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Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 89 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Key Lime Pound Cake is a delightful twist on the classic pound cake, infused with fresh lime juice and zest for a bright, tangy flavor. Moist and rich, this cake combines the buttery texture of a traditional pound cake with refreshing citrus notes, perfect for a summer dessert or any occasion that calls for a burst of flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

Flavoring

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1 tsp lime zest


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan thoroughly to ensure the cake does not stick.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air for a tender crumb.
  3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Batter: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. This gradual mixing helps maintain the batter’s texture.
  5. Add Lime Flavor: Stir in the fresh lime juice and lime zest until evenly combined, enhancing the cake with fresh citrus flavor.
  6. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into your greased and floured tube pan, smoothing the top evenly.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
  8. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the cake sets properly.

Notes

  • Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with 1 cup of milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to maintain its shape.
  • Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.