When it comes to desserts, few flavors evoke as much excitement and joy as key lime. The tart and tangy taste of this citrus superstar is a perfect match for sweet treats like cakes, cookies, and pies. In this article, we’ll dive into 18 zesty key lime cake recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. From classic pound cake to creative twists like coconut layer cakes and coffee cakes, these mouthwatering desserts are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out in the world of culinary delights, our collection of key lime cake recipes has something for everyone. So go ahead, get baking, and let the zesty goodness of key lime take center stage!
Classic Key Lime Pound Cake
Classic Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe
A moist and flavorful pound cake infused with the bright citrus flavor of key lime, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated key lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by key lime zest and juice.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Creamy Key Lime Cheesecake
Experience the bright flavors of the Caribbean with this creamy and tangy cheesecake, infused with the zesty charm of key lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup key lime juice
– 1 cup sour cream
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare crust: Mix crumbs and sugar; add melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth; add granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and key lime juice. Mix well.
4. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared crust.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
6. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 10 minutes
Key Lime Coconut Layer Cake
This show-stopping cake combines the brightness of key lime with the creaminess of coconut, layered with a moist and fluffy sponge. Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup key lime juice
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, cooled
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 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 egg whites, coconut, key lime juice, and melted butter.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Key Lime Bundt Cake with Glaze
Brighten up your dessert table with this tangy and sweet Key Lime Bundt Cake, topped with a zesty glaze.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 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
– 1 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons key lime juice
– 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch bundt pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, key lime juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely before glazing.
Glaze:
1. Whisk together powdered sugar, key lime juice, and water until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled cake and serve.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Key Lime Angel Food Cake
This refreshing dessert combines the sweetness of angel food cake with the tanginess of key lime, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour, sifted
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) key lime juice, freshly squeezed
– 1/4 cup (30g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sift flour and sugar together into a large mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until frothy, then add cream of tartar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold whipped eggs into the flour mixture until no streaks remain.
4. Add key lime juice, butter, and vanilla extract; fold until combined.
5. Pour batter into an ungreased angel food cake 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 Poke Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Key Lime Poke Cake, featuring a moist and tangy sponge cake infused with the citrusy flavor of key lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 teaspoons grated lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks until lightened. Add melted butter, lime zest, and key lime juice; whisk until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; whisk until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Tips:
– Don’t overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb.
– If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Key Lime Yogurt Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is a perfect blend of tangy key lime and creamy yogurt, topped with a sweet and crunchy streusel topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
– Streusel topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, eggs, key lime juice, and lime zest.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Streusel Topping:
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Mix dry ingredients and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over cooled cakes.
Key Lime Chiffon Cake
A light and airy chiffon cake infused with the tangy sweetness of key lime, perfect for a springtime treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 teaspoons grated key lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) tube pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks until thickened. Add sugar and beat until combined.
4. Beat in melted butter, key lime zest, and juice.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg yolk mixture, beating until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Key Lime Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
These moist and tangy Key Lime Cupcakes are the perfect pick-me-up, topped with a rich and creamy Cream Cheese Frosting. With just the right balance of sweet and tart, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite.
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 freshly squeezed Key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
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. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. Beat 8 ounces cream cheese and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
3. Spread or pipe onto cooled cupcakes.
Key Lime Icebox Cake
A classic dessert that’s as refreshing as it is delicious, this Key Lime Icebox Cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 16 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp grated lime zest
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed key lime juice
• Whipped cream and lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crumbs and sugar; add butter until well combined.
3. Press mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together condensed milk, egg yolks, lime zest, and key lime juice.
6. Pour the milk mixture over the baked crust.
7. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 4-5 hours (including refrigeration time)
Key Lime Mousse Cake
A refreshing twist on classic mousse cake, this Key Lime variation combines the tanginess of key lime juice with the lightness of whipped cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
– 3 large egg whites
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix crumbs and sugar. Add melted butter; stir until combined.
3. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
4. In a large bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
5. In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold in key lime juice and vanilla extract.
6. Gently fold whipped cream mixture into egg whites until no white streaks remain.
7. Pour mousse over crust; smooth top.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Key Lime Dump Cake
A moist and tangy dessert that’s perfect for warm weather, this Key Lime Dump Cake is a twist on the classic dump cake recipe. With a burst of citrus flavor from the key lime juice and zest, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15.25 oz) package yellow cake mix
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup key lime juice
– 1 tsp grated key lime zest
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and key lime juice. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with key lime zest.
4. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the batter.
5. Top with chopped pecans if using.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Key Lime Ricotta Cake
A refreshing twist on traditional cake, this Key Lime Ricotta Cake combines the tanginess of key lime juice with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
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, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks, butter, milk, key lime juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in ricotta cheese until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Key Lime Olive Oil Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the brightness of key lime with the richness of olive oil, perfect for a springtime treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated key lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
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 just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Key Lime Marble Cake
A moist and flavorful cake with a burst of citrusy goodness, this Key Lime Marble Cake is perfect for any occasion.
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 freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 cup whole milk
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
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 milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between two bowls. Stir in key lime juice into one bowl.
6. Pour batter into prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Key Lime Sponge Cake
This refreshing dessert combines the brightness of key lime with the lightness of a sponge cake, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 tablespoons key lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Unsalted butter, melted, for greasing the pan
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add milk, key lime juice, and salt; continue whipping until combined.
4. Gently fold in flour mixture until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 1 inch (2.5cm) from the edge comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven, let cool, then dust with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Key Lime Coffee Cake
Brighten up your morning with this tangy and sweet Key Lime Coffee Cake! This moist and flavorful cake combines the brightness of key lime juice with the richness of coffee, making it perfect for a weekend brunch or breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup key lime juice
– 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, egg, key lime juice, and coffee.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Key Lime Tres Leches Cake
Brighten up your dessert game with this refreshing twist on the classic tres leches cake, infused with the tangy goodness of key lime.
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
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 cup heavy cream
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, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, milk, and key lime juice.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish; smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven; let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to pucker up with these 18 zesty key lime cake recipes! From classic pound cakes to creative twists like coconut layer cakes and coffee cakes, there’s something for every sweet tooth. With flavors ranging from tangy to creamy, these desserts are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a fan of cheesecakes, trifles, or dump cakes, this collection has it all. So go ahead, indulge in the brightness of key lime and make your taste buds do the happy dance!