The Perfect Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe: Tangy Summer Sweetness

Baking a delectable key lime pound cake brings zesty sunshine right into your kitchen.

Creamy textures blend with bright citrus notes that dance across your palate.

Sweet memories of tropical vacations emerge with each tender slice.

Soft butter and tangy lime create magic in this classic dessert.

Fragrant ingredients promise a delightful culinary adventure that feels both comforting and exciting.

Crisp lime zest delivers unexpected bursts of flavor that surprise and delight.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet extraordinary treat that makes any moment feel special.

Why Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe Is A Zesty Dessert

• Burst with Citrusy Delight: Experience a tangy twist on classic pound cake with zesty lime flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Master Baking Skills: Perfect for bakers looking to elevate their skills with a straightforward recipe that delivers impressive results.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions where you want to serve a memorable homemade treat that sparks conversation.
• Versatile Comfort Cake: Enjoy as a delightful breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that suits multiple moments throughout the day.

Ingredients For Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure to the pound cake.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a smooth, creamy texture for the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.

• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, soft texture.

• Buttermilk, Lime Juice, Lime Zest: These ingredients work together to create a tangy, bright key lime flavor that makes the pound cake unique and refreshing.

Step-By-Step Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 325F and get your 10-inch tube pan ready by greasing and dusting it with flour.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend butter and sugar until they transform into a cloud-like, fluffy texture that looks absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Dance with Eggs

Introduce eggs one by one into the buttery mixture, giving each egg a warm welcome with a thorough mixing.

Step 4: Blend Dry and Wet Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda

Gently fold these into your creamy mixture, alternating with buttermilk to create a smooth, silky batter.

Step 5: Zest It Up

Splash in fresh lime juice and sprinkle vibrant lime zest, infusing the batter with a tangy, tropical punch.

Step 6: Pan the Batter

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared tube pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Unveil

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Your key lime pound cake is ready to dazzle!

Pro Tips For Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

• Swap buttermilk with yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice for a tangy alternative if buttermilk is unavailable.
• Grate fresh lime zest directly into the batter for maximum citrus flavor and aromatic intensity.
• Prevent cake from drying out by covering loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
• Test cake doneness with a clean toothpick or cake tester inserted near the center, ensuring it comes out without wet batter.
• Enhance lime flavor by brushing a homemade lime syrup over the warm cake after baking for extra moisture and citrus punch.

Variations For Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

• Tropical Paradise Pound Cake: Replace lime with coconut extract and add shredded coconut to the batter for a Hawaiian-inspired version.
• Lemon Lavender Pound Cake: Swap lime juice with fresh lemon juice and mix in dried lavender buds for a floral, citrusy flavor.
• Almond Citrus Pound Cake: Add almond extract and use orange zest instead of lime zest, then top with sliced almonds before baking.
• Blueberry Lime Pound Cake: Fold fresh blueberries into the batter and sprinkle some on top for a burst of fruity freshness.

Pairings For Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

• Tropical Beverage Boost: Serve chilled coconut mojito to complement the cake's tangy lime flavor, creating a vibrant Caribbean-inspired dessert experience.
• Creamy Contrast Delight: Accompany with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream, enhancing the cake's richness and balancing its citrusy notes.
• Fruity Harmony Match: Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, adding a sweet-tart dimension that brightens the pound cake's dense texture.
• Afternoon Tea Perfection: Enjoy alongside a light Earl Grey tea, whose subtle bergamot notes harmonize beautifully with the cake's zesty lime profile.

Storage Tips For Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

• Store the pound cake in an airtight container wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate lime flavor.
• Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and taste preservation.
• Cut the cake into individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for quick and easy serving.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and bring out the lime flavor.

FAQs About Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

• What makes key lime pound cake different from a regular pound cake?

The key lime pound cake uses fresh lime juice and zest, giving it a tangy, bright citrus flavor that sets it apart from traditional pound cakes.

• Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh limes?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% lime juice without added preservatives.

• How do I know if my pound cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 75-85 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Succulent Key Lime Pound Cake brings tropical sunshine to classic dessert lovers, offering a zesty twist on traditional pound cake. Buttery, moist crumb meets tangy lime glaze, creating a refreshing slice of paradise you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest

Leavening Agent:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 325F (165C) and meticulously coat a 10-inch tube pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency with soft peaks.
3. Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly incorporating each one to ensure a smooth, homogeneous batter.
4. Gently fold flour and baking soda into the creamy mixture, alternating with buttermilk to maintain a silky texture and prevent lumps.
5. Infuse the batter with vibrant lime juice and zest, distributing the citrusy essence evenly throughout.
6. Transfer the luminous batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface for an even bake.
7. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges pristine and crumb-free.
8. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling it to set and stabilize.
9. Carefully extract the cake from the pan and place on a wire rack, permitting complete cooling before serving or glazing.

Notes

• Zesting Technique: Use a microplane or fine grater to get delicate, fragrant lime zest without bitter white pith underneath.
• Buttermilk Swap: No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes to create a perfect substitute.
• Moisture Magic: Ensure cake stays incredibly moist by not overbaking and checking with a toothpick a few minutes before recommended baking time ends.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the cake’s tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg