The sweet-tart harmony of this Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake is everything your dessert dreams are made of. The zing of key lime in a moist and fluffy bundt cake brings refreshing brightness, while the silky raspberry glaze adds just the right touch of sweet, fruity elegance. This cake is the perfect centerpiece for spring and summer gatherings—light enough for a picnic, fancy enough for a brunch party. Easy to whip up from a simple boxed cake mix with a citrus twist, it proves that you don’t need complex ingredients to wow a crowd. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers flavor, beauty, and rave reviews. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh raspberries on top to elevate its visual appeal. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s a go-to favorite for those who love vibrant flavors and effortless charm.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 box white cake mix
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1 (3 oz) package lime gelatin
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¾ cup water
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½ cup vegetable oil
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4 large eggs
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¼ cup key lime juice
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Zest of 1 lime
For the Raspberry Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons raspberry preserves
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1–2 teaspoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt cake pan.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and lime gelatin. Add water, oil, eggs, key lime juice, and lime zest. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and slightly thick.
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Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 38–42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
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For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, raspberry preserves, and milk until smooth and pourable. Add more milk for a thinner consistency if needed.
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Once the cake is cool, drizzle generously with raspberry glaze. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 360 kcal per slice | Servings: 12 slices
Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake – A Bright, Tangy Twist on a Classic Favorite
A Flavor Fusion That Delights Every Time
The Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake is an irresistible dessert that merges two beloved flavors—tangy key lime and sweet raspberry—into one show-stopping treat. It’s a bundt cake that delivers a burst of citrus with every bite, softened and elevated by a delicate raspberry glaze that adds both flavor and flair. This recipe has become a staple for spring and summer gatherings because of its vibrant taste, easy preparation, and dazzling presentation. With its bright flavor profile and gorgeous color palette, it brings sunshine to any dessert table.
Inspired by the tropical warmth of the Florida Keys and the nostalgic charm of raspberry desserts, this cake is both refreshing and indulgent. The tanginess from the lime perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake, and when topped with a luscious raspberry glaze, you get a fruity finish that’s both unique and unforgettable. Whether served at brunch, a backyard barbecue, a bridal shower, or a weekday family dinner, this cake never fails to impress.
Why Key Lime and Raspberry Make the Perfect Pair
Key lime is known for its bold citrus aroma, slightly floral notes, and more tartness than your standard lime. It’s been a dessert favorite for decades, most famously used in key lime pie. Raspberry, on the other hand, brings a deep berry flavor with a natural sweetness and mild tartness of its own. When combined, these two ingredients create a harmonious flavor experience that excites the palate—tart, sweet, tangy, and fresh all in one bite.
The real beauty of this pairing is balance. Lime on its own can be quite sharp, and raspberry too sweet if used excessively. But when the zesty notes of lime cake are mellowed out by a smooth raspberry glaze, the result is pure magic.
Simple Ingredients, Stunning Results
One of the best things about this Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake recipe is how accessible it is. Using a boxed white cake mix as the base simplifies the baking process without compromising on flavor. Lime gelatin boosts the citrus punch and ensures the cake remains moist and tender throughout. The key lime juice and zest add a freshly squeezed vibrance, while eggs and oil contribute richness and structure.
The raspberry glaze is just as easy to make, requiring only three ingredients: powdered sugar, raspberry preserves, and milk. The preserves not only infuse the glaze with berry flavor but also lend it a natural pink hue that looks stunning drizzled over the pale green cake. It’s a gorgeous contrast that turns this cake into a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This cake fits almost any occasion. Its fruity profile makes it ideal for warm-weather events like garden parties, Easter brunches, Mother’s Day, or even summer weddings. It’s light enough to follow a heavy meal but flavorful enough to stand out on a dessert buffet.
You can also dress it up or down depending on the occasion. Add a few fresh raspberries and lime slices for an elegant touch, or serve it plain with a dollop of whipped cream for a more casual vibe. No matter how you present it, this cake brings both taste and visual appeal.
Baking Tips for Success
To ensure your Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake comes out perfect every time, here are a few handy baking tips:
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Use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything blend more smoothly and creates a more uniform batter.
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Don’t overmix. Once all the ingredients are incorporated, avoid beating the batter too long, which can make the cake tough.
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Grease your bundt pan thoroughly. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered so the cake releases easily.
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Let the cake cool completely before glazing. If the cake is warm, the glaze may melt and run off instead of staying beautifully drizzled.
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Strain your glaze for a smooth finish. If you prefer a silky glaze without raspberry seeds, simply strain the preserves before mixing.
Health Benefits in Every Slice
While it’s a dessert, this cake does offer some subtle perks. Limes are a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune health and provides antioxidants. Raspberries also contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that support heart health and digestion.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce sugar or calories, consider using a sugar-free gelatin mix or a low-sugar raspberry preserve. You can also swap the oil for applesauce or Greek yogurt to add moisture with fewer calories.
Why This Recipe Is the Best
There are many reasons why the Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake stands out:
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Ease of preparation. Even novice bakers can master this recipe with ease, thanks to straightforward instructions and accessible ingredients.
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A unique flavor combo. The fusion of key lime and raspberry isn’t overly common, making this cake feel fresh and exciting.
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Great texture. The gelatin adds moisture, ensuring the cake stays soft for days.
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Customizable. You can switch the glaze to lemon, strawberry, or orange for different takes on the same base.
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Visually stunning. The contrast between the light green cake and pink glaze makes it picture-perfect.
How to Store and Serve
This cake stores beautifully. Once the glaze has set, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the unglazed cake and add the raspberry drizzle after thawing.
Serve it at room temperature to enjoy the full spectrum of flavor. It’s delicious with a cup of tea, iced lemonade, or even sparkling wine if you’re feeling fancy.
Creative Variations to Try
Want to make it your own? Here are a few fun twists:
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Coconut Key Lime Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter and use a coconut glaze for a tropical variation.
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Mini Bundts or Cupcakes: Use the batter for individual portions—perfect for parties or gifting.
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Lime Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace raspberry with a tangy cream cheese glaze for richness.
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Lemon-Raspberry Swirl: Swirl raspberry preserves directly into the batter before baking for a marbled effect.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix as your base to accommodate dietary needs.
Ideal for Gifting and Celebrations
This cake isn’t just for your family—it makes a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or hostess gifts. Wrap it in a decorative box or cake dome, add a handwritten note, and you’ve got a homemade present that’s guaranteed to be appreciated.
You can also bring it to potlucks, school functions, or bake sales. It’s easy to transport, doesn’t require refrigeration for short periods, and looks impressive right out of the pan.
Conclusion
The Raspberry Glazed Key Lime Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor, color, and simplicity. With its zesty lime crumb and sweet raspberry finish, it brings the perfect balance of tangy and sweet to the table. It’s a cake that delivers every time, whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply indulging in a slice for yourself. Easy to make, fun to serve, and beautiful to behold, this recipe earns a permanent spot in any baker’s repertoire.