Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake 🍋🍰

Get ready to delight your taste buds with this zesty and creamy Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake — a perfect treat for any occasion! It’s rich, moist, and bursting with the refreshing flavor of key lime, balanced by the smooth tang of cream cheese. Whether it’s for a spring brunch, summer party, or cozy afternoon coffee, this cake is pure sunshine in every slice.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• 🍋 Zesty & refreshing: Fresh key lime juice and zest bring the perfect citrus pop.
• 🍰 Ultra moist texture: Cream cheese gives this pound cake its signature richness.
• ✨ Beautiful presentation: Bakes into a stunning golden bundt that’s ideal for sharing.
• 💚 Simple ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.

Ingredients

• 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!

💬 Tried it? Leave a comment below or tag @SmartCookRecipes on Instagram — I’d love to see your limey creation! 🍋✨