Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

The Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe is truly a slice of sunshine you’ll want to share with everyone. Imagine the moist, buttery crumb of a classic pound cake, uplifted by bursts of zesty lime that wake up your taste buds with every bite. Both festive and homey, this recipe plays double duty as a vibrant treat for special gatherings and a delightful everyday dessert. Whether you’re slicing it for an afternoon coffee break or dressing it up for a celebration, this cake brings together irresistible citrus charm and warmth in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe comes together with simple pantry staples that work in concert to create its signature flavor and dreamy texture. Each ingredient is a key player, lending moisture, richness, and bright, fresh notes. Don’t skip the lime zest—it makes all the difference.

• Butter, softened: Ensures a rich, tender crumb and that classic pound cake flavor we all crave.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake just right while helping the butter cream up beautifully for a light, fluffy batter.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and extra richness, making the cake moist and cohesive.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its foundational structure for that satisfying, sliceable texture.
• Baking soda: Lends just enough lift so the pound cake isn’t overly dense.
• Buttermilk: Adds a gentle tang and subtle moisture, contributing to the cake’s tender crumb.
• Lime juice: Delivers the signature citrus punch that makes this a true Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe, brightening every bite.
• Lime zest: Intensifies the lime flavor and perfumes the cake with irresistible citrus aroma.

How to Make Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C), which lets the cake bake up evenly without rushing the process. Generously grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan so the cake slips out effortlessly and keeps its beautiful shape. A prepared pan truly sets you up for picture-perfect slices.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential—it incorporates air, resulting in a tender, elevated crumb for your Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Beat in the Eggs

Add your eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. This ensures a smooth, emulsified batter and helps the cake rise evenly. Don’t rush—let each egg fully incorporate for the best texture.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mixing in short intervals lets the batter stay airy and prevents overmixing (which can lead to a tough cake).

Step 5: Infuse with Lime

Stir in the fresh lime juice and lime zest, making sure both are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step is where your Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe truly comes to life with its signature bright, citrusy flavor.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Slip it into the oven and let it bake for 60–70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling a perfectly baked cake.

Step 7: Cool and Unmold

Allow the cake to cool in its pan for about 10 minutes—this helps it firm up, making removal easier. Then gently turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the crumb sets and the lime aroma infuses every inch.

How to Serve Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up your Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe with a drizzle of tangy lime glaze for extra zing or dust it with a flurry of powdered sugar. You might also scatter a bit of extra lime zest or top with thin lime slices for a fresh, elegant finish that makes the cake pop on any dessert table.

Side Dishes

Pair a generous slice with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want a little indulgence. For a lighter touch, serve alongside fresh berries—the tartness of raspberries or strawberries beautifully complements the sweet-tart cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe into cubes and skewering them with fruit for a playful dessert kebab, or layer slices with whipped cream and berries in a trifle dish. This cake also shines when transformed into elegant mini bundt cakes, perfect for parties or gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake stays moist and the lime flavor actually intensifies a bit, making each bite even more delightful the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the pound cake (whole or sliced) in a layer of plastic wrap followed by foil. This helps preserve both taste and texture. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for another treat.

Reheating

If you’d like to warm your Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back a just-baked aroma and lightly softens the crumb—a perfect trick for next-day enjoyment.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you absolutely can use regular limes if key limes aren’t available. The flavor will be slightly different, but your Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe will still be delicious and full of citrus charm.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

In a pinch, you can make a quick buttermilk substitute: stir 1 tablespoon of lime juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk, let it sit for a few minutes, and use as directed. This keeps your cake moist and tender in the classic way.

How do I prevent my pound cake from sticking to the pan?

Greasing and flouring your tube pan thoroughly is key. You can also try using a piece of parchment paper on the bottom for extra insurance, ensuring your Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe unmolds easily and keeps its lovely shape.

Why did my cake turn out dense?

Density often comes from overmixing or inaccurate measurements. Be sure to cream the butter and sugar properly, mix the batter just until combined, and measure your flour with care. These steps ensure a tender, moist pound cake.

Is it necessary to use a tube pan?

A tube pan provides the best shape and even baking, but if you don’t have one, you can use a bundt pan or even two loaf pans. Just be sure to check for doneness a bit earlier, as the baking time may be slightly reduced.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a dessert that’s unfailingly bright, buttery, and crowd-pleasing, this Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe is the answer. There’s something magical about the way simple ingredients come together to make each slice wonderfully moist and bursting with fresh lime flavor—give it a try, and it might just become your new signature bake!

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