There’s something magical about the aroma of a Key Lime Pound Cake wafting through your kitchen. Imagine a buttery cake, perfectly moist, infused with the zesty kick of fresh key limes, and topped with a silky glaze that glistens like morning dew. my baking journey and tips As you slice into the cake, it crumbles just right, revealing its tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. The first bite is an explosion of bright flavors, transporting you straight to a sunny beach in Florida.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What makes Key Lime Pound Cake unique?
- Can I freeze Key Lime Pound Cake?
- How do I know when my cake is done baking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember making this delightful treat for my cousin’s wedding shower. The sun was shining, and laughter filled the air as friends gathered around to celebrate. When I served the cake, everyone fell silent for just a moment—then erupted into praise. This Key Lime Pound Cake became the star of the show! It’s perfect for any occasion—from lazy Sunday brunches to festive holiday gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this pecan pie bars recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Key Lime Pound Cake is simple to prepare, ensuring even novice bakers can impress their friends.
- Its refreshing citrus flavor makes it an ideal dessert for warm days.
- The vibrant green hues from key limes make it visually appealing for any gathering.
- Versatile enough to serve plain or dressed up with whipped cream or berries, it’s sure to satisfy all taste buds.
I once made this cake for a potluck and watched as it vanished within minutes. get in touch for recipe inquiries Everyone wanted the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: explore more delicious recipes.
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it helps achieve that perfect pound cake density.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key; adjust to your taste but trust me, more sugar means more yum!
Baking Powder: This will give your cake that lovely rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
Salt: A pinch can elevate sweetness; don’t skip it!
Unsalted Butter: Softened at room temperature for easy mixing; it adds richness and moisture.
Eggs: Bring these to room temperature before using; they incorporate better into the batter.
Key Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is crucial for authentic flavor; bottled just won’t cut it!
Zest of Key Limes: Adds a fragrant zing that enhances the overall taste profile.
Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Creates that irresistible sweet topping; sift it for a smooth finish.
Milk (optional): If you want to lighten up the batter slightly or add extra moisture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray so your cake slides out easily later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and fluffy—no one likes lumps in their cake!
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. learn about our privacy practices It should look like clouds on a sunny day.
Add Eggs and Zest: Beat in eggs one at a time along with key lime zest until fully integrated—this step is where magic begins!
Incorporate Dry Mixture and Juice: Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternating with key lime juice until just combined—over mixing can lead to rubbery results.
Bake Your Cake: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Let this zesty Key Lime Pound Cake cool completely before glazing!
Now you have crafted something truly special! Enjoy every bite while basking in your baking glory!
You Must Know
- Key Lime Pound Cake is all about balancing tartness and sweetness.
- Ensure you use fresh key limes for the best flavor experience.
- The aroma while baking will make your kitchen feel like a tropical paradise, bringing smiles to every tastebud.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in lime juice and zest before gradually incorporating flour and baking powder for a smooth batter.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different citrus fruits like lemon or orange for a refreshing twist. You can also add coconut flakes or a touch of vanilla extract to elevate the flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Key Lime Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that just-baked warmth. For more inspiration, check out this baked apples recipe recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter, ensuring even mixing.
- Avoid over-mixing once flour is added; this keeps the cake light and fluffy.
- Always check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
My first attempt at baking this cake was met with laughter when I accidentally grabbed salt instead of sugar. My friends still tease me, but they loved the revised version!
FAQ
What makes Key Lime Pound Cake unique?
The combination of sweet cake and tart lime creates an unforgettable flavor contrast.
Can I freeze Key Lime Pound Cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to three months.
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Delightful Key Lime Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of this Key Lime Pound Cake, a buttery, moist treat infused with fresh key lime juice and zest. Topped with a silky glaze, it offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet that will transport you to sunny Florida with every bite. Ideal for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
- Zest of 2 key limes
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp milk (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time along with lime zest.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternating with key lime juice until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before glazing with a mixture of powdered sugar and milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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