Name: Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs; ¼ cup key lime juice, freshly squeezed; Zest of 2 key limes; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt

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If you’re looking for a dessert that combines moistness with a zesty flavor, then this Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake is just what you need. This cake is a delightful twist on the classic pound cake, enhanced with the bright, refreshing notes of key lime. It’s easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. In addition to being deliciously tangy, this cake has a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cake Decadent Carrot Cake Bars It’s perfect for a summer barbecue or an afternoon tea. The best part? This recipe allows you to experience the tropical flavors of key lime without needing to travel to sunny Florida. With its vibrant green color and refreshing taste, this pound cake is sure to impress your family and friends while satisfying your sweet tooth. For more inspiration, check out this easy mini cheesecake recipe recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake

For more inspiration, check out this preserved lemons recipe recipe.

Irresistibly Flavorful: The combination of fresh key lime juice and zest infuses each slice with a tart yet sweet flavor that will awaken your taste buds.
Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the inclusion of sour cream in the batter, this cake remains wonderfully moist even days after baking.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with whipped cream, this cake adapts beautifully to any occasion.

Ingredients for Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality all-purpose flour as the base for your cake for a light and airy texture.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is essential for balancing the tanginess of the lime and creating that classic pound cake sweetness.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness to the batter, ensuring your pound cake stays tender after baking.
Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter so you can better control the saltiness of your cake; it also contributes to its richness.
Key Lime Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed juice and zest provide authentic flavor; if unavailable, bottled key lime juice can be used in a pinch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer, which should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then add the key lime juice and zest along with sour cream; mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and any other dry ingredients like baking powder or salt before gradually folding them into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 5: Pour Batter into Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with leftover key lime juice for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and sour cream to reach room temperature before mixing for better emulsification.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients to prevent a dense cake texture.
Storage Tips: Store leftover pound cake wrapped tightly at room temperature or refrigerate it for extended freshness.

How to Serve Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake

This Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Whipped Cream: The lightness of whipped cream enhances the tangy flavor of the cake, adding a smooth texture.
Coconut Ice Cream: The creamy coconut provides a tropical twist that complements the lime perfectly.
Fresh Berries: Juicy berries add a fresh, fruity contrast that balances the sweetness of the cake.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the key lime pound cake up to two days in advance. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it at room temperature.
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three months.
Reheating: To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Suggestions for Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake:

Use Fresh Key Limes

Using fresh key limes is crucial for achieving the authentic flavor in your Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake. Bottled lime juice lacks the vibrant taste and acidity of fresh limes, which can lead to a flat flavor profile. To get the best results, buy key limes from a local market or grocery store. When juicing, make sure to roll the limes on the counter first; this helps release more juice. Additionally, consider zesting some of the key limes to enhance the cake’s aroma and flavor. Remember, quality ingredients make a significant difference in baking!

Don’t Overmix Your Batter

Overmixing can be a common mistake when making any pound cake, including Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake. This can lead to a dense texture instead of the desired lightness. Mix just until all ingredients are combined and avoid beating vigorously. If you’re using an electric mixer, switch to low speed once you add the flour. Stirring gently with a spatula can also help maintain a tender crumb. The goal is to incorporate air into your batter without developing gluten too much.

Measure Ingredients Accurately

Precision is key when baking your Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake. Using too much flour or sugar can throw off the ratios, resulting in an undesirable texture or taste. Always use measuring cups specifically designed for dry and liquid ingredients. For dry ingredients like flour, spoon it into the cup rather than scooping directly from the bag; this prevents packing and ensures accurate measurements. Investing in a kitchen scale can also help if you want even more precision.

Allowing Proper Cooling Time

Cooling your pound cake properly after baking is essential for maintaining its moisture and flavor integrity. If you cut into it too soon, you risk it becoming gummy or falling apart. After removing it from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This allows steam to escape without drying out the cake’s exterior. Finally, ensure that it’s completely cooled before glazing or frosting to prevent melting.

FAQs:

What makes this pound cake moist?

Moisture in your Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake comes from several factors: using butter at room temperature ensures it incorporates well with sugars, while sour cream or yogurt adds richness without drying out. Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake The addition of fresh key lime juice not only provides flavor but also contributes to moisture as it reacts with other ingredients during baking.

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

While you can substitute regular limes for key limes in your Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake, keep in mind that they have different flavors. Regular limes are often more acidic and less sweet than key limes, which may alter your cake’s taste slightly. If using regular limes, consider adjusting sugar levels accordingly to balance flavors while maintaining deliciousness.

How should I store my pound cake?

Storing your Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake correctly helps maintain its freshness and flavor over time. Once cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing slices; wrap them individually in plastic wrap then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can make a gluten-free version of your Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well for baking. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or other binding agents to mimic traditional flour textures effectively. Always check labels to confirm that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion for Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake:

In conclusion, creating a delightful Moist & Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake relies heavily on using quality ingredients and adhering to good baking practices. Start by selecting fresh key limes and measuring ingredients accurately for optimal flavor and texture. Avoid overmixing your batter to achieve that perfect crumb while allowing ample cooling time ensures that each slice remains moist and intact when served. Coconut Custard Cake By following these guidelines along with our tips and FAQs, you’re sure to impress family and friends with this zesty dessert! Happy baking!