Ultimate Zesty Lime Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Go-To Citrus Dessert
This exquisite lime bundt cake is a true celebration of citrus, delivering a light, incredibly moist, and wonderfully zesty experience. Crowned with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s an absolute must-try for any citrus enthusiast seeking a refreshing and vibrant dessert.
As the chill of January settles in, often bringing with it a longing for brighter days, my husband’s birthday always arrives as a welcome burst of cheer right in the middle of the month. It’s a tradition that truly brightens things up, not just because it’s a special day, but because it invariably calls for a refreshingly bright and zesty dessert – specifically, one bursting with the vibrant flavor of lime. My husband is, after all, a massive fan of everything lime-flavored, and a homemade cake is his perennial birthday wish.
This past week, I had the pleasure of baking him this spectacular lime bundt cake, a recipe that had been tucked away in the archives since 2010. Rediscovering and refining it has been a delight, and I’m thrilled to re-share this absolute winner with you today! This isn’t just any cake; it’s a luxurious cream cheese pound cake elevated by three distinct layers of lime goodness. First, fragrant lime zest is baked directly into the cake batter, infusing every bite with bright citrus notes. Second, as the cake emerges warm from the oven, it’s generously drenched in a simple yet potent lime syrup, which not only amplifies the lime flavor but also guarantees an incredibly moist crumb. Finally, a silky, tangy lime cream cheese frosting provides the perfect grand finale, balancing the cake’s sweetness with its creamy, zesty finish.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Zesty Bundt Cake
There’s something truly special about a bundt cake, and this lime version takes it to a new level. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking repertoire:
- Explosion of Fresh Lime Flavor: We utilize fresh lime zest and juice at three stages, ensuring a natural, intense citrus burst without any artificial undertones.
- Incredibly Moist Texture: The combination of cream cheese in the batter and the luscious lime syrup poured over the warm cake creates a uniquely tender and moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy: The rich cream cheese frosting provides a delightful tang that perfectly complements the cake’s sweetness, making each bite balanced and refreshing.
- Elegant Presentation: Bundt cakes naturally have a beautiful, intricate shape, making this dessert effortlessly elegant and impressive for any occasion, from birthdays to simple family gatherings.
- Simple Yet Sophisticated: While the cake boasts layers of flavor, the preparation steps are straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Crafting Your Perfect Lime Bundt Cake: Key Steps and Expert Tips
Achieving a perfectly moist and flavorful lime bundt cake is simpler than you might think, especially when you pay attention to a few crucial details. This section delves into the essential techniques and tips to ensure your cake turns out flawlessly every time.
- Embrace Fresh Limes: The Heart of the Flavor: The unparalleled taste of this cake comes directly from fresh limes and their zest. We steer clear of artificial flavorings or gelatin packets because nothing beats the bright, aromatic oils found in fresh zest and the crisp tang of freshly squeezed juice. While bottled lime juice might seem convenient, it simply can’t replicate the vibrant, authentic flavor that fresh limes provide. For this recipe, you’ll typically need about 4-5 medium-sized limes to get all the zest and juice required for the cake, syrup, and frosting.
- The Magic of Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best possible rise, texture, and overall consistency, ensure all your dairy products (butter and cream cheese) and eggs are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This seemingly small detail makes a significant difference. Room temperature butter and cream cheese cream together smoothly with sugar, creating a light, airy base that traps air, contributing to the cake’s tender crumb and excellent rise. Cold ingredients, on the other hand, don’t emulsify as effectively, leading to a denser, potentially lumpy batter. Plan ahead and pull everything from the fridge at least an hour before you intend to prepare the batter. If you find yourself short on time, don’t fret! Check out these handy shortcuts: 4 ways to bring butter to room temperature, how to quickly soften cream cheese, and how to bring eggs to room temperature quickly.
- Don’t Skip the Lime Syrup: While you *could* technically skip the lime syrup step if you were in a real rush, I strongly advise against it. It’s incredibly simple to make and is a game-changer for both flavor and moisture. This warm syrup soaks into the cake after it comes out of the oven, infusing it with an intense burst of lime and ensuring a remarkably moist texture that lasts. It truly elevates the cake from good to extraordinary.
- Mastering the Bundt Pan: A sticking bundt cake can be a baker’s worst nightmare. Before you even start mixing your batter, read my detailed tips below for properly preparing your bundt pan to ensure a perfect, effortless release every single time. This step is critical for preserving the beautiful shape of your cake.
How to Prevent Your Bundt Cake from Sticking to the Pan
Few kitchen mishaps are as disheartening as a bundt cake stubbornly clinging to its pan, ruining its beautiful form. But with the right technique, you can banish this problem forever and enjoy a perfectly released cake every time. Follow these tried-and-true steps for a seamless unmolding process:
- Invest in a Quality Non-Stick Bundt Pan: This is arguably the most crucial step. A good quality non-stick bundt pan provides a reliable barrier between the cake and the metal, making release significantly easier. It’s a worthwhile investment for any frequent bundt baker.
- Generously Grease and Flour Every Crevice: Even with a non-stick pan, thorough greasing is key. Use a baking spray specifically made with flour, such as “Baker’s Joy” or “PAM Baking.” These sprays ensure comprehensive coverage and add a fine layer of flour that acts as an extra release agent. If you don’t have baking spray, you can brush softened butter into every nook and cranny of the pan, then dust it evenly with all-purpose flour, tapping out any excess. Make absolutely sure every part of the pan, especially the intricate designs, is coated.
- Allow for Adequate Cooling in the Pan: Once out of the oven, resist the urge to immediately flip your cake. Let it cool in the pan for precisely 15 minutes. This cooling period allows the cake to firm up slightly and pull away from the sides of the pan as it contracts, making it less fragile and easier to handle.
- Gentle “Bounce” to Loosen: After 15 minutes, gently lift and “bounce” the bundt pan up and down a few times on your countertop. This subtle jiggling can help release any areas where the cake might still be slightly adhering to the pan. If you feel the entire cake shift slightly within the pan, you know it’s ready for the next step.
- Invert with Confidence: Place a cooling rack directly on top of the bundt pan. Holding both the pan and the rack firmly together, swiftly and confidently turn them upside down. The cooling rack will now be on the bottom, with the bundt pan resting on top.
- The Gentle Wiggle for Final Release: If the cake doesn’t immediately slide out, give the pan a few gentle side-to-side wiggles. Do not force it. Sometimes, a slight tap on the bottom of the pan can also encourage release. Once released, carefully lift the pan off, revealing your perfectly shaped bundt cake ready to cool completely before frosting.
Explore More Zesty Delights: Other Irresistible Lime Desserts
If the bright, tangy flavor of this lime bundt cake has captured your heart, you’re in for a treat! Lime is a versatile ingredient that shines in a variety of desserts. Here are some other zesty creations that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:
- Coconut Lime Layer Cake: A tropical dream, combining the creamy sweetness of coconut with the refreshing kick of lime in a beautifully layered cake.
- Key Lime Pie: The classic for a reason! This iconic dessert features a buttery crust and a perfectly balanced sweet and tart key lime filling.
- No-Bake Lime Cheesecake Bars: For a quick and easy dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor, these bars offer a creamy, tangy lime cheesecake experience without turning on the oven.
- Cornmeal Lime Cookies: A unique twist on traditional cookies, these offer a delightful texture from the cornmeal and a surprising, delightful zing from the lime.
Shop Essential Tools for This Recipe
To make your baking process as smooth and enjoyable as possible, here are some recommended tools that will help you achieve bundt cake perfection. These items are indispensable for both the preparation of the cake and ensuring a flawless presentation.
Note: This recipe was originally published in June 2010 and has been lovingly updated and re-shared to bring its timeless deliciousness to a new generation of bakers.
Lime Bundt Cake
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Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, 226 grams), at room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 package, 226 grams), at room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
- Zest of 3 limes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the lime syrup:
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice (80 ml, about 3 limes)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (66 grams)
For the frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (113 grams)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (56 grams)
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (227 grams)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160°C). Prepare a 9-inch bundt pan by generously buttering and flouring it, or by greasing it thoroughly with a nonstick baking spray designed for bundt cakes. Ensuring every crevice is coated will prevent sticking.
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In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the room temperature butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Add the granulated sugar and lime zest, then continue to beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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Incorporate the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until just combined before adding the next. Once all eggs are added, mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake. Scrape down the bowl a few times to ensure everything is incorporated.
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Carefully pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
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While the cake is baking, prepare the lime syrup. In a small saucepan, gently heat the fresh lime juice and granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup is clear. Remove from heat. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven and is still quite warm, use a skewer or fork to poke numerous holes all over its top surface. Carefully pour the warm lime syrup evenly over the entire cake, allowing it to soak in. Let the cake rest in the pan for exactly 15 minutes before inverting it onto a cooling rack or serving platter. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
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To make the vibrant cream cheese frosting, in a medium bowl with an electric mixer, beat together the room temperature cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, sifted powdered sugar, fresh lime zest, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and light. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of lime juice, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Once the bundt cake is completely cool, generously spread or drizzle the homemade lime cream cheese frosting over the top. Garnish with additional lime zest or thin lime slices if desired. Slice and serve this delightful citrus treat!