Zesty Lime Bundt Cake Recipe

Zesty Lime Bundt Cake Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Homemade Joy

Zesty lime bundt cake brings a burst of vibrant citrus excitement to traditional dessert expectations.

Tangy and bright, this cake revamps ordinary baking into a delightful culinary adventure.

Smooth, tender crumb meets intense lime flavor in each carefully crafted slice.

Baking enthusiasts will appreciate the delicate balance between sweet and sharp taste profiles.

Complex undertones of citrus create a sophisticated dessert that surprises and delights the palate.

Delicate yet bold, this bundt cake elevates simple ingredients into a remarkable treat.

Bakers seeking a showstopping dessert will find this recipe both accessible and impressive.

Flavor Variations on Zesty Lime Bundt Cake

  • Lemon Lovers' Version: Swap lime juice and peel with fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright citrusy alternative that keeps the cake's moist texture and tangy flavor profile.
  • Coconut Tropical Remix: Add shredded coconut to the batter and replace half the oil with coconut milk to create a richly flavored cake with island-inspired notes.
  • Berry Burst Edition: Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter before baking, which adds bursts of fruity color and creates delightful pockets of moisture throughout the cake.
  • Almond Citrus Crunch: Mix chopped toasted almonds into the batter and sprinkle additional nuts on top of the glaze for a nutty crunch that complements the cake's zesty undertones.

Zesty Lime Bundt Cake with Tangy Glaze

  • Burst with Citrusy Freshness: The zesty lime juice and lime peel infuse the cake with a bright, tangy flavor that dances on your taste buds, creating a refreshing twist on traditional bundt cakes.
  • Effortlessly Elegant Dessert: With a simple cake mix base and easy mixing method, this recipe delivers a professional-looking bundt cake that appears sophisticated yet requires minimal baking skills.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Ready in just over an hour, this dessert is perfect for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or weekend family treats, offering maximum flavor with minimal preparation time.
  • Texture-Perfect Delight: The combination of yogurt or sour cream ensures a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth, while the smooth lime glaze adds a luxurious finishing touch.

Zesty Lime Bundt Cake Ingredients

Cake Base:
  • White or Vanilla Cake Mix: Provides the foundational structure and sweet flavor for the bundt cake.
  • Lime Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tangy richness, with full-fat versions recommended for best texture.
  • Oil: Ensures a tender and moist cake with soft crumb.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cake.
Lime Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lime Peel: Fresh, finely grated zest that delivers intense citrus aroma and bright flavor.
  • Lime Juice: Adds sharp, zesty citrus notes and helps activate cake's moisture.
Glaze Components:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Melted Butter: Creates a smooth, glossy coating with balanced sweetness and richness.
  • Lime Juice: Provides additional tangy citrus flavor to the glaze.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.

Baking Guide for Zesty Lime Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 12-cup bundt pan or 10-inch fluted tube pan. Spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray and dust lightly with flour to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Cake mix
  • Yogurt or sour cream
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Grated lime zest

Use an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute to moisten the ingredients. Then, bump up the speed to medium and beat for 2 additional minutes until the batter is smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 44 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center- it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Step 4: Cool the Cake

Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Step 5: Create the Lime Glaze

In a large bowl, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Lime juice
  • Milk
  • Pinch of salt

Stir until the glaze becomes smooth and silky.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the lime glaze over the cooled cake. For an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle some additional lime zest on top as a garnish.

Baker’s Tips for Zesty Lime Bundt Cake

  • Maximize Lime Flavor: Zest the lime before juicing to capture maximum citrusy essence and boost the cake's bright, tangy profile.
  • Prevent Cake Sticking: Grease the bundt pan meticulously, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered with cooking spray and a light flour dusting.
  • Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test carefully, inserting it into the cake's center and looking for a clean, crumb-free removal.
  • Glaze Consistency Matters: Whisk the glaze until perfectly smooth, adjusting liquid or powdered sugar to achieve the ideal drizzling texture.
  • Cooling Technique: Allow the cake to rest in the pan for exactly 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, preventing potential structural breakdown.

Storing and Reheating Zesty Lime Bundt Cake

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Freeze: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small dollop of whipped cream or a fresh lime zest sprinkle to refresh the flavor when serving.

Drink Pairings for Zesty Lime Bundt Cake

  • Pair with Refreshing Mojito: Complement the zesty lime cake with a classic mojito cocktail. The mint, rum, and lime in the drink perfectly echo the cake's bright citrus notes, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Serve with Coconut Sorbet: Add a cool, creamy coconut sorbet alongside the bundt cake. Its tropical sweetness balances the cake's tangy lime flavor and provides a luxurious textural contrast.
  • Match with Chilled Green Tea: Brew a light, crisp green tea to accompany the dessert. The tea's subtle grassy undertones will enhance the cake's citrusy brightness without overwhelming its delicate lime essence.
  • Complement with Fresh Berries: Scatter fresh raspberries or strawberries around the cake. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness will beautifully highlight the cake's zesty lime profile.
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Zesty Lime Bundt Cake Recipe

Zesty Lime Bundt Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired zesty lime bundt cake delivers a tangy explosion of citrus flavor in each sublime slice. Creamy frosting and fresh lime zest create perfect harmony, inviting you to savor this delightful dessert with pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 package white or vanilla cake mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup lime yogurt or sour cream (not fat-free)
  • ½ cup oil

Zest and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) finely grated lime peel
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) lime juice

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) melted butter
  • 34 tablespoons (4560 milliliters) lime juice
  • 12 tablespoons (1530 milliliters) milk
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the bundt pan by lightly spraying with non-stick cooking spray and dusting with a thin layer of flour to ensure easy cake removal.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, yogurt, vegetable oil, eggs, freshly squeezed lime juice, and grated lime zest using an electric mixer.
  3. Begin mixing at a low speed to incorporate the ingredients, then increase to medium speed and continue beating for two minutes until the batter becomes smooth and well-blended.
  4. Carefully transfer the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
  5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-44 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
  6. After removing from the oven, allow the cake to cool inside the pan for 15 minutes to help it set and prevent breaking.
  7. Gently remove the cake from the pan and transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, melted butter, lime juice, milk, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until the mixture reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
  9. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the lime glaze generously over the top, allowing it to cascade down the cake’s distinctive ridges.
  10. Optional: Sprinkle additional lime zest over the glazed cake for a vibrant garnish and extra citrus aroma.

Notes

  • Simplify your baking adventure with this foolproof zesty lime bundt cake that transforms a basic cake mix into a restaurant-worthy dessert.
  • Get creative with lime zest and juice to elevate a standard cake mix, turning an ordinary recipe into a tangy, memorable treat that will impress family and friends.
  • Customize your glaze thickness by adjusting milk or powdered sugar.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 44 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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