Description
A buttery, citrus-packed Easy Key Lime Cake that’s ultra-moist and topped with a bright lime glaze. Made with fresh key lime juice and zest, it’s the perfect dessert for spring, summer, or any time you crave a tangy-sweet treat. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups cake flour, sifted
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup fresh key lime juice
2 teaspoons lime zest, finely grated
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Optional: extra lime zest for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in lime zest.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with key lime juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to the fridge for 20 minutes.
Whisk powdered sugar and lime juice until smooth. Drizzle over the chilled cake.
Optional: Sprinkle with extra zest for garnish. Slice and serve!
Notes
For best results, use fresh key lime juice rather than bottled.
Do not overmix the batter after adding flour—this keeps the cake light and tender.
Refrigerating the cake before glazing helps the icing set perfectly.
To make dairy-free, use plant-based butter and dairy-free yogurt for added moisture.
You can bake this as cupcakes—just adjust the baking time to 18–20 minutes.
Keywords: Easy Key Lime Cake Recipe, citrus cake, lime dessert, summer cake, quick cake, family-friendly dessert, one-bowl baking, key lime dessert, fresh lime cake, zesty cake