Introduction
If you love citrus desserts with bold flavor and classic Southern charm, this Key Lime Pound Cake will win you over. It’s a buttery, moist cake made with tangy key lime juice, fresh zest, and buttermilk for richness, all baked to golden perfection and finished with a zingy lime glaze that melts into every bite. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating spring, or just baking to brighten your week, this cake is equal parts refreshing and indulgent.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Vibrant lime flavor in both the cake and glaze
- Moist and dense texture that holds up beautifully
- Perfect for gatherings—easy to make ahead and slice
- Brings together sweet, tart, and buttery in one elegant dessert
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Zest of 3 key limes
- ¼ cup key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lime Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons key lime juice
- Zest of 1 key lime
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Key Lime Juice: Bottled key lime juice works well if fresh isn’t available. Regular limes are a fine substitute in a pinch.
- Buttermilk: Adds richness and tenderness. You can make a substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar.
- Flour: All-purpose is best. Avoid cake flour as it may be too soft for this dense bake.
- Add-ins: Fold in ½ cup of shredded coconut or chopped white chocolate for a tropical twist.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a bundt or loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in key lime zest, juice, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
4. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons lime juice.
- Add more juice for thinner consistency if desired.
- Stir in lime zest for extra brightness.
6. Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides.
- Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix once dry ingredients are added—this keeps the crumb tender.
- For added citrus kick, poke small holes in the cake and pour glaze slowly to soak in.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing for best presentation.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- A chilled glass of sweet tea or limeade complements the tart-sweet profile.
- Beautiful for brunch spreads, spring gatherings, or Mother’s Day desserts.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days, but allow to come to room temp before serving.
- Freeze unglazed cake for up to 2 months—wrap in plastic and foil, then glaze after thawing.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love fruity, bright, and crowd-pleasing desserts? Try these next:
- The Easter Cookies Everyone Will Be Talking About and Asking the Recipe For
- These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form
- This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat
- These Copycat Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies Are My Secret Weapon Dessert
- This Grasshopper Pie Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert with a Mint Chocolate Twist
Final Thoughts
This Key Lime Pound Cake strikes the perfect balance between rich and refreshing. With a velvety texture and vibrant citrus glaze, it’s sure to become a go-to for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for brunch or gifting it to friends, this cake delivers sunshine in every slice.
Tried it? Leave a comment or tag us on social media to show us your bake—and don’t forget to follow for more sweet, seasonal recipes!
