Key Lime Pound Cake

There’s nothing quite like a slice of Key Lime Pound Cake to brighten up your day! With its creamy texture and vibrant citrus flavor, this dessert is a tantalizing treat that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a sunny brunch, a casual family dinner, or just craving something sweet, this pound cake is an absolute winner. Fun fact: the key lime, known for its tartness, actually comes from the Florida Keys, making it a beloved specialty of the region.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simple preparation and family-friendly appeal. In just about an hour, you can whip up this easy cake that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds. If you’ve enjoyed other traditional recipes from our blog, you will surely appreciate this zesty twist that contrasts nicely with our classic Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes. So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s bake a slice of sunshine together!

What is Key Lime Pound Cake?

You may be wondering, what exactly is Key Lime Pound Cake? Well, it’s a delightful fusion of classic pound cake and the tangy zest of key limes, creating a dessert that’s both rich and refreshing. Imagine biting into a moist cake that dances between sweet and tart—sounds delicious, right? It’s like a tropical escape in cake form! The name “Key Lime” comes from the tiny limes native to Florida, known for their unique flavor profile that’s often bottled up in summer cocktails. But forget those drinks; this cake is where the real magic happens! As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this cake will surely capture hearts and taste buds alike. So, why not give it a whirl?

Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Pound Cake

This Key Lime Pound Cake stands out for several reasons that will make your baking adventure absolutely worthwhile. First, the main highlight of this dish is undoubtedly the unique combination of flavors. The zesty key lime brightens the typical pound cake, offering a refreshing twist that is perfect for any season. Second, making this cake at home is cost-effective—store-bought cakes can add up quickly, but with this simple recipe, you’ll create something homemade and heartfelt.

Lastly, the addition of cream cheese in the batter enriches the flavor and texture, resulting in a cake that’s incredibly moist. Imagine serving this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of a key lime glaze—the combinations are endless! For those who love baking, you might also enjoy our classic Vanilla Pound Cake, which offers comforting familiarity while this Key Lime version opens the door to tangy adventures! So, gather your ingredients and let’s embark on this tasty journey together.

How to Make Key Lime Pound Cake

Quick Overview

Making Key Lime Pound Cake is a breeze! This recipe emphasizes its simplicity and satisfying flavor profile, with a creamy, rich texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. With a preparation time of roughly 15 minutes and a baking time of around 50 minutes, you’ll have this delightful dessert ready before you know it. Perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros, this cake is sure to light up your dessert table!

Key Ingredients for Key Lime Pound Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your own Key Lime Pound Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• The zest of 2 key limes
• 1/2 cup key lime juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese into the mix and beat until smooth.
5. Add Eggs and Flavor: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, key lime zest, and juice until combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
7. Pour Into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

What to Serve Key Lime Pound Cake With

To complement your Key Lime Pound Cake, consider serving it with a variety of toppings like fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. For a refreshing drink pairing, sip on a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade. These pairings balance the zesty lime flavor while ensuring a delightful dining experience for everyone.

Top Tips for Perfecting Key Lime Pound Cake

To make your Key Lime Pound Cake even more remarkable, here are some handy tips!

1. Fresh Key Limes: Always use fresh key limes for the best flavor. While bottled juice is convenient, it won’t give you the same zing!
2. Mixing Technique: Be mindful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
4. Add More Zest: If you love the tangy flavor, don’t hesitate to add a bit more key lime zest.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Key Lime Pound Cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving. You can also gently reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly-baked taste.

Now that you have all the ingredients and steps needed, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, give this Key Lime Pound Cake a try, and let the sunshine in!

Key Lime Pound Cake

A delightful pound cake infused with the zesty flavor of key limes, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 zests zest of key limes Use fresh key limes for best flavor.
• 1/2 cup key lime juice Freshly squeezed is recommended.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the cream cheese into the mix and beat until smooth.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, key lime zest, and juice until combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve with toppings like fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a refreshing drink, pair with iced tea or lemonade.