Key Lime Pound Cake

Pound cake enthusiasts, prepare to have your tastebuds transported to a tropical paradise with this irresistible Key lime pound cake recipe. Combining the tangy and refreshing notes of Key limes with the rich, buttery goodness of a classic pound cake, this dessert is a delightful departure from the ordinary.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, looking to impress at a potluck, or simply craving a slice of citrusy indulgence, this Key lime pound cake is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Its moist, dense texture and vibrant flavor profile make it a true showstopper, sure to leave your guests asking for the recipe.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

What sets this Key lime pound cake apart is its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and refreshing. The use of Key limes, with their distinct tartness and floral aroma, adds a delightful twist to the classic pound cake formula, elevating it to new heights of deliciousness.

Beyond its exceptional taste, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert, paired with fresh fruit or whipped cream, or even incorporated into a variety of other dishes, such as trifles or parfaits. Plus, its make-ahead capabilities make it an ideal choice for busy hosts or those who want to get a head start on their baking.

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Key Lime Pound Cake ❓

The beauty of this Key lime pound cake is that most ingredients are easily accessible and may already be found in your pantry or refrigerator. The combination of tangy Key lime juice and zest, along with the rich butter and vanilla, creates the classic, indulgent flavor profile that has made pound cake recipes perennially popular.

📝 How to Make Key Lime Pound Cake Step-by-Step ❓

⏱️ Timing Overview

Compared to traditional pound cakes, which can take up to 90 minutes to prepare, this Key lime pound cake saves you approximately 15% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors with a bright, tropical twist.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

These indulgent Key lime pound cakes provide approximately 10% of your daily potassium requirements and 8% of your daily vitamin C needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Key lime pound cake.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe

These Key lime pound cakes retain their quality remarkably well:

❓ FAQs

Can I make the Key lime pound cake in advance?

Yes, this cake can be made several days in advance. Once baked and cooled, the cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked batter for up to 3 months or the baked cake for up to 3 months. Thaw the batter or cake in the refrigerator before baking or serving, respectively.

Can I substitute regular limes for Key limes?

While regular Persian limes can be used as a substitute, the flavor profile will be slightly different. Key limes have a more intense, tart, and floral aroma that is essential to the classic Key lime pie and pound cake flavors. If using regular limes, you may need to increase the amount of juice and zest to achieve a similar level of tanginess.

Is there a dairy-free or lower-calorie version of this recipe?

Yes, there are several ways to adapt this recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of the regular butter, and unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of eggs. For a lower-calorie option, you can replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce and use a sugar substitute in place of the granulated sugar.

Why is my Key lime pound cake dry or crumbly?

A dry or crumbly texture can be caused by several factors, such as over-mixing the batter, overbaking the cake, or using too much flour. Be sure to mix the ingredients just until they are combined, and keep a close eye on the cake during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent it from drying out. Additionally, make sure to measure the flour accurately, as too much flour can result in a dense, dry texture.

Can I add any extra ingredients or variations to the Key lime pound cake?

Absolutely! This recipe is highly versatile and lends itself well to various additions and modifications. You could fold in chopped macadamia nuts or shredded coconut for a tropical twist, or swirl in a ribbon of Key lime curd or cream cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to create your own unique spin on the classic Key lime pound cake.

Conclusion

These Key lime pound cakes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a showstopping dessert for a special occasion or as a delightful treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, they’re sure to impress with their bright, tangy flavors and moist, dense texture. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Key lime pound cakes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking process. So why not indulge in a slice of this tropical delight and let the flavors of Key lime transport you to a sun-drenched paradise, one bite at a time?

Key Lime Pound Cake

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• Author: Jasmine
• Total Time: 75-85 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup Key lime juice (approximately 20-25 Key limes)
• 2 tablespoons Key lime zest (from about 10-12 Key limes)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan or a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, and lightly flour the pan.
• Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the Key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
• Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt or loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Step 5: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: Americans

Keywords: Key Lime Pound Cake