This Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake is rich, moist, and bursting with tangy lime flavor. With a velvety cream cheese base and a bright citrus glaze, this easy pound cake is perfect for spring gatherings, summer desserts, or anytime you crave a refreshing twist on a classic treat.

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Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake

If you love the zesty flavor of key lime pie and the buttery richness of pound cake, this Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake brings the best of both worlds together. Each slice offers a perfectly balanced bite — dense and tender from the cream cheese, yet light and vibrant from the fresh lime zest and juice.

This cake is ideal for any occasion — from afternoon tea to holiday celebrations. It’s an elegant dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes, topped with a tangy-sweet glaze that enhances the lime flavor and adds a lovely sheen. Whether served plain, with whipped cream, or fresh berries, it’s a showstopper that always delights.

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Ingredients

For the Pound Cake:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened

• 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened

• 2 ¾ cups granulated sugar

• 6 large eggs, room temperature

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)

• 1 tablespoon lime zest (about 3 key limes)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Key Lime Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

• 1–2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice

• ½ teaspoon lime zest (optional, for garnish)

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Bake Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes

• Cooling Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: About 2 hours

• Servings: 12 slices

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Grease a 10-inch bundt pan (or tube pan) generously with butter or non-stick spray, then lightly dust with flour.

3. Tap out any excess flour and set aside.

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Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy — about 2–3 minutes.

2. Gradually add sugar, beating for another 3–5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to getting a tender crumb.

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Step 3: Add the Eggs

1. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well combined.

3. The batter should look pale and slightly thick at this stage.

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Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.

3. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.

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Step 5: Add Lime Flavor

1. Stir in key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract.

2. Mix until smooth and creamy, but do not overbeat.

3. The batter should be thick, fragrant, and full of zesty lime aroma.

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Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.

2. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.

3. Bake for 75–85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.

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Step 7: Cool the Cake

1. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.

2. Gently loosen the edges with a butter knife, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

3. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes to ensure the glaze sets beautifully.

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Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lime juice until smooth and pourable.

2. Adjust consistency — add more lime juice for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker one.

3. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides.

4. Garnish with extra lime zest for a pop of color and aroma.

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Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter, cream cheese, and eggs mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.

• Do not overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated.

• Fresh lime juice only: Bottled lime juice lacks the bright, fresh flavor of real key limes.

• Grease the pan well: Cream cheese pound cakes tend to stick, so make sure your pan is well-prepared.

• Cool completely before glazing: Applying glaze to a warm cake will make it melt instead of setting.

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Flavor Variations

• Coconut Lime Twist: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor.

• Lime Cream Filling: Slice the cooled cake in half and spread a layer of lime curd or sweetened cream cheese.

• Mini Pound Cakes: Use mini loaf pans or muffin tins for individual portions — just reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.

• Lemon-Lime Version: Mix equal parts lemon and lime zest for a citrus medley.

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Serving Suggestions

This Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

• Fresh berries (especially raspberries or strawberries)

• A drizzle of lime curd or white chocolate sauce

• A hot cup of coffee or iced tea

For a fancy presentation, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and serve slices with a twist of lime peel.

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Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

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Storage and Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to 7 days in an airtight container.

• Freeze: Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

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In the final analysis

This Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delightful fusion of creamy, buttery richness and bright citrus tang. Every bite offers a smooth texture and refreshing lime essence that makes it impossible to resist. The cream cheese adds moistness and depth, while the lime glaze ties everything together with a sweet, tart finish.

Whether baked for a family gathering, afternoon dessert, or a spring celebration, this cake captures sunshine in every slice. It’s simple to prepare, yet tastes like something from a high-end bakery — elegant, zesty, and truly unforgettable.