Key Lime Pound Cake

Ahh, Key Lime Pound Cake… Is there anything better than the combination of rich, buttery cake with a tangy citrus twist? If you’ve never had it, let me tell you—it’s an absolute treat! With every slice, you get the perfect balance of sweetness and that signature lime flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s like a little slice of summer, no matter the season. Trust me, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a fancy get-together, it’ll be the star of the show.

Baking this cake is just as delightful as eating it—every step fills your kitchen with that comforting, familiar aroma of freshly baked goods, with a zesty kick from the lime. It’s a cake that’s sure to make you feel like a baking pro without any complicated techniques.

Why You’ll Love Key Lime Pound Cake

Here’s why this cake will quickly become your new go-to recipe:

Bright and Flavorful

Key lime gives this cake the perfect citrusy pop. It’s a fresh and zesty contrast to the dense, buttery cake. The combination is truly irresistible and gives a fun twist to the classic pound cake.

Perfectly Moist

With the right balance of ingredients, this cake stays moist without being overly rich. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving just the right amount of sweetness behind.

Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses basic pantry staples that you probably already have at home, making it an easy cake to whip up whenever the craving strikes. No need to go hunting for special ingredients!

Ideal for Any Occasion

This cake is versatile enough to be served at a picnic, for a birthday celebration, or just as an afternoon snack. The tangy lime adds a touch of elegance that makes it perfect for a crowd.

Easy to Make

Even if you’re not an expert baker, don’t worry! This cake is simple and forgiving. Just mix up the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this luscious Key Lime Pound Cake:

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake that gives it structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and gives it that fluffy texture.
• Salt: A small amount balances out the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its moistness.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: For depth of flavor.
• Key Lime Juice: This is the star ingredient! It gives the cake its bright, tangy flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, enhancing the flavor and texture.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: Creates the perfect sweetness for the glaze.
• Key Lime Juice: Adds that extra zesty lime flavor to the glaze.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making Key Lime Pound Cake is simple, and the results are so worth it. Let’s get started!

Prepare the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). You want it preheated so that the cake bakes evenly from the start.
2. Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This helps ensure that your cake comes out easily without sticking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is important because it helps create a light and airy texture.

Add the Wet Ingredients

5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
6. Add Lime Juice and Sour Cream: Add the key lime juice and sour cream to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

7. Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake might become dense.

Bake the Cake

8. Transfer to the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze

11. Make the Glaze: While the cake is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and key lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
12. Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280
Fat per serving: 14g
Carbs per serving: 38g
Protein per serving: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Key Lime Pound Cake

Fresh from the Oven

Serve slices of the cake warm, with a cup of tea or coffee. The fresh lime flavor will shine, and the buttery, moist texture is perfect for any time of day.

With Whipped Cream

For an extra indulgent treat, serve your slice of Key Lime Pound Cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect pairing for that zesty lime flavor.

Fruit Topping

Top with fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, for a burst of freshness. The sweet-tartness of the berries complements the cake beautifully.

As a Brunch Treat

This cake is perfect for a light brunch or as part of a dessert spread at a gathering. Its refreshing flavor is always a hit at get-togethers.

Additional Tips

• Fresh Lime Juice: Always use fresh key lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice doesn’t have quite the same zing as fresh.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake, so mix until just combined.
• Glaze Alternatives: You can make the glaze thicker by adding more powdered sugar or thinner by adding more lime juice, depending on your preference.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
A1: Yes, you can substitute regular limes, but key limes have a more intense flavor, so the cake might not be as tangy.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! The cake actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Just cover it tightly and store at room temperature.

Q3: Can I make this cake without the glaze?
A3: Yes, you can skip the glaze if you prefer a simpler cake, but it does add an extra zesty sweetness on top.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a longer shelf life.

Q5: Can I freeze Key Lime Pound Cake?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Q6: How can I make this cake gluten-free?
A6: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture.

Q7: Can I add a layer of lime curd to this cake?
A7: Yes! A layer of lime curd would be a delicious addition, adding extra lime flavor and creaminess to each bite.

Q8: Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?
A8: Yes, you can! Just make sure to grease and flour the bundt pan well. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Q9: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A9: Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute and will add a little tang to the cake as well.

Q10: How do I get a more intense lime flavor?
A10: To boost the lime flavor, you can add lime zest to the batter and glaze. It will give the cake an extra burst of lime freshness.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pound Cake is an easy yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, buttery texture and bright, tangy lime flavor, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a party, or just treating yourself to something special, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking!

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