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Pioneer Woman Key Lime Cake

Pioneer Woman Key Lime Cake - recipe card
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This moist, tender key lime cake is bursting with bright citrus flavor, topped with a creamy key lime glaze that seeps into every bite. With a delicate crumb and tangy-sweet finish, it’s a refreshing dessert perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (192g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (4g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g, 4 oz)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt (120g)
  • 1/4 cup key lime juice, freshly squeezed (60ml, about 6–8 key limes)
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest (from about 4 key limes)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
  • 2 tablespoons key lime juice (30ml)
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened (14g)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, then line with parchment paper leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides to lift the cake out easily.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Set aside. The baking powder must be fresh for proper rise; test by dropping a pinch into hot water—it should bubble vigorously.
  3. In a large bowl using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
  4. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating on medium speed for 30 seconds after each addition until fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth. If the batter appears curdled, it means the eggs were too cold; let the bowl sit at room temperature for 2 minutes before continuing.
  5. Add 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup key lime juice, 1 tablespoon key lime zest, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until just combined, about 15 seconds. The batter will look slightly thin and curdled at this stage—this is normal.
  6. Add the dry flour mixture in two additions, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Do not overmix; stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten and will make the cake tough.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a small offset spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter three times to release any air bubbles. Bake on the middle rack for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
  8. While the cake bakes, make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons key lime juice, and 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable; add more powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time if too thin, or more lime juice 1 teaspoon at a time if too thick.
  9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the cake onto the wire rack, then let it cool completely to room temperature, about 1 hour. Glazing a warm cake will cause the glaze to melt and run off.
  10. Once the cake is completely cool, spoon the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly if needed. Let the glaze set for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Store leftover cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months; glaze after thawing. To reheat individual slices, microwave on low power (30%) for 10–15 seconds to refresh the texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: key lime cake, key lime dessert, pioneer woman cake, lime cake recipe, citrus cake, moist cake with glaze, spring dessert, easy baking recipe, cream cheese glaze, key lime recipe

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-key-lime-cake/