The Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Pound Cake is a timeless classic families have cherished for decades. With its bright, citrusy flavor and moist, tender crumb, this lemon supreme pound cake recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it as a dessert, this easy-to-make cake will surely impress. The combination of Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Cake Mix and lemon instant pudding creates a rich, flavorful, refreshing, and indulgent cake. Based on the comments of the readers, we know this recipe has been around for at least 40 years, making it a beloved favorite in many households.
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Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Pound Cake
The History Behind Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Pound Cake
This Duncan Hines lemon pound cake recipe has a long and storied history, dating back to the 1970s. Duncan Hines, a brand known for its high-quality cake mixes, introduced the Lemon Supreme Cake Mix during this time, and it quickly became a hit. The recipe for lemon supreme pound cake, which combines the cake mix with lemon pudding, Crisco oil, and eggs, became a staple in many kitchens. Over the years, home cooks have tweaked the original recipe, but the core ingredients remain the same, ensuring that the cake retains its signature flavor and texture.
While we have reached out to Duncan Hines to learn more about the exact origins of the lemon supreme cake recipe, we have yet to receive a definitive answer. However, what we do know is that this cake has stood the test of time, with many families passing down the recipe through generations. The cake’s popularity is evident from the numerous variations found in vintage recipe collections, all bearing slight differences but staying true to the original Duncan Hines lemon supreme pound cake.
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Timeline of Key Ingredients
- 1951: Duncan Hines, a well-known food critic, lends his name to a line of cake mixes produced by Nebraska Consolidated Mills. This marks the beginning of the Duncan Hines brand’s journey into the baking aisle.
- 1960s: The Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Cake Mix is introduced as part of their growing lineup of cake mixes. This lemon-flavored cake mix becomes popular for its bright, citrusy flavor and is used in a variety of recipes.
- Late 1960s to Early 1970s: Home bakers begin experimenting with the Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Cake Mix, leading to the creation of the Lemon Supreme Pound Cake. This modification involves combining the cake mix with lemon pudding, eggs, and oil, resulting in a moist and flavorful pound cake that quickly becomes a favorite.
So, while Duncan Hines cake mixes were available starting in the 1950s, the specific Lemon Supreme Cake Mix was likely introduced in the 1960s. The adaptation of this mix into the Lemon Supreme Pound Cake recipe, which includes adding lemon pudding and other ingredients to create a dense, rich cake, gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Recipe Discussion
This Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Pound Cake is a wonderful example of how a few simple ingredients can create something truly special. The combination of the Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Cake Mix and lemon instant pudding mix results in a cake that is incredibly moist and flavorful. The use of Crisco oil ensures that the cake has a tender crumb, while the addition of eggs provides structure and richness. The water helps to bring everything together, creating a smooth batter that bakes up beautifully.
One of the key features of this lemon supreme pound cake is its versatility. While the original recipe calls for a lemon glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice, many home bakers have adapted the recipe over the years, experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. For instance, some have substituted apricot nectar for water, adding a unique twist to the cake’s flavor profile. Others have added yellow food coloring or lemon zest to enhance the cake’s vibrant color and taste. Despite these variations, the core recipe remains unchanged, ensuring that this cake continues to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Preparation Tips
- Cake Mix Size: Be aware that cake mix sizes have changed. If using a modern Duncan Hines lemon cake mix, adjust the liquid ingredients slightly to account for the smaller size.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the ingredients until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a dense cake.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 25 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate to ensure it retains its shape.
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Recommended Kitchen Items
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- Tube Pan: A high-quality 10-inch tube pan is essential for even baking and easy release of this pound cake.
- Electric Hand Mixer: An electric hand mixer will help you achieve a smooth batter with minimal effort, ensuring the cake bakes up light and fluffy.
- Citrus Zester: A citrus zester is perfect for adding fresh lemon zest to the glaze or batter, enhancing the cake’s lemony flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Lemon Glaze: Drizzle the cake with a simple lemon glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Serve slices of the cake with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice for a rich and creamy accompaniment to the tangy lemon cake.
- Tea or Coffee: For a perfect afternoon treat, enjoy a slice of this lemon supreme pound cake with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Relish the Classic Taste of Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Pound Cake
This Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Pound Cake recipe has been a beloved favorite for decades, bringing together the bright, refreshing flavor of lemon with the rich, tender texture of a classic pound cake. Whether you’re following the original recipe or adding your own personal touch, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Its ease of preparation, combined with its delightful taste, makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion. As you bake this cake, you’ll be joining countless others who have enjoyed this timeless recipe for over 40 years. So go ahead, whip up this lemon supreme pound cake, and experience the delicious tradition for yourself.
I don’t know which box this recipe is from at this time, but I will update you once we audit the recipes.
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Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Pound Cake Recipe
Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Pound Cake
Ingredients
- 1 package Duncan Hines Deluxe II Lemon Supreme Cake Mix
- 1 package lemon instant pudding mix (4 serving size)
- ½ cup Crisco Oil
- 1 cup water
- 4 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Blend all ingredients in a large bowl; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Bake in a greased and floured tube pan, 10-inch or fluted at 350° for 45-55 minutes, until center springs back when touched lightly.
- Cool right side up in pan for about 25 min., then invert onto serving plate.
Glaze
- Blend 1 cup confectioners sugar with either 2 tablespoons milk or 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
- Drizzle over cake
Notes
AT ALTITUDES OVER 3500 FEET: Stir in ⅓ cup flour into mix. Mix as directed using 1 package lemon instant pudding mix, ⅓ cup Crisco Oil*, 1¼ cups water, and 4 eggs. Bake at 375° for about 40-45 minutes.
*Crisco Oil is recommended as some other oils may cause the cake to fall.


Jo
Saturday 22nd of March 2025
Get them to put this recipe back on the dang box! Lol
Vintage Recipes
Monday 24th of March 2025
Yes, it's that good!!!
Raffaela
Thursday 16th of January 2025
Thank you for posting it with the picture of the "cut from the box" recipe. This was the birthday cake that my grandma made for everyone my whole life! I am 54 and remember her making this my whole life. It makes my house smell like grandma's house ❤️
Marianne
Thursday 5th of December 2024
I use the Duncan Hines lemon Supreme for the pound cake. It is not turning out the same as it has in the past due to the cake mix is now 15.25. ounces instead of the 17 or 18. I have added additional cake make and it is still turning out as a cake instead of the pound cake. Used 4 large eggs 1/3 C oil and 1 C water. And it is still not the pound cake. suggestions?
Maria
Wednesday 9th of October 2024
While preparing for Hurricane Milton and potential loss of power, I was assessing my snack options and realized I still had a box of Duncan Hines Lemon cake with which to bake that pound cake I've been making since high school. I found a website that offered a recipe for adding the additional 3 ounces of cake mix missing from today's 15.25 oz mix: 1.5 cup all purpose flour; 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - makes enough for 6 cakes. Store in air tight container. I halved the ingredients, added 3 ounces to the box cake mix along with the oil, water, instant pudding mix and eggs. The cake turned out great.
Jeannette Huhtala
Thursday 25th of April 2024
The recipe uses the original box of mix, but the new boxes are smaller. What is the new conversion to make this cake perfect? I've made this cake since 1962 and would like to continue.