This Key Lime Bundt cake recipe is simple to make and full of citrusy goodness! Running through the cake is a tunnel of lime cheesecake which takes a standard Bundt cake to a new level.
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What you will love about this cake
This lime Bundt cake is loaded with a zesty, tangy flavor that adds a refreshing twist to a traditional Bundt cake. Perfect to enjoy during the summer months when you crave a light and fruity dessert. Additionally, the buttery, soft crumb in this cake practically melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Two components are needed to make the Key Lime Bundt cake:
- The cake batter
- The cream cheese and lime filling
For the cake batter:
- Unsalted butter, whole milk and eggs: bring these ingredients to room temperature before mixing the batter.
- All purpose flour, baking powder, salt and granulated sugar.
- Fresh lime juice and zest
For the lime filling:
- Full-fat cream cheese and an egg: bring these ingredients to room temperature before mixing the batter.
- Granulated sugar
- Fresh lime juice and zest
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow the instructions in the recipe card for detailed instructions. You may also check out a quick YouTube video for a visual on how to add the filling.
Variations
For variations to personalize this lime Bundt cake, let your imagination take over. Here’s a few suggestions:
- For a topping:
- Mix together 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of lime juice. Pour or pipe over the top of the cake.
- Place powdered sugar in a sieve and dust over top of the cake.
- For variations on flavor:
- Lime and coconut were made for each other! Add ⅔ cup of toasted coconut to the filling.
- Prefer lemon over lime? No problem - simply replace the lime juice and zest with lemon.
Equipment
Use a high-quality 12-cup Bundt cake pan for this lime cake.
A stand-mixer works best for this recipe but a hand-mixer may also be used.
Storage
Bundt cakes will stay fresh for longer periods compared to lighter, airier cakes. This is helpful when you need to prepare a dessert a few days in advance. Store the cake at room temperature wrapped in foil or plastic for up to 3 days.
Top tip
This Key Lime Bundt Cake is fairly simple to make and not much can go wrong except when you unmold it. Take the time to properly prepare your cake pan before creating the cake batter. Use one of the following methods:
- Generously spray the pan with baking spray making sure to get the spray into any little crevices. Using a paper towel, remove any excess spray that has pooled in the crevices.
- Prepare 'cake release' by combining ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup vegetable shorting and ¼ cup vegetable oil in a mixer. Mix until the ingredients are well combined. Using a pastry brush, apply the cake release to the inside of the pan.
📋 Recipe
Key Lime Bundt Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Hand or stand mixer
- Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 3 Cups All-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 ½ teaspoons Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon Lime zest
- 1 ½ Cups Granulated sugar
- 1 ½ Cups Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 Large Eggs Room temperature
- ¾ Cup Whole milk Room temperature
Lime Filling
- 12 Ounces Cream Cheese (full fat) Room temperature
- ½ Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons Lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon Lime zest
Optional glaze
- 2 Cups Confectioners Sugar
- 3 Tablespoon Lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (177℃)
- Prepare a 12-cup Bundt cake pan by spraying generously with baking spray.
Lime Filling
- Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth. Add ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon lime zest and one egg. Continue to mix until well combined. Set aside.
Cake Batter
- In a large bowl combine flour, lime zest, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
- Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar and lime zest until light and fluffy (approximately 2 minutes)
- Add the lime juice and 3 of the eggs. Mix until combined. Using a rubber spatula, mix the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Add the remaining 3 eggs. Mix until combined. Using a rubber spatula, mix the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Add ⅓ of the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) and mix on low speed until combined.
- Add half of the milk and mix on low speed until combined.
- Add another ⅓ of the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until combined.
- Add the remaining milk and mix on low speed until combined.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix on low speed until combined.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared Bundt cake pan. Spread evenly and make a small 'well' in the center using a dinner spoon.
- Pipe or spoon the filling into the well you just created in the cake batter.
- Add remaining cake batter and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50 - 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes and flip the cake over onto a cooling rack. Remove cake pan and allow to cool for another hour. After cooling, move the cake onto a serving platter.
Glaze (optional)
- Stir together the confectioners sugar and lime juice. Pipe or spoon the glaze over the Bundt cake. Add more lime juice if you prefer a thinner glaze.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Fransic verso says
You have amazing recipes for desserts and this is one of them. I never tried to cook something like that before. Thank you for sharing!
Ntensibe Edgar says
Aaahhhh....I love the look of this bundt cake. Is there a substitute for the milk used in making this cake? I wouldn't want to ignore your recipe simply because of milk.
dessertswithstephanie says
Hi, thanks for stopping by. You can use a full fat almond milk or oat milk to substitute.
Beth says
Everything about this cake makes my heart happy! The cake itself is so wonderfully tender, and that cheesecake center? Oh, it's amazing.
Gervin Khan says
I made this yesterday, and it was so delicious and so easy to make. The kids love it so much!
Beth says
This is such a delicious cake! Thanks for the recipe!
Carrie Robinson says
Key lime is definitely one of my favorite summertime flavors! 🙂 Loving that cheesecake ribbon- yum!
Whitney says
You had me a cream cheese, that definitely makes the cake! Thank you for sharing!
Holley says
The taste and texture of this key lime bundt cake are just phenomenal! Everyone LOVED this at my last gathering! The perfect summer dessert!
dessertswithstephanie says
So happy to hear this, Holley! Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
This recipe is a definite keeper and will be my go-to for any special occasion or when I simply want to treat myself to a slice of heaven. Highly recommended to all the key lime lovers out there!
dessertswithstephanie says
Shadi, Thank you - so pleased you all enjoyed the cake!