Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh key lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Directions

    1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan to ensure a smooth release later.
    2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
    3. Beat butter & cream cheese: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.
    4. Add sugar: Gradually beat in the sugar until light and fluffy — about 3–4 minutes.
    5. Incorporate eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
    6. Add flavor: Mix in the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract until well blended.
    7. Combine: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
    8. Pour & bake: Transfer the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 60–70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    9. Cool & serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

    Chef Tips

    •  For extra moisture: Add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
    •  No key limes? Regular lime juice works beautifully too.
    •  Optional glaze: Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp lime juice, and zest for a tangy drizzle.
    •  Storage: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week.

    Serving Ideas

    • Top with whipped cream and lime zest curls for a show-stopping presentation.
    • Serve chilled for a firmer texture, or slightly warm for melt-in-your-mouth softness.
    • Pair with iced tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.

    Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake

    Yield: 10–12 servings | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 65 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1 cup cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter, 2 cups sugar
    • 4 eggs, 1/4 cup key lime juice, 1 tbsp zest, 1 tsp vanilla

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour bundt pan.
    2. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; add sugar and beat until fluffy.
    3. Add eggs one at a time; mix in lime juice, zest, and vanilla.
    4. Fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
    5. Bake 60–70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool, slice, and enjoy!

    Chef Tip: Add a sweet-tart lime glaze for an extra burst of citrus flavor!

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