Ingredients
For the Pound Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 tsp key lime zest or regular lime zest
- 1 tbsp key lime juice from 4–6 key limes or 1 regular lime
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk at room temperature
For the Key Lime Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 –3 tbsp key lime juice adjust for consistency
- 1 tsp key lime zest optional, for garnish
Ingredient Tips:
- Freshly squeezed key lime juice gives the best flavor.
- You can substitute regular lime juice if key limes aren’t available.
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan. Tip: Use baking spray with flour for easy release.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes). Tip: This incorporates air, helping the cake rise.
Add Eggs and Lime
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in key lime zest and juice. Tip: Room-temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Tip: Sifting helps prevent clumps and ensures a uniform texture.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Bake
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Tip: Check at 60 minutes and tent with foil if browning too quickly.
Cool
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Tip: A fully cooled cake helps the glaze set beautifully.
Make and Apply Glaze
- Whisk powdered sugar with 2–3 tbsp of key lime juice until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled cake and garnish with lime zest. Tip: Let the glaze set before slicing for a clean presentation.
Notes
- Bundt Pan Beauty: A bundt pan makes it extra impressive for guests.
- Add Coconut: Mix in a half cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure everything is at room temp for the smoothest batter.
- Don’t Skip the Zest: It adds intense lime flavor that juice alone can’t match.