Key Lime Pound Cake with Key Lime Glaze

If you’re a fan of vibrant citrus flavors, then Key Lime Pound Cake with Key Lime Glaze is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a rich, buttery pound cake that’s perfectly balanced with the tangy freshness of key lime – a flavor that’s both zesty and refreshing. Now, drizzle it with a sweet yet tart key lime glaze, and you’ve got a dessert that’s the perfect combination of indulgence and brightness. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something decadent, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Trust me, it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds!

Why You’ll Love Key Lime Pound Cake with Key Lime Glaze

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The subtle sweetness of the pound cake pairs beautifully with the tartness of the key lime glaze, creating a perfectly balanced dessert.
• Buttery and Moist: This cake is moist, tender, and has that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture that comes from a well-made pound cake.
• Citrusy Delight: Key lime adds a burst of citrusy brightness that’s refreshing without being overpowering.
• Simple to Make: Don’t be intimidated by its elegance! This cake is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any special skills or ingredients.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, brunch, or just because, this cake fits any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients

For the Key Lime Pound Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice if you can’t find key limes)
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Key Lime Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional, for extra zing)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan. This will ensure your cake slides out smoothly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened 1/2 cup of butter and 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Wet Ingredients

1. Beat in the 4 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
2. Mix in the 1 tablespoon of lime zest and 1/4 cup of key lime juice until combined.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 1/2 cup of whole milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake may become dense.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf or bundt pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes (for a loaf pan) or 40-50 minutes (for a bundt pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Key Lime Glaze

1. While the cake cools, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh key lime juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice if you prefer a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
2. Optionally, stir in 1 teaspoon of lime zest for an extra pop of lime flavor.

Step 9: Glaze the Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the key lime glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Calcium: 35mg
• Iron: 1mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Key Lime Pound Cake

• With Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the tangy glaze.
• With Fresh Berries: Pair with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a pop of color and a burst of flavor.
• As a Brunch Dish: This cake is perfect for brunch! Serve alongside some fresh fruit and a cup of coffee for a delightful morning spread.

Additional Tips

• Lime Zest: Don’t skip the lime zest! It really enhances the lime flavor and gives the cake a fragrant, citrusy aroma.
• Adjust the Glaze: If you want a more decadent glaze, feel free to add a little heavy cream to it for a smoother, richer texture.
• Make Ahead: This cake actually gets better the next day, as the flavors have time to develop. You can make it the day before an event and just glaze it right before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
A1: Absolutely! While key limes have a unique, more intense flavor, regular limes will work just fine and still give the cake a lovely citrus punch.

Q2: Can I freeze this cake?
A2: Yes! This cake freezes really well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q3: Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
A3: Definitely! You can use a standard 9×5 loaf pan instead. Just make sure to adjust the baking time.

Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
A4: Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just be sure to follow the blend’s recommended ratios.

Q5: How can I make the glaze thicker?
A5: If you want a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar. Add it gradually until you get the consistency you prefer.

Q6: Can I add other fruits to the cake?
A6: Absolutely! Fresh raspberries or blueberries would pair beautifully with the lime flavor. Just fold them into the batter gently before baking.

Q7: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A7: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Q8: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A8: While butter is the best option for flavor and texture, margarine can be substituted in a pinch. However, the cake may not be as rich.

Q9: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A9: Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.

Q10: Can I make a double batch of this cake?
A10: Yes! Just make sure to use two pans or adjust the baking time. A double batch will need slightly more time to bake.

Conclusion

This Key Lime Pound Cake with Key Lime Glaze is everything you want in a citrusy dessert – tangy, sweet, buttery, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in something delicious, this cake brings that perfect balance of flavors that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy the bright, fresh flavors and make this stunning cake the star of your next gathering!

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