Key Lime Pound Cake with Key Lime Glaze – A Citrusy Southern Classic
Introduction: A Zesty Twist on a Timeless Favorite
Looking for a bright, citrus-packed dessert that melts in your mouth? This Key Lime Pound Cake with Key Lime Glaze is bursting with fresh flavor, buttery richness, and a tangy-sweet finish that makes it the star of any dessert table. Inspired by Southern baking traditions, this cake combines the dense, tender crumb of a classic pound cake with the tropical punch of key lime.
Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, brunches, potlucks, or even holidays, this cake brings a refreshing twist that’s both elegant and easy to make.
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Why You’ll Love This Cake
Loaded with real key lime flavor in both the cake and glaze
Moist and dense crumb thanks to a traditional pound cake base
Simple ingredients and foolproof technique
Great for make-ahead desserts and gatherings
Freezes beautifully and stays moist for days
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Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2½ cups granulated sugar
6 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup sour cream
¼ cup fresh key lime juice
1 tbsp key lime zest (about 3–4 limes)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Key Lime Glaze:
1½ cups powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp key lime juice
1 tsp key lime zest
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Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or loaf pans.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (4–5 minutes).
Step 3: Add Eggs
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another small bowl, stir together sour cream, key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
Step 6: Mix the Batter
Add the dry and wet ingredients alternately to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 7: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the Glaze
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, key lime juice, and zest until smooth.
Adjust consistency with more juice or sugar if needed.
Step 2: Drizzle Over Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle glaze generously over the top.
Let the glaze set before slicing.
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Tips for Success
Use real key limes if available for authentic flavor.
Zest before juicing to make the process easier.
Don’t overbake—check for doneness around the 70-minute mark.
Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent melting.
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Flavor Variations
1. Coconut Lime Pound Cake
Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle toasted coconut over the glaze.
2. Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
Swap the glaze for a whipped cream cheese icing with key lime zest.
3. Mini Pound Cakes
Divide batter into mini bundt pans or cupcake tins; reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.
4. Lime Poppyseed Pound Cake
Add 1 tbsp poppy seeds to the batter for texture and visual flair.
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Storage & Freezing
To Store:
Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for longer storage—up to 5–6 days.
To Freeze:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Freeze glazed or unglazed for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight.
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Nutrition (Per Slice – 1 of 12 servings)
Calories: ~420
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 50g
Sugar: 32g
Protein: 5g
> Nutrition may vary based on portion size and glaze amount.
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FAQs
Can I use bottled key lime juice?
Yes, but fresh key lime juice and zest provide the best flavor.
What’s the difference between key limes and regular limes?
Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and slightly more tart than Persian limes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I double the glaze?
Absolutely—if you love a thicker coating, go for it!
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Conclusion: A Southern-Style Cake with a Tropical Twist
Bright, buttery, and bursting with zesty citrus flavor, this Key Lime Pound Cake with Key Lime Glaze is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it with tea, topping it with berries, or enjoying it all on its own, this cake is proof that the simplest flavors can be the most unforgettable.
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Call to Action
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