Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe: A Slice of Sunshine Bliss

Whipping up a creamy key lime pound cake brings sunshine right into your kitchen.

Zesty citrus notes dance through every tender crumb of this delightful dessert.

Memories of tropical breezes and summer afternoons bloom with each delectable slice.

Soft, buttery textures mingle perfectly with bright, tangy lime essence.

Rich cream cheese creates a luxurious backdrop for the vibrant flavor profile.

Sweet and slightly tart, this cake promises a delicious escape from ordinary desserts.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this magical treat.

Reasons to Crave Key Lime Pound Cake

• Boost Flavor Excitement: Bursting with tangy key lime zest and juice, this pound cake delivers a vibrant citrus twist that elevates the classic dessert experience.
• Master Baking Confidence: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, the straightforward recipe guides you through each step, ensuring a deliciously moist and tender cake every single time.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats, this cake serves up a delightful dessert that appeals to both kids and adults with its bright, refreshing flavor profile.
• Simple Serving Flexibility: Dress it up with a powdered sugar dusting or key lime glaze, or enjoy it plain – this adaptable cake works wonderfully as a dessert, afternoon snack, or sweet breakfast companion.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Key Lime Pound Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the pound cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Butter: Provides richness and contributes to the cake's dense, moist texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture and structure.

• Sour Cream, Milk: Create a smooth, creamy batter and add moisture to the cake.
• Key Lime Juice, Key Lime Zest: Infuse the cake with bright, tangy citrus flavor.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Help the cake rise and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional topping for a decorative and sweet finish.

How to Make Key Lime Pound Cake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). This will create the perfect baking environment for your zesty treat.

Step 2: Prep the Baking Vessel

Grab your loaf pan or bundt pan and give it a loving coat of grease and flour. This ensures your cake will slide out beautifully without sticking.

Step 3: Create a Butter Cloud

Grab your mixer and transform butter and sugar into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture. Whip them together until they’re light, airy, and looking absolutely dreamy.

Step 4: Egg Dancing

Introduce eggs one by one, letting each one get friendly with the butter mixture. Give each egg a moment to blend in completely.

Step 5: Zesty Punch

Sprinkle in the key lime zest and splash of key lime juice. This is where the magic happens – your cake will get that bright, tangy personality.

Step 6: Dry Ingredient Symphony

In a separate bowl, dance together flour, baking powder, and salt with a whisk. Create a smooth, lump-free powder paradise.

Step 7: Creamy Companion

Blend sour cream and milk until they become best friends – smooth and harmonious.

Step 8: Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, taking turns with the sour cream blend.

Treat the batter like a delicate dance partner – mix, but don’t overdo it.

Step 9: Pan Placement

Pour your silky batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with love and care.

Step 10: Baking Transformation

Slide the pan into the warm oven. Let it bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and pristine.

Step 11: Cooling Countdown

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Patience is key!

Step 12: Final Flourish

Optional but recommended: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a zingy key lime glaze for that extra wow factor.

Little Tricks for Key Lime Pound Cake Perfection

• Use fresh key lime zest to enhance the citrusy taste and aroma of the pound cake, ensuring a vibrant and authentic flavor profile.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender, moist crumb by mixing just until the ingredients are combined.
• Bring butter, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more evenly textured batter.
• Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
• Drizzle a tangy key lime glaze over the cooled cake to add an extra burst of citrus flavor and a beautiful finishing touch.

New Takes on Key Lime Pound Cake to Try

• Lemon Lovers Variation: Replace key lime juice and zest with fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright citrusy alternative that maintains the cake's creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities while keeping the cake's rich flavor profile.
• Tropical Coconut Remix: Add shredded coconut to the batter and replace some milk with coconut milk for an exotic Caribbean-inspired pound cake experience.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use almond milk instead of dairy milk, and replace sour cream with coconut yogurt to create a completely dairy-free version that still maintains moisture and richness.

Pairings That Go with Key Lime Pound Cake

Serve the key lime pound cake alongside a zesty mojito or a refreshing margarita to complement the cake’s tangy citrus notes and enhance the tropical flavor profile.

Match the cake with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream, which provides a cool, smooth counterpoint to the dense, rich texture of the pound cake.

Select a light green tea or chamomile tea to balance the cake’s intense lime flavor, offering a gentle, soothing backdrop that doesn’t overpower the dessert’s delicate citrus essence.

Garnish the plate with fresh berries or tropical fruit slices like mango or passion fruit, adding a vibrant, juicy element that echoes the cake’s bright, zesty character.

Keeping Your Key Lime Pound Cake Fresh

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps preserve moisture and prevents spoilage.
• Place the completely cooled cake in a freezer-safe container or wrap it securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining its delightful texture and flavor.
• Cut the cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. This method allows quick thawing of single servings.

FAQs

• What are key limes and how do they differ from regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, rounder, and more acidic than Persian limes. They have a distinct, more intense citrus flavor that gives this pound cake its unique tangy taste and bright character.

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

While fresh key lime juice is best for maximum flavor, bottled key lime juice can work as a substitute. Just ensure it’s 100% pure key lime juice without added preservatives or sugars for the most authentic taste.

• Why is sour cream important in this pound cake recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture, richness, and a slight tanginess to the cake. It helps create a tender, soft crumb and contributes to the cake’s dense yet smooth texture, making the pound cake extra delicious.

• How can I tell if my pound cake is fully baked?

Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty key lime pound cake brings Florida’s sunshine into your kitchen, creating a tangy dessert that dances between sweet and tart. Creamy texture and bright citrus notes promise a delightful slice of tropical indulgence you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups (313 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Flavoring Ingredients:

• Zest of 2 key limes
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) key lime juice (freshly squeezed)

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) whole milk

Optional Topping:

• Powdered sugar for dusting or key lime glaze

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C), positioning the rack in the center for even baking.
2. Thoroughly coat a 9-5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Introduce eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth, uniform texture.
5. Infuse the batter with vibrant key lime zest and tangy juice, stirring until evenly distributed.
6. In a separate container, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate potential lumps.
7. Whisk sour cream and milk until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
8. Incorporate dry ingredients into the butter mixture in stages, alternating with the dairy blend, mixing gently to maintain a delicate cake structure.
9. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even surface.
10. Bake for 55-65 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform browning, until a testing skewer emerges clean.
11. Rest cake in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
12. Carefully unmold onto a wire rack, allowing complete cooling.
13. Enhance presentation by lightly dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with a zesty key lime glaze.

Notes

• Select room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and consistent texture throughout the cake.
• Use fresh key lime zest and juice for the most vibrant and authentic citrus flavor profile.
• Gently fold ingredients to prevent overmixing, which can lead to a dense and tough pound cake texture.
• Substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk and vegan butter for a plant-based version of this delightful dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 337 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 176 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg