Name: Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487710H17M34S
Total time: PT-487710H17M34S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 2 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 6 large eggs; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled); 1 tablespoon key lime zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional: 1–2 drops green food coloring; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons key lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon key lime zest

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake offers the dense, buttery texture you expect from a traditional pound cake, but with a refreshing key lime twist. The cream cheese adds richness and moisture, while the key lime juice and zest bring brightness and balance. Whether you serve it with coffee, fresh berries, or as a showstopping dessert, this cake is guaranteed to impress with both flavor and texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter (softened)
Cream cheese (softened)
Granulated sugar
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
Key lime zest
Vanilla extract
Optional: Green food coloring for a hint of color

For the glaze (optional):

Powdered sugar
Key lime juice
Key lime zest

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
Stir in the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract. Add food coloring if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 75–85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, key lime juice, and zest. Drizzle over cooled cake and let set before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 12–14
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 75–85 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30–40 minutes

Variations

Key Lime Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the batter or sprinkle on top of the glaze.
Graham Cracker Crust Topper: Crumble graham crackers over the glaze for a pie-inspired finish.
Mini Pound Cakes: Bake in mini loaf pans and reduce baking time to 35–40 minutes.
Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap glaze for a thicker cream cheese frosting flavored with lime juice.
Lime & Lemon: Mix in a bit of lemon zest or juice for a citrus medley.

Storage/Reheating

Store tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze, wrap the fully cooled, unglazed cake in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze just before serving.

To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds or serve at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime instead of key lime?

Yes, regular limes can be substituted, but key limes offer a more distinctive, slightly sweeter flavor.

Can I make this without cream cheese?

Cream cheese adds moisture and richness, but sour cream or Greek yogurt can be used in a pinch.

Is this cake tart or sweet?

It has a balanced flavor—sweet and buttery with a pleasant citrus tang.

How do I keep the cake from sticking?

Grease and flour your pan thoroughly or use a baking spray with flour for easy release.

Can I add food coloring?

Yes, a drop or two of green food coloring can enhance the visual appeal, but it’s optional.

Can I use bottled key lime juice?

Yes, just ensure it’s pure key lime juice with no added sweeteners.

How do I know when the cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I use a loaf pan?

You can, but divide into two loaf pans and reduce baking time to 55–65 minutes.

What pairs well with this cake?

Fresh berries, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream complement it beautifully.

Can I make this cake ahead?

Yes, it’s perfect for making a day in advance—the flavor improves as it sits.

Conclusion

Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a refreshingly rich dessert with the perfect blend of buttery decadence and bright citrus flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to add a little sunshine to your day, this cake is an irresistible choice that’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your baking rotation.