Description
Key Lime Pound Cake is a tangy, buttery dessert that combines the bright, zesty flavor of key limes with the rich, dense texture of a pound cake. Topped with a smooth, sweet glaze, it’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it a refreshing and satisfying treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons key lime zest
- 1/4 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
For the cake:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, key lime zest, and key lime juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 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.
For the glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and key lime juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to soak in slightly. Optionally, sprinkle the top with key lime zest for garnish.
Notes
- Be sure to use fresh key limes if possible for the best flavor, but regular limes can also be used as a substitute.
- The cake can be made a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 60-70
- Category: Dessert, Cake, Pound Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American