Key Lime Pound Cake is a refreshing and tangy dessert that brings the vibrant flavors of lime into a moist, buttery cake. Perfectly sweet yet slightly tart, this cake is a delicious twist on the classic pound cake. With the bright zest and juice of fresh key limes, every bite bursts with citrusy flavor, making it a perfect treat for warm weather or any occasion that calls for something zesty and refreshing. The dense yet tender texture makes it an ideal dessert for both casual and celebratory events. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea, this Key Lime Pound Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The combination of tangy lime juice and the creamy richness of butter, along with the slight hint of lime zest, creates a balance of flavors that is both unique and familiar. This cake is not only delicious but also simple to make, requiring just a few common ingredients. With its stunning appearance and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Key Lime Pound Cake is a delightful blend of creamy, buttery, and citrusy flavors. The richness of the pound cake combined with the bright, tangy lime makes it a perfect dessert for those who love fresh and flavorful cakes. The lime juice and zest offer a burst of citrus that is refreshing without being overwhelming, and the buttermilk ensures a soft, tender crumb. Whether you’re making it for a holiday celebration or simply craving something sweet, this cake is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. It’s the ideal treat to bring to any gathering, and it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or iced tea.

Ingredients

Butter, softened
Sugar
Large eggs
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Buttermilk
Lime juice
Lime zest

Variations

There are several ways to make this Key Lime Pound Cake your own.

Add a Glaze: For extra sweetness, drizzle a lime glaze over the cake. Combine powdered sugar and lime juice for a simple glaze that complements the tangy flavor of the cake.
Coconut Key Lime Pound Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with the lime flavor.
Make it Key Lime Cheesecake Pound Cake: Add cream cheese to the batter to make the cake even more moist and add a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the lime zest.
Lime and Raspberry: Add fresh or frozen raspberries to the batter for a tangy berry contrast that enhances the citrusy lime flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for ensuring the cake has a light texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next to ensure the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition.

Step 5: Stir in Lime Juice and Zest

Once the flour and buttermilk are fully incorporated, stir in the fresh lime juice and lime zest. These ingredients will infuse the cake with a fresh, citrusy flavor.

Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to remove from the pan.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This allows them to cream together more easily and results in a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Use Fresh Lime: Fresh lime juice and zest will provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice if possible.
Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so check the cake a few minutes before the recommended time to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
Butter the Pan Well: Be sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.

How to Serve

This Key Lime Pound Cake can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of accompaniments. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lime glaze can add extra sweetness. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the flavor. It’s also perfect when paired with a hot beverage like tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Key Lime Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The cake will stay moist and delicious when kept covered.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or heat in the microwave for a quick treat.

Reheating

To reheat a slice of cake, place it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warm. If you want to enjoy the cake with a fresh touch, drizzle it with extra lime juice or glaze before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular lime instead of key lime?

Yes, you can use regular lime if key limes are unavailable, but key limes provide a more intense and authentic flavor.

2. Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

3. Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, you can use a different size pan. If using a smaller pan, the baking time may be shorter; with a larger pan, it may take longer.

4. How do I make this cake less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly to make the cake less sweet while still maintaining its moist texture.

5. Can I add other fruit to the cake?

Yes, adding fruits like berries or chopped pineapple can provide a fresh and vibrant addition to the flavor.

6. How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be substituted for butter, it may affect the flavor and texture of the cake slightly.

8. Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Yes, this cake actually tastes better the day after it’s made, as the flavors have more time to develop.

9. Can I freeze the cake batter?

It’s not recommended to freeze the batter, as the texture may be compromised once thawed. However, you can freeze the baked cake.

10. How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease and flour the pan well before pouring in the batter. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for extra assurance.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pound Cake is a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with the buttery richness of a traditional pound cake and the zesty kick of lime. This cake is easy to make, refreshing, and sure to impress anyone who loves citrus desserts. Whether you serve it at a gathering or enjoy it with your family, this cake will quickly become a favorite. With its tender crumb and bright lime flavor, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.