Moist Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake – A Zesty Twist on a Classic Favorite. This cake combines the rich texture of a classic pound cake with the bright, refreshing flavor of key lime. A perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this cake is ideal for any occasion, from summer gatherings to holiday celebrations. Topped with a zesty key lime glaze, it’s a treat everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Moist Tangy Key Lime
This Moist Tangy Key Lime cake offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for those who crave a refreshing lime dessert that’s both sweet and tangy. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this cake:
- Perfect for summer gatherings
- Balanced sweetness with zesty lime flavor
- Versatile for holiday celebrations
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Moist texture that melts in your mouth
- Can be served as a zesty lime treat or dessert
- Ideal for sharing with friends and family
- Great with coffee or tea
Ingredients for Moist Tangy Key Lime
Gather these items:
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh key lime juice (about 3-4 key limes)
- Zest of 2 key limes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
- Zest of 1 key lime
How to Make Moist Tangy Key Lime Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan with butter and flour, or line with parchment paper. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Step 3: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in vanilla, almond extract (optional), sour cream, key lime juice, and zest until fully combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a bundt pan, it may take slightly longer.
- Step 6: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, key lime juice, and zest in a small bowl. Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more lime juice or sugar if needed.
- Step 8: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the key lime glaze over the top and allow it to set before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Moist Tangy Key Lime
Keep these in mind:
- This cake is perfect for summer gatherings and holiday celebrations.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For a more intense flavor, allow the cake to sit for a day before serving.
- Pair with whipped cream or ice cream for a delicious refreshing lime dessert.
Best Ways to Serve Moist Tangy Key Lime
Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- Enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream
- Serve alongside fresh berries for a zesty lime treat
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert experience
How to Store and Reheat Moist Tangy Key Lime
To store, place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moist Tangy Key Lime
What’s the secret to perfect Moist Tangy Key Lime?
The secret lies in using fresh key limes for juice and zest to achieve that authentic tangy flavor. This enhances the key lime flavor profile and gives your cake that refreshing citrus kick. For more information on key limes, check out this nutrition guide.
Can I make Moist Tangy Key Lime ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it properly to keep it moist.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Moist Tangy Key Lime?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature and do not overmix the batter. This helps in achieving a light and fluffy texture.
Variations of Moist Tangy Key Lime You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Add coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Substitute some of the flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor.
- Incorporate a layer of cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making classic vanilla ice cream to pair with your cake!
Print
Moist Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake: A Zesty Delight
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf or bundt cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake – A Zesty Twist on a Classic Favorite. This cake combines the rich texture of a classic pound cake with the bright, refreshing flavor of key lime. A perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh key lime juice (about 3–4 key limes)
- Zest of 2 key limes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
- Zest of 1 key lime
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan with butter and flour, or line with parchment paper. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in vanilla, almond extract (optional), sour cream, key lime juice, and zest until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a bundt pan, it may take slightly longer.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, key lime juice, and zest in a small bowl. Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more lime juice or sugar if needed.
- Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the key lime glaze over the top and allow it to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This cake is perfect for summer gatherings and holiday celebrations.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Key Lime Pound Cake, Moist Tangy Key Lime, Dessert Recipe








