Lemon Pound Cake with Cake Mix

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Lemon pound cake with cake mix is easy to make into any flavor you want. Just 5 ingredients makes a loaf of your favorite dessert you can cover with cream cheese frosting or enjoy as is. Like our Duncan Hines Lemon Bundt Cake but in a loaf pan ready to enjoy.

There are SO many recipes with cake mix you can make, way beyond just your typical cupcakes. This is just one of the tweaks we have made to just a typical box of dry powder. This easy pound cake without butter recipe needs some eggs to make it a bit more dense in texture, instant pudding for moisture and sour cream. (post may contain affiliate links present)

Easy Pound Cake From Cake Mix

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.

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!!

Cake Mix Lemon Pound Cake Ingredients

1 box lemon cake mix, yellow cake mix would work too
1 package pf instant lemon pudding mix
1/2 c vegetable oil
Sour cream or lactose free version for dairy free lemon pound cake
4 eggs, room temperature is best
2 tsp lemon juice for lemon flavor cake

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

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix and dry instant pudding mix. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together.
Add the eggs to the dry mixture, along with oil, sour cream and lemon juice.
Mix until you have a smooth texture. Pour the cake batter into a greased loaf pan.
Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean with moist crumbs attached.
While the cake is baking, mix together the ingredients for the cream cheese frosting.
Once the cake is finished baking, check with toothpick inserted.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Put on a wire rack to cool in the pan before removing carefully.
Top with cream cheese frosting, or use 1 cup powdered sugar with a bit of milk to make a glaze and ENJOY.

Dairy free option

You would only have to swap out the sour cream for a lactose free version. I have swapped out for a thick Silk yogurt too if that is what I have on hand.

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 is a classic and versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with a variety of frostings. The dense and buttery texture of pound cake provides a perfect canvas for different types of frostings, whether you prefer something rich and indulgent or light and complementary. Here are some delicious frosting options to consider for your pound cake:

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.
- The ganache sets as it cools, creating a luscious layer over your pound cake. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate ganache, depending on your preference.
Cream cheese frosting 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.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. This frosting complements both plain and flavored pound cakes, such as lemon or carrot pound cake.
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.
- Buttercream frosting is rich, smooth, and pairs wonderfully with the buttery nature of pound cake.
For a simple and refreshing option, a lemon glaze can provide a burst of citrus flavor to your pound cake. Mix powdered sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice until you achieve a smooth and slightly runny consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak into the cake slightly.

Similar to the lemon glaze, you can create a citrus glaze using other citrus fruits like orange or lime. The natural acidity of these fruits complements the sweetness of the cake, adding a zesty and bright touch.

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.

What is the best way to keep a pound cake from sticking to the 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.

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.

If you want to go all out we made these Lemon Filled Donuts from scratch the other day and it was worth the extra prep. You can jump to recipe and get started. Once you see how it is done you can change flavors and try others like even strawberry pound cake if you want something you can find in stores!

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