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  1. Food and Cooking
  2. Recipes
  3. Key Lime Pound Cake

Key Lime Pound Cake

This loaf reminds me of the classic pie.

By Ree DrummondUpdated: Apr 30, 2025
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the pioneer woman's key lime pound cake recipe
Ryan Liebe
Yields:
8 - 10 serving(s)
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 40 mins

Pound cake recipes are pure nostalgia for me. I grew up eating versions of this lemon-lime pound cake (flavored with 7-Up, of course!), and I still can't get enough of it. Recently I played around with some new flavor combinations like this Key lime loaf. It's a tropical spin on the cake of my youth, with a moist center and crunchy streusel topping. Now it's one of my favorite summer desserts, right up there with the original. Happy baking!

Can you use Key limes instead of regular limes?

Yes! Key limes tend to be a little difficult to find in these parts, but if you have access to them, feel free to use them.

How do you store Key lime pound cake?

Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic and store at room temperature for up to three days. You can also wrap the cake in a layer of plastic, then a layer of foil and freeze for up to three months. Let it thaw at room temperature before slicing and serving.

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Ingredients

Streusel

  • 4

    graham cracker sheets, finely crushed (about 3/4 cup)

  • 2 Tbsp.

    granulated sugar

  • 2 Tbsp.

    packed light brown sugar

  • 2 Tbsp.

    salted butter, melted and cooled

Cake

  • 1 1/2

    sticks (12 Tbsp.) salted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pan

  • 1 1/2 cups

    all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 tsp.

     baking powder

  • 1/4 tsp.

    kosher salt 

  • 1/3 cup

    lemon-lime soda

  • 1 Tbsp.

    grated lime zest, plus 2 Tbsp. lime juice

  • 1 1/2 cups

    granulated sugar

  • 3

    large eggs

Directions

    1. Step 1Preheat the oven to 350º. For the streusel: Toss together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a medium bowl to combine. Drizzle in the melted butter and toss well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Set aside.
    2. Step 2For the cake: Butter a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl. Combine the soda, lime zest and juice in a small bowl.
    3. Step 3Combine the butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway through, until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each one before adding the next. Beat in half of the flour mixture, then the soda mixture, then the remaining flour mixture. Beat on low speed just to combine, then increase the speed to high and beat just until smooth, about 15 seconds. 
    4. Step 4Scrape the batter into the pan, smooth the surface, then sprinkle the streusel evenly on top. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool 10 minutes in the pan, then remove the cake to the rack and let cool completely. 
Love this recipe? Try one of these next!
  • Key Lime Cheesecake
  • Key Lime Cakes in a Jar
  • Key Lime Pie Cupcakes
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