Lemon Pound Cake with Cake Mix

This is how to make lemon pound cake with cake mix and pudding, no butter needed. Just 5 ingredients makes a loaf of your favorite dessert with cream cheese frosting like our Duncan Hines Lemon Bundt Cake but in a loaf pan ready to enjoy.

Easy Pound Cake From Cake Mix Recipe

Now let’s talk about how this type of bread / cake differs from others. It is the texture right?? Think about it. You have likely had a slice of this with maybe some strawberries and whipped topping on top served up as a shortcake. It isn’t as fluffy as a typical 1/2 sheet cake let’s say.

Just know that when you make a pudding cake it is dense and REALLY moist. Traditionally to get this you’d use a lot, like A LOT, of butter but not in this case. You can get the same outcome with some vegetable oil, pudding mix and extra eggs. You may be doubtful that you’ll achieve the same result, but believe us.

If you have never made a pudding cake before it will change the way you bake forever, for sure. You don’t have to prepare it beforehand, instead it uses the moisture in the other ingredients to soak up and create that thick creamy nature that makes this so delicious.

Now let’s talk about the flavor we chose, and how you could change it just by using this same base. If you wanted “plain”, like Copycat Sara Lee Pound Cake, you would just swap out the mix for white and pudding for the vanilla flavor instead. Swap the lemon juice for vanilla extract and you’re set!!

Ingredient Notes

The dry ingredients you will need are already mixed together inside 1 box of lemon cake mix, yellow cake mix would work too but won’t have as strong of a flavor. I mean you could use any flavor to mix it up a bit but we are going with citrus this time.

Then you will want a package pf instant lemon pudding mix to make the outcome super duper moist. You do not prepare as directed, just dump the powder out of the box into the mix.

• You will want to add vegetable oil to create a batter
• Sour cream regular not low fat preferably for super tender result
• You want large organic eggs, room temperature is best
• 2 tsp lemon juice for lemon flavor cake

Variations

You can use a lactose free version version of sour cream or Greek yogurt for dairy free lemon pound cake. There is no butter in this so you don’t have to worry about that substitute.

Our pound cake cake mix hack makes this taste like homemade but easier. You don’t really need an electric mixer, as long as you can get the batter smooth with a whisk that works as well. It will be thick, not at all the same as if you were making a cake.

How to Make Lemon Pound Cake with Cake Mix

Once you have combined all the ingredients into a rich (thick) batter you will want to grease a loaf pan or better yet line it with a sheet of parchment paper to lift out when done. You will want to bake for approximately 45-50 minutes for best results.

How do you know when pound cake is done?

You want to remove pan once your toothpick comes out MOSTLY clean with moist crumbs attached. This means it will be as moist as possible. If it comes out dry it will be…..well more dry.

Can you use a cake pan for pound cake?

Yes you can but there a few things to keep in mind as the size and shape will alter the baking time and end results. 8 or 9-inch round pans hold about 4-6 cups of batter. If you’re using a single pan, be cautious not to overfill it—fill only about 2/3 full. If in a dish other than your recipe suggests, it may bake faster so start checking for doneness earlier than what it suggests.

How to Keep Pound Cake From Sticking to Pan

I always spray lightly with non stick spray before pouring in the batter. You can lightly flour after that too for a cleaner pull out but that will leave a bit of residue on the outside. Alternatively, line your loaf pan with parchment paper and lift out when done easily.

Cake Mix Pound Cake Muffins

Other shapes for this could be spooning into muffin tins 3/4 of the way full for about 18 minutes. For a pretty look this is how long to bake a mini bundt cake with this same batter. I wouldn’t use a regular sized bundt pan as it won’t fill enough in my opinion and to me it needs to be rather thick.

Pound Cake Frosting

You could top with a bit of homemade lemon curd instead. For a decadent twist, consider topping with chocolate ganache. This glossy and velvety frosting is made by pouring hot cream over chopped chocolate and stirring until smooth.

Cream cheese frosting without butter adds a tangy and creamy element to the rich pound cake. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy a balance of flavors. To make cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy.

A light and airy whipped cream can beautifully contrast the dense texture of pound cake. To make whipped cream frosting, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla until stiff peaks form. This frosting is ideal for a more delicate flavor profile and is perfect for summer fruits and berries.

Classic buttercream is a versatile option that comes in various flavors and can be tailored to your taste. Vanilla buttercream is a timeless choice, but you can also experiment with flavors like chocolate, almond, or even citrus.

How do you keep leftover pound cake moist?

Always save once cooled to room temperature. Your best bet is to not frost it and wrap the whole, unsliced, loaf tightly with plastic wrap. Then slide it into a freezer bag, seal and keep on your fridge. This will keep it tender without drying it out. Slice and enjoy within 1-3 days.

Other Lemon Cake Mix Recipes you’ll Love

There are many other treats we have made beyond this one too. Once you fall in love with this one you should try a few others. Top of the list one of our most popular treats have been these Lemon Bars with Cake Mix!!

• Lemon Cookies From Cake Mix are easy and can be made thumbprint style with curd or pudding in the center of each one.
• We love Lemon Filled Donuts too