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Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Key lime pound cake brings sunshine to your dessert table with a zesty twist that makes taste buds dance. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced, this Southern-inspired treat delivers pure comfort in each delightful slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups butter
  • 2 ½ cups sugar
  • 6 large eggs
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

Supporting Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 teaspoons key lime zest
  • ¼ cup fresh key lime juice

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup fresh key lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon key lime zest

Instructions

  1. Grab a large bowl and thoroughly combine 3 cups flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt using a whisk. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
  2. Using a stand mixer, cream 1 ½ cups softened butter on medium speed until smooth and silky.
  3. Gradually add 2 ½ cups sugar to the butter, beating until the mixture becomes fluffy and light.
  4. Incorporate 6 large eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition until just blended.
  5. Introduce ⅓ of the flour mixture into the butter blend, mixing until barely combined.
  6. Pour ½ cup sweetened condensed milk into the batter, stirring until just incorporated.
  7. Repeat the flour and condensed milk process, ending with the final ⅓ of flour mixture.
  8. Fold in 2 teaspoons key lime zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ¼ cup fresh key lime juice. Mix until smooth.
  9. Thoroughly grease a bundt pan with butter or cooking spray.
  10. Transfer the entire batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading evenly.
  11. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 325°F and bake for 1 hour and 15-30 minutes.
  12. Check cake doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center. It should come out completely clean.
  13. Remove cake from oven and let it rest in the pan for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack.
  14. Carefully remove cake from pan and continue cooling on the wire rack.
  15. Prepare glaze by whisking 2 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup key lime juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon key lime zest until perfectly smooth.
  16. Once cake has cooled, drizzle or brush glaze generously over top and sides.
  17. Allow glaze to set for approximately one hour before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Test cake doneness carefully by inserting a wooden skewer in the center, which prevents overcooking and ensures a moist texture.
  • Zest limes carefully to capture only the bright green outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
  • Room temperature eggs and butter blend more smoothly and create a more consistent cake batter with better volume.
  • Grease the bundt pan thoroughly with butter and flour to prevent sticking and ensure a clean cake release.
  • Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Cakes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 456 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 57 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg