Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

If you’re craving something that perfectly balances bright citrus zing with buttery richness, this Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s a luscious, dense pound cake infused with the vibrant essence of fresh key limes, making every bite a burst of sunshine and nostalgia. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing, this recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. The tender crumb combined with a tangy glaze on top is just downright irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe that truly sings. Each component plays a crucial role — from the creamy fats that give it moisture and richness, to the key lime zest and juice that deliver that unmistakable tropical punch.

• 1 cup butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• ½ cup Crisco shortening: Adds moisture and helps keep the cake soft and fluffy.
• 3 cups sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a delicate crust.
• 6 large eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure and moistness.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s dense but fluffy texture.
• ½ tsp baking powder: Gives just a touch of lift for a lighter crumb.
• ⅛ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 cup milk: Adds tenderness and moisture to keep the cake from feeling heavy.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• ¼ cup key lime juice: The star ingredient, bringing bright citrus zing.
• 1 tsp key lime zest: Intensifies lime flavor with fragrant oils.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze to finish the cake.
• 2 Tbsp key lime juice (for glaze): Adds tang to the glaze for perfect balance.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Rounds out the glaze with subtle sweetness.

How to Make Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325ºF. This moderate temperature ensures even baking. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan thoroughly to prevent your cake from sticking and to help achieve a beautiful, golden crust.

Step 2: Beat Butter and Shortening

Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and Crisco shortening at medium speed until the mixture turns light and creamy. This step is essential because it incorporates air, which contributes to a tender cake texture that’s still moist and dense.

Step 3: Incorporate Sugar

Gradually add the sugar to the butter and shortening mixture. Be sure to beat until you get a fluffy, pale blend — this can take several minutes. The sugar isn’t just for sweetness; it helps create the cake’s delicate crumb and crust.

Step 4: Add Eggs One by One

Beat in the eggs individually, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. This method ensures the batter emulsifies properly, giving you a smooth, silky texture in the final cake.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix with Milk

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening evenly. Then add these dry ingredients alternately with milk to the butter mixture. Start and finish with the flour to maintain the right batter consistency—this balance is key to a perfect pound cake crumb.

Step 6: Add Vanilla, Lime Juice, and Zest

Gently fold in the vanilla extract, key lime juice, and zest. These ingredients infuse the batter with fresh, lively citrus flavor that sets this Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe apart from any ordinary pound cake.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Toothpick-Clean

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a long wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the cake is beautifully golden on top.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, giving it time to set so it doesn’t break apart. Then, remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 9: Prepare and Pour the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of key lime juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this tangy glaze over the cooled cake to add a shiny, sweet-tart finish that will keep everyone coming back for more.

How to Serve Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra key lime zest or a few thin slices of fresh lime make wonderful garnishes to visually elevate the cake and subtly boost its zesty aroma. You can also add a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and refreshing contrast.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs splendidly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy contrast. For a more sophisticated touch, serve alongside macerated berries or a berry compote to add some fruity brightness that highlights the lime’s citrus notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe into small, bite-sized squares and serving them on a platter topped with mini fruit skewers for a fun party presentation. You can also layer slices with fresh fruit and whipped cream to create a decadent, trifle-style dessert that’s sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. It can safely sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its wonderful flavor and texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, thaw frozen slices at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This brings back that freshly baked softness and allows the glaze flavors to become more pronounced.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime instead of key lime for this pound cake?

While regular limes will work if you’re in a pinch, key limes have a unique, slightly more tart and floral flavor that really makes this Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe special. If you can find key limes, it’s worth the extra effort.

Is it necessary to use both butter and shortening?

Yes, the combination of butter and shortening gives this cake the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Butter adds richness and taste, while shortening helps keep the cake incredibly tender and moist.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to use one that contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best results.

How can I tell when the Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe is done baking?

The most reliable way is to insert a long wooden pick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.

What’s the best way to zest the key limes?

Use a fine microplane grater to zest your key limes directly over the mixing bowl to capture all the fragrant oils without including the bitter white pith underneath.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe is such a joyful and satisfying dessert to bake and share. Its vibrant lime flavor combined with rich, buttery crumb makes it a standout in any gathering or a special indulgence just for you. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again. So grab those key limes and get baking—your taste buds are in for a real treat!

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