Makeover Lemon Pound Cake
For this lovely golden cake, I use fat-free yogurt to trim the calories. It's a comforting dessert for days when it's warm enough to dine outside. —Lauren Gilmore, Pennington, New Jersey
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds, optional
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt
- Candied lemon slices, optional
Reviews
I made this recipe using the lemon zest and juice. I thought it was a great way to have dessert and cut calories. The second time I made it I used orange zest and juice. Both ways were equally good. It is a keeper. Also I cut the salt down.
I only have a question right now, what could be used instead of yogurt?Thank y’all Mary in Texas
Excellent recipe, my husband loved it. Doubled the recipe, knew 1 loaf wouldn't last long. I didn't have enough Greek yogurt so I used 1 cup of Greek & 1 cup of Mango. The flavors were very good. Plan to make it again next week. Thank for sharing your recipe Lauren!
My family enjoyed this very much. It's not as heavy as a traditional pound cake, and at first I thought it wasn't lemony enough. I might try using lemon extract the next time, but one of the things I like about this recipe is that the flavor wasn't overpowering or "fake," like some store-bought cakes can be, for example. I especially liked that all the ingredients are real--no artificial sweeteners or "substitute" things. I'll be keeping this recipe in my collection for use this summer.ETA: I made it again, using lemon yogurt. That added the lemon taste I was looking for. In fact, a foodee friend had seconds.
I knew going in that this recipe would be more of a Lemon poppy seed bread instead of pound cake. I appreciate less calories and carbs; however, sometimes it's just best to have the *real* thing. I will use my favorite lemon pound cake from now on and I will be using my regular lemon poppy seed bread . Again, I applaud less calories.
I used 2% vanilla Greek yogurt because that is what I had on hand. I also added the optional poppy seeds. This lemon bread/cake was delicious and moist. I will definitely make this again.
Made it as written. My husband and I thought it was excellent. Will definitely make again.
The cake is delicious, but it does have a spongy texture as one reviewer commented. It is to be expected with only 1/4 c of butter. I suggest that you under bake it - mine was ready in 40-45 min. Served with a dollop of yogurt and fresh berries and it was divine. It is not quite as good without it so just 4 stars. Note: I did not think the cake was too salty in the least!
I read the reviews prior to baking this so I cut the salt in half and used regular yogurt over Greek bc it's what I prefer. I thought it turned out great!
My family really liked this cake. We tend to have a sweet tooth, so having a recipe that satisfies that and does not require four sticks of butter is awesome! I did not find it too salty, but I used unsalted butter.I would recommend this for a weekday dessert, but not special occasions.