue adds a light, fluffy finish to the cake, you can skip it if you prefer. The cake is still delicious with just the whipped ricotta and caramelized nectarines. You could even drizzle a glaze or serve it plain for a simpler version.
Lemon Thyme Pound Cake
Equipment
- Loaf Pan
- Sauté pan
Ingredients
Lemon Thyme Pound Cake
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 12 tbsp butter, room temperature
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 5 eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups 1.1 Gluten Free flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
Honey Whipped Ricotta
- 8 oz ricotta
- 1 tsp honey
Caramelized Nectarines
- 3 nectarines, cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (can use sugar substitute)
- 3 sprigs, fresh thyme
Instructions
Lemon-Thyme Pound Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray the loaf pan with nonstick baking spray.
- In a mixing bowl add the butter and sugars. Mix for 5 minutes until butter is lightened in color and the mixture is fluffy and creamy.
- Add the eggs and almond extract. Mix to combine.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to completely cool.
Honey Whipped Ricotta
- Combine the honey and ricotta into a bowl and stir until fluffy and completely incorporated.
Caramelized Nectarines
- Add all of the ingredients to a skillet over medium heat. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the sugar has dissolved, the nectarines begin to caramelize, and they're a little syrupy.
- To assemble, add a slice of the lemon-thyme pound cake to a plate. Top with the whipped ricotta, and the caramelized nectarines. Enjoy!
This Lemon Thyme Pound Cake with caramelized nectarines is honestly a game changer. The fresh lemon and thyme bring a bright, refreshing flavor, and that meringue topping just takes it to the next level. It’s a perfect dessert to make for special occasions or when you’re craving something sweet and a little fancy without a ton of effort. Trust me, it’ll be gone before you know it!