Key Lime Pound Cake is the perfect dessert to brighten up any occasion with its tangy, citrusy flavor and buttery texture. Inspired by the classic Key lime pie, this cake incorporates the tartness of fresh Key lime juice into a dense, moist pound cake, creating a delightful balance between sweet and sour. Topped with a zesty glaze and a sprinkle of lime zest, this cake is both refreshing and indulgent, making it a perfect treat for summer gatherings, parties, or any time you crave a citrus-inspired dessert.

The beauty of Key Lime Pound Cake lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a cake that is incredibly flavorful and easy to make. The cake has a tender crumb, and each bite is filled with the bright, tangy flavor of the Key limes. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake will impress with its irresistible combination of textures and flavors. If you love citrus desserts, Key Lime Pound Cake is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Lime Pound Cake offers the perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite. The rich, buttery texture of the pound cake pairs beautifully with the bright, tangy flavor of fresh Key lime juice, making it a refreshing and indulgent treat. Whether you’re a fan of citrus desserts or simply looking for a new cake to try, this recipe is a winner. The easy-to-make cake can be served as a light dessert after a meal or enjoyed as a sweet snack. Plus, the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and a zesty kick, making each slice even more irresistible.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Key lime juice
Lime zest
Sour cream
Vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

Powdered sugar
Key lime juice
Lime zest

Variations

If you’d like to put your own spin on this Key Lime Pound Cake, here are a few variations to consider:

Coconut Key Lime Pound Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter to give the cake a tropical flavor that complements the lime.
Key Lime Blueberry Pound Cake: Mix fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a fruity twist that pairs wonderfully with the tangy lime.
Gluten-Free Key Lime Pound Cake: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of this cake.
Key Lime Cheesecake Pound Cake: Add a swirl of cream cheese to the batter for a rich and creamy twist on this classic recipe.
Key Lime with a Raspberry Sauce: Serve slices of the cake with fresh raspberries or a raspberry sauce to add an extra layer of sweetness and color.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or loaf pan to ensure easy removal of the cake once it’s baked.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a tender cake, so make sure to beat them for several minutes.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Lime Juice

Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the fresh Key lime juice and lime zest, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh Key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth. The glaze should have a thick yet pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, add more lime juice until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 7: Drizzle the Glaze

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides of the cake. Garnish with extra lime zest if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use fresh Key limes: For the best flavor, use fresh Key limes rather than bottled juice. Fresh Key limes give the cake a bright, tangy flavor that makes a huge difference.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing them together for the smoothest batter and the best texture.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
Check for doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so be sure to check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.

How to Serve

Key Lime Pound Cake is perfect for serving on its own as a refreshing dessert or snack. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of lemonade. If you want to elevate the cake even further, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, garnish the cake with extra lime zest or even thin slices of lime for a pop of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Key Lime Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake will remain moist and flavorful. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Key Lime Pound Cake freezes well. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm slice of Key Lime Pound Cake, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You can also warm the whole cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, though it’s just as delicious served at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular limes instead of Key limes?

While Key limes have a distinct flavor, you can substitute regular limes if you can’t find Key limes. However, the taste may be slightly different.

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of this cake.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

4. Can I use a different kind of cake pan?

Yes, you can use a bundt pan, loaf pan, or round cake pans for this recipe. Just adjust the baking time based on the size and shape of the pan.

5. Can I add coconut to the cake batter?

Yes, shredded coconut would pair wonderfully with the tangy lime flavor. Just fold it into the batter before baking.

6. How can I make the glaze thicker?

If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

7. Can I freeze the Key Lime Pound Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

8. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours. Just reheat it slightly before drizzling over the cake.

9. How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.

10. Can I use sour cream in place of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt. Both add moisture and richness to the cake.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pound Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves citrus flavors. Its buttery, dense texture and tangy lime glaze create a refreshing treat that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this cake offers the right balance of sweet and tart, making it the perfect way to indulge in the bright flavors of Key lime. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a delicious, zesty dessert, Key Lime Pound Cake will surely satisfy your cravings.