Introduction
Key Lime Pound Cake is a buttery, tender cake infused with fresh key lime juice and zest. Its bright citrus flavor pairs perfectly with a light glaze or whipped cream for a refreshing dessert that’s ideal for spring or summer.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 55–60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Zester or microplane
- Measuring cups and spoons
📝 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
Cake
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons key lime zest (from 4–5 key limes)
- ¼ cup key lime juice
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons key lime juice
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Key Limes: Fresh juice and zest give authentic flavor; bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
- Butter: Room temperature butter ensures a smooth, fluffy batter.
- Glaze: Adds extra tartness and a glossy finish.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Flavorings
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla, lime zest, and lime juice.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Batter
- Gradually add dry ingredients and milk alternately to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Bake
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
- Bake 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Glaze
- Let cake cool in pan 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Optional: Drizzle with key lime glaze once slightly cooled.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per slice)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sugar: 32 g
💡 Tips
- Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Use fresh key lime juice and zest for best flavor.
- Glaze while the cake is slightly warm for easier absorption.
🔄 Variations
- Coconut Key Lime: Fold ½ cup shredded coconut into the batter.
- Mini Loaves: Bake in mini loaf pans for 25–30 minutes.
- Lime Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese in the middle before baking.
- Tropical Twist: Add ½ cup chopped pineapple for extra flavor.
