Introduction
Raspberry Glazed Lime Cake is a refreshing and zesty dessert that perfectly combines the tartness of key lime with the sweet, fruity flavor of raspberry glaze. This moist and tender cake is bursting with citrusy goodness, while the vibrant raspberry glaze adds a beautiful color and a delicious finish. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this cake is a show-stopping treat that tastes just as amazing as it looks.
The first time I baked this cake was for a family brunch, and it quickly became the highlight of the meal. The combination of the tangy lime and the sweet raspberry glaze created a perfect harmony of flavors, and everyone kept coming back for seconds. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a visually stunning dessert with its soft green hue and bold pink glaze.
This cake is surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Fresh key lime juice and zest give it that authentic citrus flavor, while the raspberry glaze is made from real berries for a natural sweetness. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat on a warm day, or enjoy it as a light and bright dessert any time of year. Whether for a potluck or a special celebration, this cake is guaranteed to impress!
Perfect for:
- Summer parties
- Afternoon tea
- Celebrations and special occasions
- Citrus lovers
- Dessert tables
Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Glazed Lime Cake
Here’s why Raspberry Glaze Lime Cake will become your new favorite dessert:
- Bright and Zesty Flavor: The lime brings a refreshing citrus punch that perfectly balances the sweetness of the raspberry glaze.
- Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the combination of lime juice, zest, and buttermilk, this cake is exceptionally moist with a soft crumb.
- Beautiful Presentation: The pink raspberry glaze against the pale-green cake makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, requiring simple ingredients for an impressive result.
- Versatile: Serve it as a snack cake, dessert, or even at brunch!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 220-250 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 36g, Fat: 8g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Raspberry Glaze Lime Cake:
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 limes (about 2 tablespoons)
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Raspberry Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1-2 tablespoons water (as needed for consistency)
Ingredient Highlights
- Lime Zest and Juice: The lime zest provides concentrated citrus flavor, while the juice adds brightness and moisture to the cake.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk keeps the cake soft and tender while adding a subtle tang that enhances the lime flavor.
- Raspberries: Fresh or frozen raspberries give the glaze a natural fruity flavor and vibrant color.
- Powdered Sugar: This ensures the glaze is smooth and perfectly sweet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Add Lime Zest and Juice: Stir in the lime zest and lime juice, blending them into the mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Raspberry Glaze:
- Make the Raspberry Puree: In a small saucepan, cook the raspberries over medium heat until they break down and release their juices, about 5 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove seeds.
- Mix the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with the raspberry puree and lime juice until smooth. Add water as needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, pour the raspberry glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a rustic look.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh lime slices or extra raspberries for decoration.
How to Serve Raspberry Glazed Lime Cake
Raspberry Glaze Lime Cake is a versatile dessert that can be served in many ways:
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh raspberries or strawberries for an extra burst of flavor.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tartness of the lime.
- As a Brunch Cake: Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful addition to your brunch spread.
- For Special Occasions: Decorate with edible flowers or lime zest for an elegant presentation.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your Raspberry Glaze Lime Cake turns out perfectly:
- Use Fresh Limes: Fresh lime juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more water for a thinner one.
- Let the Cake Cool: Ensure the cake is completely cool before adding the glaze to avoid melting.
- Store Properly: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Recipe Variations for Raspberry Glazed Lime Cake
Here are 10 variations you can try for Raspberry Glaze Lime Cake:
- Lemon Raspberry Cake: Substitute lemon for lime for a classic lemon-raspberry combination.
- Orange Raspberry Cake: Use orange zest and juice for a sweeter citrus twist.
- Lime Coconut Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter and top with toasted coconut flakes.
- Mixed Berry Glaze: Use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a mixed berry glaze.
- Lime Poppy Seed Cake: Add poppy seeds to the batter for texture and a nutty flavor.
- Vanilla Lime Cake: Add an extra teaspoon of vanilla for a more mellow flavor.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace the raspberry glaze with a cream cheese glaze for a richer topping.
- Gluten-Free Lime Cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Chocolate Lime Cake: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a lime-chocolate combination.
- Almond Lime Cake: Add almond extract and sliced almonds for a nutty flavor.
Freezing and Storage for Raspberry Glazed Lime Cake
- Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Special Equipment for Raspberry Glazed Lime Cake
Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Raspberry Glaze Lime Cake easier:
- Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar.
- Zester: To get fresh lime zest for maximum flavor.
- 9-Inch Round Cake Pan: Ensures the cake bakes evenly.
- Cooling Rack: Allows the cake to cool completely before glazing.
- Fine Sieve: For straining the raspberry puree.
- Offset Spatula: Helps spread the glaze evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions for Raspberry Glazed Lime Cake
- Can I use bottled lime juice?
- Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
- Can I freeze the cake with the glaze?
- It’s best to freeze the cake without the glaze and add it after thawing.
- Can I use other berries for the glaze?
- Yes, you can use strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different flavor.
- How do I know when the cake is done?
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Can I make this cake gluten-free?
- Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Raspberry Glaze Lime Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the tartness of fresh lime with the sweetness of raspberry glaze. This moist and tender cake is bursting with citrus flavor and topped with a vibrant raspberry glaze that adds a pop of color and an irresistible fruity finish. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings or any time you want a light yet flavorful treat, this cake is sure to impress with its stunning presentation and refreshing taste.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 limes (about 2 tablespoons)
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Raspberry Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1–2 tablespoons water (as needed for consistency)
Ingredient Highlights
- Lime Zest and Juice: The lime zest provides concentrated citrus flavor, while the juice adds brightness and moisture to the cake.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk keeps the cake soft and tender while adding a subtle tang that enhances the lime flavor.
- Raspberries: Fresh or frozen raspberries give the glaze a natural fruity flavor and vibrant color.
- Powdered Sugar: This ensures the glaze is smooth and perfectly sweet.
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Add Lime Zest and Juice: Stir in the lime zest and lime juice, blending them into the mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Raspberry Glaze:
- Make the Raspberry Puree: In a small saucepan, cook the raspberries over medium heat until they break down and release their juices, about 5 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove seeds.
- Mix the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with the raspberry puree and lime juice until smooth. Add water as needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, pour the raspberry glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a rustic look.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh lime slices or extra raspberries for decoration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 220-250 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion
Raspberry Glaze Lime Cake is a delightful combination of tart, sweet, and fruity flavors in one beautifully moist and tender cake. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying it as an afternoon treat, this cake is sure to become a favorite. The zesty lime and vibrant raspberry glaze create a unique flavor profile that will impress anyone who takes a bite.
This cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious, with the raspberry glaze adding a gorgeous pop of color. Perfect for spring gatherings or a weekend indulgence, it’s a refreshing change from classic desserts.
I’d love to see how your Raspberry Glaze Lime Cake turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me so I can admire your beautiful creation. Happy baking!