Citrus Bliss: The Best Key Lime Pound Cake You’ll Ever Taste
Hey there, fellow foodies! 🌞
Welcome back to my blog! Today, I’m thrilled to share a special recipe that’s close to my son’s heart and taste buds. Citrus Bliss—the Best Key Lime Pound Cake recipe you will ever taste. It truly captures the essence of Florida. As a native Floridian, I’ve grown up surrounded by the zesty goodness of Key Lime, and I’m excited to bring a slice of this sunshine state classic to your kitchen.
A Brief History of Key Limes in Florida
Before we dive into the deliciousness, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Key Limes, also known as Mexican limes or West Indian limes, made their way to Florida in the early 19th century. These tiny, flavorful fruits flourished in the warm, tropical climate of the Florida Keys, hence their name. By the early 1900s, Key Limes were a staple in Floridian kitchens, becoming a key ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.
However, the infamous 1926 hurricane wiped out many of the Key Lime groves, leading to the rise of Persian limes, which are larger and more resilient. Despite this shift, the love for Key Limes never waned, and they remain a beloved symbol of Florida’s culinary heritage. So much so that in 1994 the Key Lime Pie was officially recognized as the Florida State Pie by The State of Florida Legislature. Check out America’s Favorite Citrus Celebration here: https://keylimefestival.com/
Why Key Limes?
You might be wondering, why all the fuss about Key Limes? Well, these little green gems pack a punch of flavor that’s unmatched by any other lime. Their tartness is more intense, their aroma more fragrant, and they bring a unique brightness to any dish. When it comes to baking, Key Limes adds a refreshing zing that can elevate a humble pound cake to a whole new level.
The Best Key Lime Pound Cake You’ll Ever Taste
Now, let’s get to the star of the show – the Best Key Lime Pound Cake. This recipe is a labor of love, combining the buttery richness of pound cake with the tangy zest of Key Lime. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or just because you need a little Florida sunshine in your life.
The Best Key Lime Pound Cake
Equipment
- 1 10 inch, 12-cup tube pan
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup butter softened
- ½ cup shortening
- 3 cups sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons Key Lime zest
- ¼ cup Key Lme juice
Glaze-Optional
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Key lime juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter and sugar a 10 inch-12 cup tube pan. Please read the Special Note at the end of the recipe.
- Beat butter and shortening at medium speed until fluffy and creamy.
- Gradually add sugar, beating at medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until egg yolk is blended well after each addition
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with flour. Beat at a low speed until well-blended after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir until well blended. Pour the batter into a buttered and sugared 10-inch-12 cup tube pan
- Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 to 30 minutes or until a long toothpick or cake tester is inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, When the toothpick or cake tester comes out clean, the cake is done. Let cake rest in the cake pan for 10-15 minutes then carefully invert onto a cooling rack to completely cool.
- Key Lime Glaze: Combine the powdered sugar, fresh lime juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Brush the Key Lime Glaze on the cake while it is warm. Note: You may not use all the glaze.
- Special Note: One of the great things about baking is that you can always make any recipe your own. That said, this pound cake is great without the glaze. This is my preferred way to serve it. By buttering and sugaring the cake pan, I get the sweet crunchy pound cake crust that I love. The sweet, sugary crust makes the glaze unnecessary. If you choose to use the glaze, may I suggest you grease and flour the cake pan? This would reduce the chance of the pound cake becoming too sweet. Have fun with this cake and experiment. Make it yours!
Nutrition
Tips for the Perfect Pound Cake
- Use fresh Key Limes: Bottled juice just doesn’t compare. Trust me, it’s worth the effort to squeeze those little limes.
- Room temperature ingredients: For a smoother batter and better rise, make sure to let your butter, eggs and buttermilk come to room temperature.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until well incorporated. This will keep the cake tender. For more pound cake tips go here: https://blissfulfoodsplus.com/pound-cake-baking-success-13-essential-tips-for-guaranteed-results/
Final Thoughts
I know you will enjoy making and devouring this Key Lime Pound Cake as much as I do. It’s a delightful blend of rich, buttery cake and the bright, tangy flavor of Key Limes – truly a taste of Florida in every bite. Whether you’re a Florida native or just a fan of citrusy treats, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
My Favorite Pound Cake Recipes
Happy baking! 🍰
This is the fifth and final family favorite pound cake recipe that I promised I would share when I started my blogging journey recently. This does not mean it is the last. I will continue experimenting, researching, baking, and sharing with you as we continue this fabulous food journey together. If you missed the first four you can find all of my best five-pound cake recipes here: https://blissfulfoodsplus.com/category/find-all-my-favorite-recipes-and-more-here/
Reference:
- Information on Key Limes and their history in Florida was adapted from general knowledge about the fruit and its cultivation in the state.
