Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

December 14, 2025
Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

Are you ready to bake something amazing? This Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe is perfect for you.

The cake is soft and buttery. It has a lovely lime flavor. This recipe is easy to follow. Even beginners can make it. The key lime gives it a fresh taste.

Your family will love this dessert. The Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe uses simple ingredients. You probably have them at home already.

Let me show you how to make this delicious cake. Trust me, it’s worth trying. This cake is great for any occasion. Serve it at parties or enjoy it daily.

When I First Introduced to Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake

I discovered this cake five years ago. My friend served it at her birthday party. The taste was absolutely incredible. I had never tried anything like it.

The lime flavor was bright and refreshing. It wasn’t too sweet or too sour. I asked her for the recipe immediately. She told me it was inspired by Ina Garten.

I went home and tried it myself. My first attempt turned out perfectly. Since then, I’ve made it countless times.

This cake always gets compliments from everyone. It’s now my go-to dessert recipe.

Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake

Equipment List

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Loaf pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Zester
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup fresh key lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons key lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons key lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Grease your loaf pan with butter.
  • Line it with parchment paper too.
  • This prevents the cake from sticking.
  • Take a medium bowl.
  • Add flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Whisk them together well.
  • Set this bowl aside for now.
  • Put softened butter in a large bowl.
  • Add the granulated sugar to it.
  • Beat them together until fluffy.
  • This takes about 3 minutes.
  • Crack one egg into the mixture.
  • Beat it in completely.
  • Repeat with the remaining three eggs.
  • Mix well after each addition.
  • Pour in the key lime juice.
  • Add the lime zest and vanilla.
  • Mix everything together until combined.
  • Add half of the flour mixture.
  • Mix it in gently. Add the sour cream next.
  • Then add the remaining flour.
  • Don’t overmix the batter.
  • Pour batter into your prepared pan.
  • Smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Bake for 60-70 minutes.
  • A toothpick should come out clean.
  • Mix powdered sugar and lime juice.
  • Add the lime zest too.
  • Stir until smooth and pourable.
  • Let the cake cool completely.
  • Remove it from the pan.
  • Pour glaze over the top.
  • Let it drip down the sides.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake

  • Use room temperature ingredients always.
  • This helps everything mix better.
  • Don’t skip the lime zest. It adds amazing flavor.
  • Fresh key limes work best.
  • But regular limes work too.
  • Don’t overbake your cake.
  • Check it at 60 minutes.
  • The glaze makes it extra special.
  • Apply it while slightly warm.
  • Let the cake cool before slicing.
  • This prevents it from crumbling.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
  • The cake stays fresh for days.

FAQs about Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake

Q: Can I use regular limes instead?

A: Yes, regular limes work perfectly fine. The taste will be slightly different. Key limes are just a bit sweeter.

Q: How do I store this cake?

A: Keep it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 5 days. You can also refrigerate it longer.

Q: Can I freeze this pound cake?

A: Yes, this cake freezes very well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It lasts up to 3 months frozen.

Q: Why is my cake too dry?

A: You might have overbaked it slightly. Also check your flour measurements. Too much flour causes dryness.

Q: Can I skip the glaze?

A: The glaze adds wonderful sweetness and moisture. But you can skip it. The cake tastes great without it too.

Final Thoughts

This Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe is wonderful. It’s perfect for lime lovers everywhere. The cake is moist and flavorful.

It’s surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need fancy skills. Just follow the steps carefully. Your family will be so impressed. This cake works for any occasion.

Try it for birthdays or holidays. Or just enjoy it with tea. The fresh lime flavor is amazing. It brightens up your whole day.

I make this cake all year. It’s always a huge hit. Give this recipe a try today. You won’t regret making it. Happy baking, my friend!

More Amazing Recipes

Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

Are you ready to bake something amazing? This Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe is perfect for you.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 425 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Loaf pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Zester
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup fresh key lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons key lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons key lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Grease your loaf pan with butter.
  • Line it with parchment paper too.
  • This prevents the cake from sticking.
  • Take a medium bowl.
  • Add flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Whisk them together well.
  • Set this bowl aside for now.
  • Put softened butter in a large bowl.
  • Add the granulated sugar to it.
  • Beat them together until fluffy.
  • This takes about 3 minutes.
  • Crack one egg into the mixture.
  • Beat it in completely.
  • Repeat with the remaining three eggs.
  • Mix well after each addition.
  • Pour in the key lime juice.
  • Add the lime zest and vanilla.
  • Mix everything together until combined.
  • Add half of the flour mixture.
  • Mix it in gently. Add the sour cream next.
  • Then add the remaining flour.
  • Don’t overmix the batter.
  • Pour batter into your prepared pan.
  • Smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Bake for 60-70 minutes.
  • A toothpick should come out clean.
  • Mix powdered sugar and lime juice.
  • Add the lime zest too.
  • Stir until smooth and pourable.
  • Let the cake cool completely.
  • Remove it from the pan.
  • Pour glaze over the top.
  • Let it drip down the sides.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients always.
  • This helps everything mix better.
  • Don’t skip the lime zest. It adds amazing flavor.
  • Fresh key limes work best.
  • But regular limes work too.
  • Don’t overbake your cake.
  • Check it at 60 minutes.
  • The glaze makes it extra special.
  • Apply it while slightly warm.
  • Let the cake cool before slicing.
  • This prevents it from crumbling.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
  • The cake stays fresh for days.
Keyword Ina Garten Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe

Tasha Velez
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My name is Tasha Velez. I love food and traveling! I'm lucky to be married to the man of my dreams. We have a sweet little girl who makes everyone smile!