Get ready to pucker up and indulge in the sweet and tangy world of key lime cakes! The classic combination of tart citrus flavor and rich sweetness has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. Whether you’re a fan of classic pound cakes or creative twists like coconut and cheesecake, there’s a key lime cake recipe out there for everyone.
From moist and fluffy bundt cakes to decadent cheesecakes and creamy mousse, we’ve rounded up 18 mouthwatering key lime cake recipes that will satisfy your cravings. And the best part? They’re all easy to make and perfect for any occasion – from birthdays and anniversaries to potlucks and holiday gatherings.
So go ahead, take a bite out of these zesty key lime cakes and experience the tangy delight for yourself!
Classic Key Lime Pound Cake
This moist and tangy pound cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion. With its bright citrus flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups (210g) 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 (280g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt, to taste
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 bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Stir in key lime zest and juice.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Key Lime Coconut Cake
This Key Lime Coconut Cake combines the brightness of key lime zest and juice with the creamy richness of coconut, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 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 (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, coconut, and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, key lime zest, juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Key Lime Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust
A classic dessert gets a tangy twist! This Key Lime Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust is the perfect combination of sweet and tart.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
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 a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth; add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
4. Gradually add granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and key lime juice; beat until smooth.
5. Pour cheesecake batter over crust.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Key Lime Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
This moist and flavorful bundt cake is infused with the brightness of key lime juice, perfectly balanced by a tangy cream cheese glaze. A perfect dessert for any occasion.
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
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add key lime juice and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
Cream Cheese Glaze:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons key lime juice
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Key Lime Angel Food Cake
A refreshing twist on traditional angel food cake, this Key Lime version combines the light and airy texture of sponge cake with the tangy sweetness of key lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour, sifted
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup (120ml) key lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sift flour into a mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar and egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. Add key lime juice, cream of tartar, and salt to the egg mixture; whisk until combined.
4. Gently fold the egg mixture into the sifted flour until no streaks remain.
5. Pour batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan or a 9-inch (23cm) tube pan.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until top is golden brown and cake springs back when touched.
7. Remove from oven; let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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 or anytime you need a little sunshine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups (250g) confectioners’ sugar
– 4 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup (120ml) key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (120g) heavy cream, whipped
– 1 cup (120g) yellow cake mix
– Fresh key lime zest, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the cake according to package instructions. Let cool completely.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg yolks, key lime juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
5. Poke holes in cooled cake using a skewer or fork. Pour the key lime mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb.
6. Top with whipped cream. Garnish with fresh key lime zest.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Key Lime Cupcakes with Whipped Frosting
Brighten up your day with these tangy and sweet Key Lime Cupcakes, topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for a springtime celebration or just because.
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
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). 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.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Whipped Frosting:
1. In a medium bowl, beat heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form.
2. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 hours.
Key Lime Layer Cake with White Chocolate Ganache
This refreshing Key Lime Layer Cake is the perfect dessert for warm weather, featuring bright and citrusy flavors balanced by a rich white chocolate ganache.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons grated lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed Key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the ganache:
– 8 ounces white chocolate chips
– 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Add butter, lime zest, and juice; mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among 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 assembling with white chocolate ganache (melted white chocolate and heavy cream mixed).
Cooking Time: approximately 45-50 minutes
Key Lime Yogurt Cake
This refreshing cake combines the brightness of key lime with the tanginess of yogurt, creating a perfect dessert for warm weather. Moist and flavorful, this cake is sure to please.
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
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, yogurt, eggs, key lime juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Key Lime Chiffon Cake with Citrus Glaze
This refreshing dessert combines the brightness of key lime zest with the lightness of a chiffon cake, topped with a tangy citrus glaze. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) key lime juice
– 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp grated key lime zest
– Citrus glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) tube pan or Bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together key lime juice, egg whites, and oil.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients; stir until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan; bake for 45-50 minutes or until cake is golden brown and springs back when touched.
6. Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Citrus Glaze:
– 1 cup (200g) powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 tsp grated key lime zest
Whisk together until smooth; drizzle over cooled cake.
Key Lime Mousse Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this refreshing and light-as-air Key Lime Mousse Cake. A perfect blend of tangy lime and sweet mascarpone, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup key lime juice
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 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 egg whites until smooth. Add softened butter and whisk until combined.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
5. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and mascarpone cheese until stiff peaks form. Fold in key lime juice and vanilla extract.
6. Assemble the mousse by spreading it over cooled cake. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Key Lime Drizzle Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Key Lime Drizzle Cake, perfect for springtime gatherings or a sweet treat any time of the year. This moist and flavorful cake is topped with a tangy key lime drizzle that will leave you wanting more.
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 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine butter, eggs, key lime juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before topping with Key Lime Drizzle (see below).
Key Lime Drizzle:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
Mix powdered sugar and key lime juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes per cake
Key Lime Icebox Cake
A refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather, this Key Lime Icebox Cake combines the brightness of key lime juice with the simplicity of a no-bake cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup key lime juice
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in softened butter until the mixture is evenly moistened.
2. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and key lime juice until well combined.
4. Fold in heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Pour the filling over the crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Release the springform pan sides and slice to serve.
Cooking Time: None (no-bake)
Key Lime Ricotta Cake
This moist and creamy Key Lime Ricotta Cake is a perfect dessert for warm weather. With the brightness of key lime juice and the richness of ricotta cheese, this cake is sure to impress your guests.
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 key lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Unsalted butter, softened (for greasing the pan)
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, ricotta cheese, and key lime juice until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Key Lime Olive Oil Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the brightness of key lime with the richness of olive oil, creating a perfect dessert 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
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
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, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, olive oil, eggs, key lime juice, and lime zest.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Key Lime Sponge Cake with Raspberry Filling
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Key Lime Sponge Cake filled with sweet and tangy raspberry goodness!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed key lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• Raspberry filling (store-bought or homemade)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Add key lime juice, melted butter, and dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cake to cool completely before filling with raspberry filling and dusting with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Key Lime Cream Cheese Pound Cake
A refreshing twist on the classic pound cake, this Key Lime Cream Cheese version is perfect for springtime gatherings or anytime you need a burst of citrus flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated Key lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed Key lime juice
– 2 3/4 cups (320g) all-purpose flour
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until smooth.
3. Gradually add sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by Key lime zest and juice.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan; smooth top.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Key Lime Tres Leches Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is soaked in a mixture of three types of milk (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream), resulting in a rich and creamy dessert. The addition of key lime juice gives the cake a tangy and citrusy twist.
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
– 3 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons key lime juice
– 1 cup evaporated milk
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
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. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
4. Beat in eggs and key lime juice.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before pouring the tres leches mixture (evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream) evenly over the top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the tangy and sweet world of key lime cakes! This article features 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of this citrusy classic. From classic pound cake to innovative desserts like cheesecake, bundt cake, and mousse, these recipes offer a range of flavors and textures to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert or a simple treat to brighten up your day, these zesty key lime cakes are sure to impress.