Perfect Key Lime Angel Food Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Perfect Key Lime Angel Food Cake is a light and airy dessert bursting with bright citrus flavors. The fluffy cake pairs beautifully with a tangy key lime glaze and zesty whipped cream for a refreshing treat that’s perfect any time of year.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups egg whites (from 10 to 12 large eggs, at room temperature)
• 2 tbsp key lime juice
• 1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp finely grated lime peel
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 to 4 tbsp key lime juice (for glaze)
• 1 tsp lime zest (for glaze)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sugar (for whipped cream)
• 1/2 tsp grated lime zest (for whipped cream)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the batter is made.
2. Step 2: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the egg whites, 2 tablespoons key lime juice, cream of tartar, salt, and finely grated lime peel. Beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
3. Step 3: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the cake flour with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the batter.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into an ungreased 9 or 10-inch angel food tube pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and springy to the touch. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing.
5. Step 5: For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, 3 to 4 tablespoons key lime juice, and lime zest in a small bowl until smooth. Poke small holes in the cooled cake with a skewer and drizzle the glaze evenly over the top to soak in.
6. Step 6: To make the whipped cream, beat heavy cream, sugar, and grated lime zest on high speed until stiff peaks form. Serve alongside or on top of the glazed cake.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature egg whites for the best volume when whipped.
• Gently folding in the flour prevents the batter from losing air and ensures a light texture.
• Try substituting regular lime juice if you can’t find key limes; it will still be delicious.
• For an extra touch, garnish with fresh lime slices or zest before serving.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The glaze may soften the cake over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. Reheat slices briefly at room temperature before serving for the best texture. Whipped cream is best made fresh but can be stored in the fridge for a day.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Yes, regular lime juice works well as a substitute and will still give a bright citrus flavor, though key lime juice has a slightly sharper and distinctive taste.

Do I need a special pan for angel food cake?

Angel food cake is traditionally baked in an ungreased tube pan, which helps it rise properly. Using a regular cake pan can affect the texture and rise of the cake.

Perfect Key Lime Angel Food Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 54 reviews

This Perfect Key Lime Angel Food Cake is a light, airy dessert bursting with zesty key lime flavor. Made from fluffy egg whites, delicate cake flour, and a tangy key lime glaze, it is finished with lime-infused whipped cream. Perfect for a refreshing tropical treat, this cake combines classic angel food cake techniques with bright citrus highlights for an unforgettable dessert experience.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Angel Food Cake Batter

• 1 1/2 cups egg whites (from 10 to 12 large eggs, at room temperature)
• 2 tbsp key lime juice
• 1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp finely grated lime peel
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup cake flour

Key Lime Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 to 4 tbsp key lime juice
• 1 tsp lime zest

Lime Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp grated lime zest

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is ready for baking when the batter is prepared.
2. Beat the Egg Whites: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the room temperature egg whites, 2 tablespoons of key lime juice, cream of tartar, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime peel. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, which will take a few minutes, until the mixture is glossy and holds its shape.
3. Incorporate Sugar and Cake Flour: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until just combined. Then gently sprinkle in the cake flour and fold it into the egg white mixture with a spatula or spoon, mixing only until just incorporated to avoid deflating the batter. Pour the batter into an ungreased 9 or 10-inch angel food tube pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing.
4. Prepare and Drizzle the Key Lime Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 3 to 4 tablespoons of key lime juice, and 1 teaspoon lime zest. Stir until smooth. Once the cake is cooled, poke small holes on the top using a skewer or fork. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes to infuse the cake with flavor.
5. Make the Lime Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, add the heavy cream, sugar, and grated lime zest. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until stiff peaks form and the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Serve the whipped cream alongside or on top of the cake for a luxurious finish.

Notes

• Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume when beaten.
• Do not grease the angel food cake pan to allow the batter to cling and rise properly.
• Gently folding the flour into the egg whites is crucial to keep the airy texture intact.
• Poking holes for the glaze helps deepen the lime flavor throughout the cake.
• Use fresh key limes or high-quality key lime juice for authentic flavor.

Keywords: angel food cake, key lime cake, key lime dessert, lime whipped cream, light dessert, citrus cake