Key Lime Pound Cake with Key Lime Glaze

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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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