There’s something simply enchanting about the combination of flavors in a Key Lime Pound Cake. This delightful dessert captures the essence of sun-kissed citrus with every slice, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a spring picnic, or just indulging in a well-deserved personal treat, this moist Key Lime Pound Cake is sure to impress. Its vibrant flavor profile, featuring the tangy sweetness of key limes perfectly balanced with a velvety pound cake base, will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

What sets this recipe apart is not just its irresistible taste but also its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a cake that not only looks stunning but also tastes fabulous. One of the highlights of this recipe is the sweet lime glaze that crowns the cake, adding an extra burst of citrusy goodness that takes it to another level. Create lasting memories with friends and family as you share this delicious dessert that brings a refreshing zest to any gathering.

In addition to its mouthwatering flavor, a Key Lime Pound Cake is versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, pair it with fresh fruit, or even serve it with a scoop of ice cream for a sumptuous dessert experience. Its eye-catching appearance, with a beautiful golden crust and a glossy glaze, makes it a lovely centerpiece for your dessert table. Get ready to impress your guests and yourself with this delightful treat!

Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Pound Cake

Bright Flavor: The burst of citrus flavor from key lime zest and juice makes every bite refreshing and invigorating.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant glaze adds a touch of elegance, perfect for special occasions.
Moist and Tender: The addition of sour cream ensures a soft, delicious cake that melts in your mouth.
Versatile: Enjoy it plain or dress it up with toppings like whipped cream or fresh fruits.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into making this delightful Key Lime Pound Cake, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and gather all the necessary tools and ingredients. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and greasing and flouring a Bundt pan to ensure your cake slides out easily once baked. Having this done will save you time once the batter is ready.

For this recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools such as mixing bowls (both medium and large), a whisk for mixing the dry ingredients, and a hand mixer or stand mixer for creaming the butter and sugar. A rubber spatula will also come in handy for scraping the sides of the bowl and folding in the ingredients efficiently. Lastly, a toothpick will help you check for doneness while baking. With everything set up, you’re ready to create a masterpiece!

Ingredients

2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon key lime zest
¼ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup sour cream
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2–3 tablespoons key lime juice (for glaze)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Bundt Pan

Start off by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cake bakes evenly. While the oven is heating, take a Bundt pan and generously grease it with butter or cooking spray. Then, add a light dusting of flour to the pan to prevent the cake from sticking once it’s baked. This process will contribute to the flawless release of your cake.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined. This step is essential as it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, avoiding any lumps during the mixing process and helping your cake rise beautifully during baking.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is key for incorporating air into the batter, leading to a lighter cake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Citrus Flavor

Once your butter and sugar are creamed, add the eggs one at a time. Ensure you mix well after each addition. Then, pour in the key lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing on low speed until all these ingredients are well combined, filling your batter with delightful citrus aromas.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients with Sour Cream

Now it’s time to combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Gradually add the flour mix into the batter in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients to maintain a good structure in your cake. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients until just combined; over-mixing can result in a dense cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the prepared batter into the greased Bundt pan, smoothing out the top with your spatula for an even surface. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door too soon, as this can cause your cake to collapse.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake cools, make your glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, key lime juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to beautifully coat the top and drip down the sides.

Variations

Protein: Incorporate some chopped macadamia nuts for added texture or sprinkle in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Vegetables: Consider adding finely grated carrots for a hint of natural sweetness and a moisture boost.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the depth of flavor in your cake.

Cooking Notes

Always use fresh key lime juice for the best flavor, but bottled juice is a convenient alternative.
If you prefer a more intense lime flavor, increase the quantity of key lime zest or juice slightly.
For best results, allow the cake to cool completely before glazing; this will ensure the glaze sets perfectly.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fresh whipped cream for a delightful contrast to the zesty cake.
Serve with a side of fresh fruits, such as strawberries or blueberries, to add color and freshness.

Tips

Make sure your butter is softened properly to achieve the creamiest mixture with sugar.
For an easy cleanup, line the Bundt pan with parchment paper after greasing and flouring.
Experiment with different citrus flavors, like orange or lemon, if you prefer something different but still refreshing.
When checking for doneness, remember that every oven is different—check a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 350 per slice
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, while key limes have a unique flavor profile, regular limes can be used as a substitute in this recipe.

How should I store the Key Lime Pound Cake?

The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze this pound cake?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to three months.

What can I do if my cake is too dense?

A dense cake may be a result of over-mixing the batter or measuring flour incorrectly. Make sure to measure carefully and mix just until combined.

Conclusion

This Key Lime Pound Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings a sunny burst of citrus to any table. Easy to follow and delightful to eat, it stands out as a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re serving it at gatherings or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cake is guaranteed to impress. We encourage you to give it a try and experiment with variations to make it your own. Don’t forget to share your experiences or tips in the comments below—we love to hear from you! Happy baking!