Key Lime Pound Cake is a delightful twist on the classic pound cake, infused with the tart and refreshing flavor of key limes. This moist, buttery cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with the subtle citrus zing from the key limes elevating the richness of the cake. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, a special occasion, or simply enjoying it with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant flavor and soft, dense crumb.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Key Lime Pound Cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it the ultimate dessert for lime lovers. The cake is incredibly moist, with a dense, buttery texture that pairs perfectly with the zesty lime glaze. The addition of key lime zest and juice gives the cake a fresh, citrusy twist, while the tangy glaze adds an extra layer of flavor. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s sophisticated enough for a special occasion but simple enough for an everyday treat.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1/4 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)

• 2 tbsp key lime zest

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp key lime juice

• 1 tsp key lime zest (optional for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the dry ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Prepare the cake batter:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This helps create the dense, moist texture of the pound cake.

4. Add the eggs:

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. Add the wet ingredients:

Stir in the key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract. Then, add the sour cream and mix until smooth.

6. Combine the wet and dry ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

7. Bake the cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf or bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the cake is golden brown on top.

8. Cool the cake:

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare the glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, key lime juice, and zest (if using) until smooth and drizzle-able.

10. Glaze the cake:

Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

11. Serve:

Slice and enjoy your delicious, tangy Key Lime Pound Cake!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add coconut: For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the batter or sprinkle it on top of the glaze.

• Use limes: If you don’t have key limes, regular limes will work well, though key limes offer a more intense, floral flavor.

• Frosting option: Instead of a glaze, you can frost the cake with a lime-flavored buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a richer finish.

• Make mini cakes: For individual servings, divide the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: This cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, regular limes work as a substitute, but key limes have a more intense and slightly sweeter flavor that makes this cake unique.

2. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day or two ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the glaze just before serving for the best presentation.

3. Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, you can use a bundt pan or a 9×9-inch square pan. Adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

4. Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace the butter with dairy-free margarine and use dairy-free yogurt or a non-dairy substitute for the sour cream.

5. How can I make the cake extra moist?

The sour cream (or Greek yogurt) in the recipe already helps with moisture. To make it even more moist, try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil or using buttermilk instead of regular milk.

6. Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake without the glaze. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

7. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

8. Can I make this cake with a different citrus flavor?

Yes! You can substitute lemon, orange, or grapefruit for the lime for a different citrus flavor. Just adjust the zest and juice accordingly.

9. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Make sure the blend you use is suitable for baking and provides a similar texture to regular all-purpose flour.

10. How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

To make the glaze thicker, add more powdered sugar. To make it thinner, add more lime juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pound Cake is a sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious dessert that offers the perfect balance of citrus flavor and buttery richness. With its moist texture and refreshing lime glaze, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Whether you’re a lime enthusiast or simply looking for a new dessert to try, this cake will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee, and savor the irresistible flavors of this tropical-inspired treat!