Bright, zesty, and oh-so-refreshing, this Key Lime Bundt Cake is the ultimate dessert to bring a burst of sunshine to your table. With its tender crumb, citrusy aroma, and a sweet-tart glaze that soaks into every golden curve, it’s a cake that tastes like a tropical getaway in every slice.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a treat that feels like summer all year long, this cake will never disappoint. Imagine serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of lime zest, and watching everyone go back for seconds.
Don’t just scroll by—tap and save this pin for the recipe so you’ll have it ready when the craving hits!
What makes this cake truly special is its balance: not too sweet, not too tart, just perfectly refreshing. It’s simple enough for a weeknight bake but elegant enough to impress guests at brunch, parties, or holiday gatherings.
The Bundt shape adds a touch of beauty without extra effort, making it as eye-catching as it is delicious. Bake it once, and it’s bound to become a go-to favorite whenever you want to bring a little citrus sunshine to your kitchen.
Key Lime Bundt Cake Recipe
Description
The Key Lime Bundt Cake is a refreshing, zesty dessert that perfectly balances tangy citrus with sweet, buttery richness.
Infused with fresh key lime juice and zest, this moist and tender cake bursts with tropical flavor in every bite. Its golden, ring-shaped form makes it both elegant and inviting, ideal for gatherings, afternoon tea, or summer celebrations.
A light glaze, often made with powdered sugar and key lime juice, adds an extra punch of citrusy sweetness while enhancing its moist texture.
This cake is a delightful way to enjoy bright, sunny flavors all year round.
Ingredients
For the Glaze:
Instructions
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Bundt cakes are gorgeous but notorious for sticking to the pan’s curves. Grease your bundt pan thoroughly with butter or baking spray, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Lightly dust with flour and tap out the excess. This step ensures your cake releases cleanly and beautifully after baking.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This step incorporates air, giving your cake a tender crumb.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the key lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract. The mixture may look slightly curdled when the juice hits the butter, but don’t worry—once the flour and sour cream are added, it will come together smoothly.
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With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix only until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
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Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. The batter should be thick but pourable.
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Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 50-minute mark.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the temptation to glaze while warm—otherwise, the glaze will melt off instead of forming a pretty drizzle.
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In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lime juice, and zest until smooth. You can adjust consistency by adding more sugar for thickness or more juice for a thinner drizzle.
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Drizzle glaze generously over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down the ridges. Garnish with extra zest, lime slices, or a dusting of coconut for a finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 430kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 40g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, this Key Lime Bundt Cake will be your new favorite. With its moist crumb, refreshing citrus punch, and irresistible glaze, it’s a show-stopper for spring and summer gatherings, yet simple enough for any day when you need a little pick-me-up.
The beauty of a bundt cake is that it looks stunning straight out of the pan, so you don’t need to fuss with complicated decorations. Let’s dive into making this delightful treat step by step.
Why Key Lime?
Key limes, smaller and more aromatic than regular Persian limes, bring a uniquely zesty flavor that makes desserts shine. Their tartness contrasts beautifully with sugar, creating that sweet-sour harmony people love in pies, cheesecakes, and now cakes. If you can’t find fresh key limes, bottled key lime juice (widely available) works perfectly. Regular limes can also be substituted, though the flavor will be a little mellower.
Mastering the Key Lime Bundt Cake: Tips and Serving Tricks
A Key Lime Bundt Cake is a bright, zesty dessert that combines citrus tang with tender cake, perfect for spring, summer, or any occasion that calls for something refreshing.
Bundt cakes are already known for their beautiful shapes, but when infused with key lime flavor, they become an eye-catching centerpiece. To ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and impressive, here are some baking tips and creative serving tricks you can use.
Baking Tips for Success
1. Use Fresh Key Lime Juice and Zest
Bottled lime juice might seem convenient, but nothing beats the fresh, tart punch of real key limes. If you can’t find key limes, regular limes work well, but add a touch more zest to mimic the unique tang. Always zest before juicing—it’s easier and avoids waste.
2. Prepare the Pan Thoroughly
Bundt cakes are notorious for sticking due to their detailed designs. Grease your pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, and then dust with flour or fine sugar. Make sure every nook is coated. For chocolate or darker cakes, cocoa powder works better than flour, but for a Key Lime Cake, a thin dusting of flour maintains its bright look.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once the dry ingredients meet the wet, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing activates gluten and makes the cake dense instead of tender. A light hand keeps your Bundt airy and moist.
4. Add Sour Cream or Yogurt
To prevent dryness, include sour cream or Greek yogurt in your batter. These ingredients lock in moisture and balance the sharp lime flavor with creaminess.
5. Bake Low and Slow
Bundt cakes need more time than traditional round cakes. Bake at 325–350°F (160–175°C) to allow even cooking without burning the edges. Insert a skewer or cake tester deep into the cake—when it comes out clean, it’s ready.
6. Cool with Patience
Bundt cakes are delicate when hot. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack. Too early, and it may fall apart; too late, and it may stick.
7. Glaze While Warm
For extra flavor, brush lime glaze over the cake while it’s slightly warm. The glaze soaks in, intensifying the citrusy punch. Later, drizzle a thicker icing for a decorative finish.
Serving Tricks to Impress
1. Add a Citrus Glaze
A simple glaze of powdered sugar, key lime juice, and zest enhances the cake’s brightness. For extra flair, let the glaze cascade naturally down the Bundt ridges. A two-layer approach works beautifully: one thin soak-in glaze for flavor, followed by a thicker drizzle for looks.
2. Garnish with Style
Presentation matters. Decorate the top with thin lime slices, curls of zest, or candied lime peel. Edible flowers like pansies or orchids pair well with the tropical theme, making your cake look bakery-worthy.
3. Pair with Whipped Cream
Serve each slice with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For extra dimension, fold in a spoonful of coconut cream or vanilla bean paste—this softens the lime’s tang and creates a tropical flair.
4. Serve with Fresh Fruit
A side of berries, especially raspberries or blueberries, complements the citrus flavor. Their natural sweetness balances the tart lime, while the vibrant colors make the plate more appealing.
5. Try Mini Bundts for Parties
Instead of one large Bundt, bake the batter in mini Bundt pans or muffin tins. These personal-sized cakes make serving easier at gatherings and eliminate the need for slicing. Guests love the individual portions, and they look adorable when glazed.
6. Layer with Cream
For a more indulgent dessert, cut the Bundt cake horizontally into two or three layers. Spread a lime cream cheese frosting or coconut mousse between layers before reassembling. This creates a show-stopping centerpiece for holidays or birthdays.
7. Chill for a Refreshing Twist
Key Lime Bundt Cake tastes even better when slightly chilled. Refrigerate it for an hour before serving, and the flavors will be sharper and more refreshing—perfect for summer parties.
8. Pair with Drinks
For adults, serve alongside a chilled glass of Prosecco or a margarita for a tropical pairing. For non-alcoholic options, iced tea or sparkling water with lime slices complements the cake without overpowering it.
Serving Ideas
This Key Lime Bundt Cake shines on its own, but you can elevate it further:
- Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream.
- Pair with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent summer dessert.
- For a tropical twist, sprinkle toasted coconut on top.
Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for about 5 days, though it may dry slightly.
- Freezer: Wrap unglazed slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.
Baking Tips for Success
- Use fresh zest – It’s the key to that fragrant lime punch. Bottled juice is fine, but never skip zest.
- Room temperature ingredients – They blend better, creating a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix – Overmixing toughens cake. Stop as soon as flour disappears.
- Check doneness carefully – Overbaking can dry out the cake. A few moist crumbs on the toothpick is perfect.
- Grease pan well – Bundt pans are tricky; thorough greasing is your best insurance policy.
Why This Cake Works
This recipe combines butter for richness, sugar for sweetness, sour cream for moisture, and key lime juice for tang. The bundt pan gives it a beautiful shape while ensuring even baking. The glaze brings the flavor home, intensifying the lime essence with every bite. Together, these elements create a cake that is bright, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
A Key Lime Bundt Cake is the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity. It delivers bakery-worthy results without complicated steps, making it ideal for home bakers of all levels. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or just craving citrus sunshine, this cake fits the bill. Its tender crumb, refreshing lime notes, and pretty glaze guarantee it will be the star of your dessert table.
Bake this once, and you’ll find it becoming a signature recipe in your kitchen. Bright, tangy, and utterly delightful—this cake is like a slice of tropical paradise in every bite.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Key Lime Bundt Cake different from a regular lime cake?
A Key Lime Bundt Cake is made using key limes, which are smaller and more aromatic than regular Persian limes. They give the cake a signature tart yet slightly floral flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the bundt cake. The bundt pan also provides a lovely golden crust and an elegant shape that makes the cake perfect for serving at gatherings.
Can I substitute regular limes if I can’t find key limes?
Yes, you can use regular Persian limes if key limes are unavailable. While the flavor won’t be exactly the same, the cake will still have a delicious citrus brightness. To mimic key lime flavor more closely, mix equal parts lemon and lime juice as a substitute. Always use fresh juice and zest for the best results.
How should I store Key Lime Bundt Cake, and how long does it last?
Once cooled, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. If refrigerated or frozen, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving to maintain its moist, tender crumb.
What’s the best way to serve Key Lime Bundt Cake?
This cake is delicious on its own but can be elevated with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and key lime juice. For a more indulgent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. It makes a refreshing dessert after a heavy meal and is especially popular in spring and summer.
