Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake

The Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of key limes with the rich creaminess of cream cheese. This cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy afternoon treat. Its moist texture and vibrant flavor make it an instant favorite among family and friends. The standout feature is its optional key lime cream filling that adds a burst of flavor with every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Tangy: The use of fresh key lime juice gives this cake a unique flavor that brightens any occasion.
• Creamy Texture: Incorporating cream cheese provides a moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Presentation: Perfect for any event, this cake can be dressed up with a colorful glaze or served plain for an elegant touch.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up this impressive dessert without any fuss.
• Optional Cream Filling: Add a delightful surprise layer inside for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake, you’ll need the right tools. Having the necessary equipment ensures smooth preparation and baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Bundt pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Bundt pan: Provides a beautiful shape and helps the cake bake evenly.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing dry ingredients or blending the filling smoothly.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• ½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tbsp key lime zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: A few drops of green food coloring for that vibrant color

For the Filling (Optional Key Lime Cream Center):

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup key lime juice
• 1 tbsp lime zest

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp key lime juice
• Optional: A drop of green food coloring for presentation

How to Make Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Filling (if using)

1. In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest.
2. Chill in the refrigerator to thicken while you make the cake.

Step 2: Make the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 325F (165C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
2. Cream together the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Gradually add sugar, beating well after each addition.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the batter until just combined.
6. Stir in key lime juice, zest, vanilla extract, and food coloring if using.

Step 3: Layer and Fill (Optional)

1. Pour half of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
2. Spoon the key lime cream filling in a ring around the center of the batter, keeping it away from the edges.
3. Top with remaining batter and smooth out.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake for 75-85 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
2. Let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Glaze

1. Mix powdered sugar with key lime juice until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled cake and let set before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake at your next gathering!

How to Serve Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Serving Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake can elevate any gathering. Its vibrant flavor and creamy texture pair beautifully with various accompaniments, making it a versatile dessert option.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve slices of the cake with a medley of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy finish that complements the richness of the cake.

Accompanied by Citrus Sorbet

• Pairing the cake with a scoop of citrus sorbet enhances its zesty flavor and provides a cool treat for warm days.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce can create a delightful flavor combination.

Served with Coconut Flakes

• Sprinkling toasted coconut flakes on top adds a tropical touch and an extra layer of texture to each slice.

With Mint Leaves

• Garnish each plate with fresh mint leaves for an aromatic touch that brightens up the dessert presentation.

How to Perfect Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake

To make your Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake truly standout, consider these essential tips for perfection.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, well-blended batter.
• Measure accurately: Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar to avoid an imbalance in your cake’s texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to prevent a dense cake; overmixing can lead to gluten formation.
• Test doneness properly: Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Cool completely before glazing: Letting the cake cool fully allows the glaze to set properly without melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Pairing your Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake with complementary side dishes can enhance its flavors. Here are some delightful options:

1. Citrus Salad: A refreshing salad made with mixed citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits drizzled with honey.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a creamy, tangy contrast to the cake.
3. Tropical Fruit Salad: Combine pineapple, mango, and kiwi for a sweet and juicy side that echoes the cake’s tropical flavors.
4. Chilled Cucumber Soup: A light cucumber soup can serve as a palate cleanser between bites of rich cake.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers classic comfort alongside the zesty pound cake.
6. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea can balance out the sweetness of the dessert beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake can be delightful, but it’s easy to make errors that could affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold butter or cream cheese can lead to a dense cake. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much after adding flour can make the cake tough. Mix until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into the cake immediately can result in a crumbly texture. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean edges.
• Not Measuring Accurately: Improper measurements can throw off the recipe balance. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Neglecting to Grease the Pan: Failing to grease and flour your Bundt pan may cause sticking. Always prepare your pan well to ensure easy release after baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350F (175C), wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it lightly, and warm each slice for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake:

What makes Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake so special?

The combination of creamy cream cheese with tangy key lime flavor creates a deliciously moist cake that is perfect for any occasion.

Can I use other citrus juices instead of key lime juice?

Yes, you can substitute lemon or regular lime juice for a different flavor profile while maintaining similar acidity levels.

How do I know when my Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready!

Is there an alternative to using food coloring in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can omit food coloring altogether, as it does not affect taste and is purely aesthetic.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking for a gluten-free version of this cake.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize it by adding different flavors or toppings like whipped cream or fresh fruit. Give it a try and enjoy its delightful texture and zesty flavor!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavor of our Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake, a perfect blend of tangy key limes and creamy richness that’s sure to brighten any gathering. This moist and tender cake features a luscious cream cheese base, enhanced by the refreshing zest of key limes. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or an afternoon treat, this cake is versatile enough to shine on any dessert table. You can elevate the experience with an optional key lime cream filling for an extra burst of flavor and a vibrant glaze to complete the presentation. Easy to make yet impressive in taste, this dessert is bound to become a favorite among family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• ½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tbsp key lime zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk (for filling)
• ¼ cup key lime juice (for filling)
• 1 tbsp lime zest (for filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2–3 tbsp key lime juice (for glaze)
• Optional: A few drops of green food coloring for batter and glaze

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325F (165C) and grease a Bundt pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest. Chill in the refrigerator to thicken while you make the cake.
3. Cream together the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
4. Gradually add sugar, beating well after each addition, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt; gradually add to the batter until just combined.
6. Stir in key lime juice, zest, vanilla extract, and optional food coloring if using.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spoon the key lime cream filling in a ring around the center of the batter, keeping it away from the edges. Top with remaining batter and smooth out.
8. Bake for 75-85 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Mix powdered sugar with key lime juice until smooth; drizzle over cooled cake and let set before slicing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 75mg