Key Lime Pound Cake is a delightful twist on the classic pound cake, infusing the rich, buttery flavor of traditional cake with the zesty and refreshing tang of lime. This cake features a soft and moist crumb, with a perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy tartness from the lime juice and zest. It’s an ideal dessert for spring and summer, offering a refreshing, light finish to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress with its vibrant flavor and beautiful texture.

What makes this Key Lime Pound Cake stand out is the combination of buttermilk, lime juice, and lime zest, which adds moisture and a refreshing citrus flavor that is both bright and aromatic. The cake’s tender crumb and sweet-tart flavor make it a favorite for those who enjoy citrus desserts. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, this cake is not only delicious but also a breeze to make. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tangy and Refreshing: The lime juice and zest create a delightful tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the pound cake.
Moist and Tender: The buttermilk adds moisture, keeping the cake soft and light while enhancing the flavor.
Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, this cake comes together easily and delivers great results every time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a spring celebration or just a weekend treat, this cake is versatile enough for any occasion.

Ingredients

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

Variations

Lemon Pound Cake: Substitute lime juice and zest with lemon juice and zest for a lemony twist on this recipe.
Add Coconut: Add some shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical variation.
Glaze: Drizzle a sweet glaze made with powdered sugar and lime juice over the cooled cake for extra sweetness and shine.
Key Lime Filling: Cut the cake in half and fill it with a tangy key lime pie filling or whipped cream for added flavor and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan to ensure the cake comes out easily once baked.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help to incorporate air into the batter, which gives the cake a light texture.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 5: Add Lime Juice and Zest

Stir in the lime juice and lime zest. This adds that refreshing citrus flavor that makes this cake so special.

Step 6: Pour the Batter

Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly and ensure there are no air pockets.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure to check the cake at the 60-minute mark, as oven times can vary.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother batter, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to prevent the cake from becoming dense.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check the center of the cake. It should come out clean when the cake is done.
Proper Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure a clean cut and to allow the flavors to develop.

How to Serve

Key Lime Pound Cake is best served at room temperature. Slice it and enjoy as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more decadent treat, drizzle a lime glaze over the top. This cake also pairs well with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for a light and refreshing dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Key Lime Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow it to thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you prefer to serve the cake warm, simply heat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of 1 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

2. Can I use a different type of pan?

Yes, you can use a regular round or square cake pan, but adjust the baking time. Check the cake at 40 minutes and continue baking until done.

3. Can I add a glaze to the cake?

Absolutely! A glaze made from powdered sugar and lime juice would be a delicious addition to this cake.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this cake keeps well for several days, so you can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container.

5. Can I substitute the lime with lemon?

Yes, you can use lemon juice and zest as a substitute for lime for a different citrus flavor.

6. How can I make this cake more flavorful?

Consider adding a teaspoon of lime extract or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

7. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.

8. Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer will work perfectly for this recipe as well.

9. Is it okay to leave the cake at room temperature?

Yes, the cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, as long as it is in an airtight container.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and use a larger pan if you need to serve more people. Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pound Cake is the perfect balance of buttery richness and zesty lime flavor, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just enjoying a slice with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to satisfy your citrus cravings. Easy to make and full of flavor, this recipe is a must-try for cake lovers and lime enthusiasts alike!