If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that effortlessly blends tart, sweet, and vibrant flavors, the Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful cake combines the zesty brightness of key lime with a luscious raspberry glaze that complements every bite with a burst of fruity freshness. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet elegant enough to impress guests, making it a top favorite whenever I crave something both refreshing and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this cake are wonderfully straightforward but come together magically to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the moist crumb of the yellow cake mix, the tangy punch of fresh lime juice, or the natural sweetness of raspberries in the glaze.
- Yellow cake mix: Acts as the perfect fluffy base that soaks up the lime and sour cream beautifully.
- Lime juice (1/2 cup): Packs a tart, citrusy zip that brightens the entire cake.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
- Eggs (3): Bind everything together smoothly, adding structure and richness.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds subtle tanginess and helps achieve a velvety crumb.
- Raspberries (1/4 cup): Fresh raspberries provide vibrant color and natural sweetness to the glaze.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the glaze gently while ensuring a silky texture.
How to Make Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly to make sure your cake releases easily after baking. This simple step sets up the foundation for effortless success and a gorgeous finished product.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, lime juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream until you have a smooth, uniform batter. The lime juice and sour cream will bring a zest and moist texture that transforms a classic cake mix into something extraordinary.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your greased pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it and test the cake’s doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when ready. This step ensures your cake is perfectly baked: tender, moist, and fragrant.
Step 4: Prepare the Raspberry Glaze in the Making Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe
While the cake is baking, take a few minutes to blend the raspberries and powdered sugar until silky smooth. This fresh glaze will provide a gorgeous, jewel-like topping that’s both sweet and fruity, balancing the tart lime notes beautifully.
Step 5: Cool and Glaze
Once your cake has cooled completely, generously pour the raspberry glaze over the top. Let it cascade down the sides naturally, creating an artistic drippy effect that is as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice into this beauty and savor the wonderful harmony of tangy lime and sweet raspberries in each bite. Whether for a casual dessert or a special occasion, this cake brings smiles every single time.
How to Serve Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like a handful of whole raspberries, lime zest, or even a sprig of mint can elevate the look and flavor of your cake. These add fresh accents that brighten the presentation and heighten that summery vibe.
Side Dishes
Serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for indulgent contrast. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fruity sparkling water can also be the perfect companions to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering thin slices of the cake with raspberry glaze in between for mini tea cakes or use the glaze to fashion pretty patterns on the platter. You could also turn it into cupcakes by halving baking times and glazing individually for single servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. This helps maintain its moist texture and keeps the glaze from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save the cake for longer, you can freeze it after it has fully cooled and glazed. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
For the best taste, it’s ideal to enjoy this cake at room temperature. If desired, warm individual slices slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh the soft texture without melting the glaze.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries for the glaze?
Yes, frozen raspberries work well; just thaw and drain any excess liquid before blending with powdered sugar to keep the glaze thick and flavorful.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in this recipe?
Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that enhances the cake’s texture and flavor; you could substitute with Greek yogurt if needed, but it’s best not to omit it entirely.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix instead of regular, making sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well for a safe, delicious alternative.
How tart is the cake from the lime juice?
The lime juice provides a bright, refreshing tartness balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the cake and raspberry glaze, so it’s pleasantly tangy without being overpowering.
Can I prepare the raspberry glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the glaze a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Stir well before pouring it over a cooled cake to ensure a smooth finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magic about the Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe that makes it irresistible—bright, sweet, and incredibly moist in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself on a sunny afternoon, this cake promises to bring joy and compliments to your table. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to desserts!
Print
Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake combines the tangy zest of key lime with the sweet and fresh flavor of raspberries. This easy-to-make cake uses a simple yellow cake mix enhanced with lime juice and sour cream for moisture, baked to perfection, and topped with a smooth raspberry glaze for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, lime juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the greased cake pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Make Raspberry Glaze: While the cake bakes, blend the fresh raspberries with powdered sugar until smooth to create a vibrant, sweet glaze.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack, then pour the raspberry glaze over the top, letting it drip enticingly down the sides of the cake.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 8 servings and enjoy the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Notes
- For a more intense lime flavor, use fresh key lime juice if available.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- You can substitute fresh raspberries with frozen, just thaw and drain excess moisture before blending.
- To make the glaze thicker, reduce the amount of lime juice or increase powdered sugar slightly.
