Description
This Key Lime Pound Cake is a moist, tangy, and sweet dessert that perfectly balances the rich buttery texture of a classic pound cake with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh key lime juice. Ideal for a refreshing treat or a delightful summer dessert, it is simple to prepare and bakes to a golden brown perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure even distribution. Then stir in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Alternate with Lime Juice: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the fresh key lime juice to maintain a smooth batter consistency.
- Pour Batter and Level: Pour the finished batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top to promote even baking.
- Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool before slicing.
Notes
- Be sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best creaming results.
- Fresh key lime juice is preferred for authentic flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
- Check the cake at 50 minutes as oven temperatures vary; toothpick test ensures it is fully baked.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- For extra flavor, garnish with lime zest or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lime juice.