Sunshine in a Slice! This tropical delight marries the classic richness of pound cake with the vibrant, zesty punch of Key lime. Each tender crumb is infused with citrusy goodness, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing. If you’ve been searching for the perfect balance between decadent and light, this key lime pound cake is your answer! I’m absolutely thrilled to share this recipe with you today – it’s become a family favorite that disappears within hours whenever I bake it.
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What Makes This Key Lime Pound Cake Special
This key lime pound cake isn’t just another dessert – it’s a slice of tropical paradise that transforms ordinary moments into special occasions. The recipe combines the beloved density of a traditional pound cake with the bright, tangy notes of authentic Key limes. The result? A moist, velvety cake with a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s neither too sweet nor too tart.
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe. First, despite its impressive taste and appearance, it’s surprisingly straightforward to make. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll achieve spectacular results by following these simple steps. Additionally, the versatility of this cake makes it perfect for any occasion – from casual family dinners to elegant celebrations.
The taste is truly what sets this key lime pound cake apart. The delicate citrus flavor permeates every bite, while the buttery richness of the pound cake creates a luxurious mouthfeel. Topped with a tart-sweet Key lime glaze that forms a slightly crystallized crust, each slice delivers multiple layers of flavor and texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Furthermore, this recipe yields a cake that actually improves with time as the flavors meld and mature. While delicious when fresh, if you can resist the temptation to devour it immediately, you’ll find it even more flavorful the next day!
Don’t forget to try Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake: 5 Secrets to Baking Perfection, one of the most popular dishes on our blog, thanks to its simple ingredients and delicious flavor.
Ingredients for the Perfect Key Lime Pound Cake
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons Key lime zest (from approximately 10 Key limes)
- 1/3 cup fresh Key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
For the Key Lime Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons fresh Key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Key lime zest
Essential Tools You’ll Need
To create this spectacular key lime pound cake, gather these kitchen essentials:
- 10-inch bundt pan
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane or zester for the limes
- Citrus juicer
- Toothpick or cake tester
- Cooling rack
- Whisk for the glaze
Possible Substitutions and Additions
Can’t find Key limes? Regular limes will work beautifully too, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. Key limes have a more aromatic, complex flavor, but regular limes create a delicious cake as well.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with solid coconut oil and use coconut milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice instead of buttermilk.
Exciting additions to customize your key lime pound cake include:
- 1/2 cup toasted coconut folded into the batter for tropical flair
- White chocolate chips for sweet pockets that complement the tart lime
- A tablespoon of poppy seeds for visual appeal and subtle texture
- A splash of coconut extract alongside the vanilla for an extra tropical dimension
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like 7 Ways to Make the Best Turtle Brownie Cheesecake at Home, which features a delightful mix of flavors and easy-to-find ingredients.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Pre-Baking Preparation
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Thoroughly grease and flour your bundt pan, ensuring you reach all the nooks and crannies.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
In a separate small bowl, combine the Key lime juice, zest, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. The acid in the lime juice and buttermilk will start reacting with the baking powder, creating a lighter texture.
Mixing the Batter
In your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes on medium speed.
Gradually add the sugar and continue beating for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and airy. This lengthy creaming process is crucial for creating the characteristic pound cake texture.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing.
Reduce the mixer speed to low. Alternately add the flour mixture and the lime-buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the flour (three additions of flour, two of liquid). Mix just until combined after each addition – overbeating will develop gluten and toughen your cake.
Baking to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will be golden brown and will have begun to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes – this timing is important! Too short, and the cake may break; too long, and it might stick.
Carefully invert the cake onto a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely before glazing.
Creating the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of Key lime juice until smooth.
Test the consistency – it should be thick but pourable. Add the remaining tablespoon of lime juice if needed.
Stir in the lime zest for added flavor and visual appeal.
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to run down the sides naturally.
Perfect Pairings for Key Lime Pound Cake
This vibrant key lime pound cake pairs wonderfully with:
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream (consider adding a hint of coconut extract to the cream)
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a hot-cold contrast
- Fresh berries, particularly raspberries or blueberries
- A tropical fruit salad with mango and pineapple
- A cup of strong coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness
For an elegant dessert presentation, serve thin slices with a lime curd drizzle and candied lime peel garnish.
Pro Tips for Key Lime Pound Cake Success
Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable. Cold eggs or butter will not incorporate properly, resulting in a dense, uneven cake.
Don’t rush the creaming process. Those 3-4 minutes of beating butter and sugar create millions of tiny air pockets that give your cake its perfect texture.
Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into measuring cups and leveling off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the container, which compacts the flour.
Zest your limes before juicing them – it’s much easier this way!
For the most flavor, roll your limes firmly on the counter before zesting and juicing to release the essential oils.
Test for doneness early rather than late. An overbaked pound cake quickly becomes dry.
Storage Instructions
This key lime pound cake stays fresh at room temperature, covered tightly, for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens and improves after the first day!
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Just bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
This cake also freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
The Heritage of Key Lime Desserts
Key limes have a storied history in American culinary tradition, particularly in Florida where they were once abundantly grown. Smaller and more aromatic than Persian limes, these citrus gems lend their distinctive flavor to various desserts, with Key lime pie being the most famous.
This key lime pound cake represents a delightful evolution of traditional citrus-infused pound cakes, which have been enjoyed for generations. The name “pound cake” originates from the classic recipe that called for a pound each of flour, butter, eggs, and sugar – though modern versions like this one have been refined for optimal texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Per slice (assuming 12 slices per cake):
- Calories: Approximately 385
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 38g
Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
I’d love to see your key lime pound cake creations! Share your photos on Pinterest and tag me so I can admire your baking skills!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use bottled Key lime juice instead of fresh?
A: While fresh is always preferable for the brightest flavor, bottled Key lime juice is a reasonable substitute when fresh limes aren’t available.
Q: Why did my cake sink in the middle?
A: This usually happens when the cake is underbaked or when the oven door was opened during the first 30 minutes of baking.
Q: Can I make this cake in a loaf pan instead of a bundt pan?
A: Absolutely! This recipe will fill two 9×5-inch loaf pans. Reduce the baking time to 45-50 minutes.
Q: How do I know when the cake is perfectly done?
A: A toothpick inserted into the thickest part should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The cake should also be starting to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Q: What makes this truly a pound cake if it doesn’t use equal pounds of ingredients?
A: Modern pound cakes have evolved from the traditional equal-weight formula to include leavening agents and flavoring while maintaining the characteristic dense yet tender crumb.
Bringing Sunshine to Your Table
There you have it – a truly spectacular key lime pound cake that brings tropical sunshine to any occasion! The combination of buttery richness and vibrant citrus creates an irresistible dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing. The best part? Despite its impressive flavor and appearance, this cake is remarkably straightforward to make.
Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, bringing it to a potluck, or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this key lime pound cake is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. The bright, zesty flavor profile makes it particularly perfect for spring and summer gatherings, though I find myself craving this sunshine-infused treat year-round!