Get ready to indulge in a world of citrusy sweetness with these 18 mouthwatering key lime cake recipes! The tartness of key lime juice perfectly balances the richness of creamy butter and sugar, resulting in a unique flavor profile that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. From classic pound cakes to creative combinations with coconut, cheesecake, and more, we’ve got you covered with this collection of zesty treats.
Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for a special occasion or just a simple dessert to brighten up a weeknight dinner, these key lime cake recipes are sure to hit the spot. So go ahead, get creative, and let the tartness of key lime take center stage in your next baking adventure!
Classic Key Lime Pound Cake
A tangy and sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion, this classic key lime pound cake is a refreshing twist on the traditional dessert. With its moist texture and burst of citrus flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated key lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in key lime zest, juice, and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Key Lime Coconut Cake
This Key Lime Coconut Cake is a refreshing twist on traditional dessert, featuring the bright citrus flavor of key lime and the creamy richness of coconut. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a taste of sunshine.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated key lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and coconut.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, key lime zest, juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Key Lime Cheesecake Cake
A refreshing twist on traditional cheesecakes, this Key Lime Cheesecake Cake combines the brightness of citrus with a creamy texture and a crumbly crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed Key lime juice
– 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until well combined. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in lime zest and juice.
5. Pour batter over crust.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Key Lime Bundt Cake with Glaze
This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the brightness of key lime juice and topped with a tangy glaze, perfect for springtime celebrations or warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup bundt pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with key lime juice and vanilla extract, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons key lime juice, and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter until smooth.
9. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and serve.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Key Lime Angel Food Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this refreshing Key Lime Angel Food Cake, perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet and tangy treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large egg whites
– 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) Key lime juice
– 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar
– Whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sift flour and sugar into a large bowl.
2. Add softened butter, egg whites, and cream of tartar. Beat on high until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold in Key lime juice and confectioners’ sugar.
4. Pour batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until top is golden brown and cake springs back when touched.
6. Let cool completely before serving. Garnish with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Key Lime Poke Cake
This refreshing dessert combines the brightness of key lime with the moistness of a poke cake, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup key lime juice
– 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, egg yolks, melted butter, baking powder, and salt.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
5. Remove from oven and immediately poke holes all over the cake with a skewer or fork.
6. Drizzle key lime juice evenly over the cake, allowing it to absorb into the holes.
7. Top with whipped heavy cream and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Key Lime Cream Cheese Cake
This moist and creamy cake combines the brightness of key lime with the richness of cream cheese, perfect for a refreshing dessert or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Beat in key lime juice and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Key Lime Yogurt Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Key Lime Yogurt Cake, featuring a moist and flavorful sponge cake infused with the zesty charm of key lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup (120ml) plain whole-milk yogurt
– 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, eggs, yogurt, key lime juice, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour in melted butter and whisk until fully incorporated.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Key Lime Mascarpone Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the bright, citrusy flavor of key lime and the rich creaminess of mascarpone cheese. Perfect for a special occasion or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup (120ml) key lime juice
– 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 8 ounces (225g) mascarpone cheese, softened
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, key lime juice, and oil.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Key Lime Olive Oil Cake
This refreshing cake combines the brightness of key lime with the richness of olive oil, perfect for a warm weather dessert or snack. With its moist texture and subtle citrus flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated key lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, eggs, key lime zest, and juice.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Key Lime Chiffon Cake
This classic dessert combines the brightness of key lime with the light-as-air texture of chiffon cake, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar and flour.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks, butter, key lime juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined.
5. Beat mixture with an electric mixer on high speed for 2 minutes.
6. Pour batter into an ungreased 9-inch (23cm) tube pan or angel food cake pan.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Key Lime Layer Cake with Whipped Frosting
Experience the tangy sweetness of Key lime and the lightness of whipped cream in this delightful layer cake. Perfect for springtime celebrations or everyday treats, this recipe yields a moist and flavorful dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed Key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the whipped frosting:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, whisk together wet ingredients until smooth.
3. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture; whisk until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling and frosting with whipped cream.
Cooking Time: approximately 1 hour
Key Lime Cupcakes with Lime Curd Filling
These moist and tangy cupcakes are filled with a sweet and zesty lime curd, making them the perfect treat for warm weather or any time you need a taste of sunshine.
Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the lime curd filling:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter, eggs, key lime juice, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
3. Divide batter evenly among liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. To make the filling, combine sugar, key lime juice, melted butter, egg yolks, and grated lime zest in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
5. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before filling with lime curd.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes per batch
Key Lime Drizzle Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and tangy Key Lime Drizzle Cake, featuring a burst of citrus flavor and a sweet drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with key lime juice, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before drizzling with Key Lime Glaze (recipe not included).
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Key Lime Ricotta Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and tangy Key Lime Ricotta Cake, infused with the brightness of citrus and the creaminess of ricotta.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed Key lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. Add ricotta cheese, Key lime juice, and melted butter; whisk until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; whisk until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Key Lime Almond Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Key Lime Almond Cake, infused with the citrusy zing of key lime juice and the nutty flavor of almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/4 cup (30g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons grated lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup (60g) sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Add butter and mix until smooth.
4. Add lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla extract; mix well.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in sliced almonds.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Key Lime Sour Cream Cake
This refreshing dessert combines the brightness of key lime with the richness of sour cream, resulting in a moist and flavorful cake perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add sour cream and beat until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by key lime juice and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Key Lime Icebox Cake
This classic Key Lime Icebox Cake is a simple yet impressive dessert that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings. With its tangy key lime flavor, creamy whipped cream, and crunchy graham cracker crust, it’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until well combined.
3. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and key lime juice until smooth.
5. Pour filling over crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Top with whipped cream and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: None (icebox cake)
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the tangy and sweet world of key lime cakes! This article brings you 18 mouth-watering recipes that combine the brightness of citrus with the richness of creamy textures. From classic pound cake to innovative combinations like coconut and cheesecake, each recipe showcases the versatility of key limes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these zesty treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead, grab a fork, and dive into the world of key lime cakes!
