If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that balances bright citrus with a sweet, fruity finish, the Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake brilliantly combines the tangy, refreshing zest of key lime with a luscious raspberry glaze that adds a burst of color and flavor. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer gatherings or any time you want a dessert that feels both special and surprisingly simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect cake texture and flavor harmony. From the moist and tender crumb of the yellow cake mix to the zesty lime juice and vibrant raspberries, every component is carefully chosen to create this irresistible dessert.
- Yellow cake mix: A convenient base that keeps the cake soft and fluffy while providing a subtle vanilla backdrop.
- Lime juice (1/2 cup): Adds the iconic tang that defines the key lime flavor and brightens the whole cake.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Eggs (3): Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake batter.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a subtle tang that complements the lime perfectly.
- Raspberries (1/4 cup): Fresh raspberries provide a natural sweetness and tartness for the glaze.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the raspberry glaze while giving it a smooth, glossy finish.
How to Make Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly so your cake releases easily once baked. This little step makes all the difference when it’s time to serve your masterpiece.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, lime juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, uniform batter. This part is fun because you get to see all the ingredients blending into one tantalizing mixture that promises so much flavor and texture.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour your vibrant batter into the prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell while it’s baking will have everyone curious, and soon enough, you’ll have a golden, fragrant cake ready to be transformed.
Step 4: Make the Raspberry Glaze
While the cake is baking, it’s the perfect time to whip up the raspberry glaze. Blend the fresh raspberries with powdered sugar until smooth and glossy. This glaze is sweet, tart, and bursting with raspberry goodness—just the partner this lime cake needs.
Step 5: Cool and Glaze
Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the raspberry glaze generously over the top. Watch it drip down the sides, making the cake look as stunning as it tastes. This is where the Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe really shines, combining vibrant hues and fresh flavors in every bite.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your cake and dig in! The moist, citrusy cake paired with the tangy-sweet raspberry glaze creates a delightful flavor explosion. It’s simple, delicious, and such a treat for anyone lucky enough to have a slice.
How to Serve Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe by garnishing it with a few fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of finely grated lime zest on top. A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the tart glaze.
Side Dishes
This cake stands perfectly on its own but can be accompanied by a light fruit salad or fresh berries to complement the tangy citrus and raspberry notes. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes a heavenly, creamy side that cools the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the cake on a bright-colored plate to highlight the raspberry glaze. You might also consider layering the cake with whipped cream and extra raspberries for a berry trifle effect, turning this simple cake into a party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once iced, store the Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake, either whole or sliced. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
Enjoy your leftovers at room temperature or gently warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a slightly warmer treat. The glaze will retain its delicious tang and sweetness either way.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries for the glaze?
Yes, frozen raspberries can be used if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw them first and strain the mixture to remove excess liquid for a smoother glaze.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe calls for a boxed yellow cake mix, which is typically not gluten-free. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I substitute key lime juice with regular lime juice?
Regular lime juice works just fine, though key lime juice has a slightly sweeter and more floral flavor. Your Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe will still turn out delicious either way.
How tangy is the cake itself?
The cake has a nice, balanced tang from the lime juice, complemented by the richness of sour cream and sweetness of the cake mix, creating a delightful and approachable flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, you would need to find a suitable vegan cake mix and substitute eggs and sour cream with appropriate plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and vegan sour cream.
Final Thoughts
The Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake Recipe is such a fantastic way to brighten up your dessert game with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s wonderfully moist, refreshingly tangy, and visually stunning with that vibrant raspberry glaze. Trust me, once you try it, this cake will become a beloved favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.
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
This Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake is a delightful, tangy twist on a classic yellow cake, infused with fresh key lime juice and topped with a sweet, vibrant raspberry glaze. Perfectly moist and bursting with fresh citrus and berry flavors, this dessert is ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/4 cup 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 to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, fresh lime juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. Stir thoroughly until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased cake pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Make Raspberry Glaze: While the cake bakes, blend the fresh raspberries with powdered sugar in a blender or food processor until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Cool and Glaze: After removing the cake from the oven, allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, pour the homemade raspberry glaze evenly over the top, letting it cascade gently down the sides for a beautiful finish.
- Serve: Slice the cake into servings and enjoy the perfect balance of tart lime and sweet raspberry flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for the best authentic key lime flavor.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting and running off.
- The glaze can be strained if you prefer a smoother texture without seeds.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute raspberries with strawberries or blueberries for a different fruit glaze.
