Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe
This Key Lime Pound Cake is a luscious and moist dessert that combines the tangy freshness of Key lime with the rich, buttery texture of a classic pound cake. Perfect for citrus lovers, it features a rich batter infused with fresh Key lime juice and zest, topped with a sweet and tart Key lime glaze. Whether served for a special occasion or a delightful treat any day, this cake delivers irresistible flavor and a perfectly balanced crumb.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake
- 3 cups white sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup shortening
- 3 cups cake flour, sifted
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup fresh Key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Key lime juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or two loaf pans to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Cream Fats and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the white sugar, softened butter, and shortening until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help incorporate air into the batter for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them and develop the batter’s structure.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh Key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are combined smoothly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined, careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and ensures even cooling.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, Key lime juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake, letting it soak in slightly for added moisture and tart sweetness.
Notes
- For the freshest flavor, use authentic Key limes; if unavailable, regular limes are a decent substitute.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense texture.
- The glaze can be adjusted to your preferred consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more lime juice to thin.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: Key lime pound cake, citrus dessert, lime cake, bundt cake, moist pound cake, Key lime glaze