Bake This Easy Key Lime Cake – Sweet, Tangy & Delicious!
Introduction
If you’re seeking a dessert that combines bright citrus notes with irresistible sweetness, this Easy Key Lime Cake is the answer. Its ultra-moist crumb, uplifting lime flavor, and dreamy frosting make it a crowd-pleasing centerpiece at any event or family dinner. From its vibrant color to standout taste, this cake balances sweet and tangy for a memorable treat that’s both simple to prepare and delightfully refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Cake
What sets this cake apart is its perfect blend of simplicity and bold flavor. With a few pantry staples and fresh key lime juice, you’ll create a luscious dessert that strikes the right note between tart and sweet. Every bite is infused with zingy citrus, making this an ideal baked treat for spring gatherings, summer parties, or anytime you crave something unique yet easy to make.
The Secret to Tangy, Moist Key Lime Cake
Achieving the signature taste of key lime cake is about balance—using both key lime juice and zest elevates the flavor. The addition of buttermilk keeps the cake moist and tender, while a quick key lime glaze ensures every forkful has a punch of citrusy brightness. Finish with a creamy whipped frosting, and you have a sweet-tart masterpiece.
How to Decorate and Serve
After baking, glaze the cake with a simple key lime drizzle, then lavish on a tangy cream cheese or whipped frosting. For a festive look, top with extra lime zest and thin lime slices. This cake shines as a dessert centerpiece but is equally at home at a picnic or potluck—just slice, serve, and enjoy rave reviews!
Nutritional Information & Serving Size
This recipe makes one 9×13-inch cake, yielding 12 generous servings. Each serving contains approximately 280–320 calories, depending on frosting choice. Key lime cake is an indulgence best savored in moderation!
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, buttermilk, oil, eggs, key lime juice, lime zest, and instant pudding mix. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended and smooth, about 2–3 minutes.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar and key lime juice to make the glaze.
- Once out of the oven, use a skewer or fork to poke holes over the warm cake. Pour glaze evenly over the cake and let it soak in as the cake cools completely.
- If using, prepare the optional cream cheese frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, key lime juice, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled cake. Garnish with lime zest and thin lime slices just before serving.
Weekly Meal Planning
This easy key lime cake is ideal for weekly meal prep or planning a festive menu. Save and schedule this recipe to plan ahead and generate smart shopping lists that consolidate all your needed ingredients.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically tallies ingredient amounts across all planned recipes
- Organizes shopping lists by grocery store section
- Eliminates duplicate buys and ensures no ingredients are forgotten
- Makes prepping desserts and meals for the week seamless and efficient
Pro tip: When planning a full week, schedule your recipes to see where ingredients overlap! For example, both this cake and another planned meal might use eggs or cream cheese—the smart list will total exactly what you need, reducing waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (includes cooling, extra time if frosting)
Enjoy the sweet-tart burst of key lime in this easy cake—the ultimate treat for any citrus lover!
