Key Lime Pound Cake

Key Lime Pound Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that brings the bright and tangy flavors of key limes into a rich, buttery cake. Topped with a creamy key lime frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday gatherings. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 6 large Eggs
• 1 cup (2 sticks) Butter, softened
• 1/2 cup Fresh Key Lime Juice
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 tablespoon Grated Key Lime Zest
• 3 cups White Sugar
• 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Whole Milk

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup Freshly Squeezed Key Lime Juice
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon Grated Lime Zest
• 4 cups Powdered Sugar

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan or tube pan.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
4. Mix in Key Lime Juice and Zest: Add the fresh key lime juice, vanilla extract, and grated key lime zest. Beat until combined.
5. Alternate Flour and Milk: Gradually add the flour and whole milk to the mixture, alternating between the two. Start and end with the flour. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it out evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
3. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

1. Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Key Lime Juice and Zest: Add the freshly squeezed key lime juice, vanilla extract, and grated lime zest. Beat until combined.
3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

1. Frosting Application: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the key lime frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. You can use a spatula or a piping bag for a more decorative finish.
2. Garnish: For an extra touch, you can garnish the cake with additional grated lime zest or thin slices of key lime.

Tips for the Perfect Key Lime Pound Cake:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients (butter, eggs, cream cheese) are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
• Fresh Key Limes: Freshly squeezed key lime juice and zest are essential for the best flavor. If you can’t find key limes, you can use regular limes, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Avoid Overmixing: When adding the flour and milk, mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
• Cooling: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Variations:

• Coconut Lime Pound Cake: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
• Glazed Pound Cake: Instead of frosting, you can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and key lime juice. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for a lighter topping.
• Lemon-Lime Pound Cake: Use a combination of lemon and lime juice and zest for a citrusy variation.

Key Lime Pound Cake is a moist, flavorful, and beautifully tangy dessert that is sure to impress. The combination of the rich pound cake with the bright key lime frosting makes for a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is a delightful choice. Enjoy the refreshing taste of key lime in every bite!