There’s something truly special about key lime pound cake its bright citrus flavor, soft buttery texture, and sweet glaze make it a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a summer gathering or just craving a slice of homemade goodness, this recipe is a must-try.
Growing up, key lime desserts were always a treat in my home. The zesty punch of fresh key limes combined with a rich, moist cake brings back so many memories of family get-togethers. Now, I’m excited to share this easy-to-make pound cake recipe with you!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Simple ingredients – No fancy or hard-to-find items!
✔️ Moist and rich texture – Perfectly balanced between soft and dense.
✔️ Packed with citrus flavor – The tangy key lime zest and juice give it a refreshing twist.
✔️ Make-ahead friendly – Stays fresh for days and tastes even better the next day.
✔️ Perfect for any occasion – Great for brunch, dessert, or even a sweet afternoon snack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes! If you can’t find key limes, regular Persian limes work just fine. The flavor is slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
How do I store key lime pound cake?
Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors actually intensify the next day, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Ingredients Needed
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp key lime zest
- ¼ cup key lime juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp key lime juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a bundt pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then, mix in the key lime zest, juice, and vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add half of the dry ingredients, mix, then pour in the buttermilk. Add the remaining dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Make the Glaze
While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, key lime juice, and vanilla extract.
8. Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
✔️ Use fresh key lime juice for the best flavor bottled juice won’t have the same zing.
✔️ Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake soft and tender.
✔️ Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from soaking in too much.
For more cake treats, try our Ultimate Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe! If you love baking tips, check out this guide from Bon Appétit for expert advice.
Serving Suggestions
Pair a slice of key lime pound cake with:
✔️ A scoop of vanilla ice cream
✔️ Fresh whipped cream
✔️ A cup of iced coffee or hot tea
✔️ A sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra tropical vibes
Storage Tips
🟢 Room Temperature: Wrap the cake and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🟢 Refrigerator: Keep it in the fridge for up to 7 days.
🟢 Freezer: Freeze slices in a Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
This key lime pound cake is everything you want in a dessert moist, buttery, and bursting with citrusy flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, it’s sure to be a hit!
Try this recipe and let me know what you think! Also, check out more delicious desserts on Charmed Recipes. Happy baking!
Print
The Best Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe – Moist & Flavorful
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This key lime pound cake is moist, buttery, and packed with citrus flavor. Try this easy homemade recipe for a perfect sweet treat!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp key lime zest
- ¼ cup key lime juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp key lime juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a bundt pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-4 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then, mix in the key lime zest, juice, and vanilla extract.
Add half of the dry ingredients, mix, then pour in the buttermilk. Add the remaining dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, key lime juice, and vanilla extract.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Key lime cake, key lime pound cake, citrus cake