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. It’s an ideal treat for warm days or whenever you crave a refreshing, fluffy cake with a tangy twist.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your batter is prepared.
2. Step 2: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the room temperature egg whites, key lime juice, cream of tartar, salt, and finely grated lime peel. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form and the mixture looks glossy.
3. Step 3: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the granulated sugar until just combined. Carefully sprinkle the sifted cake flour over the mixture and gently fold it in with a spatula, mixing only until incorporated to keep the batter light.
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 the cake springs back when lightly touched. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
5. Step 5: To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth. Poke small holes on the cooled cake’s surface using a skewer or fork, then drizzle the glaze evenly, allowing it to soak in.
6. Step 6: For the whipped cream, beat the chilled heavy cream with sugar and lime zest on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Serve alongside or atop the glazed cake.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature egg whites to achieve maximum volume and a fluffy cake texture.
• Gently fold in the flour to avoid deflating the egg whites and keep the cake light.
• If you can’t find key limes, fresh regular lime juice can be a suitable substitute.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for added depth of flavor.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the whipped cream separate and whip fresh before serving if possible. To reheat, let cake come to room temperature; avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

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 can be used, though key lime juice offers a more distinctive and aromatic citrus flavor traditional to this recipe.

Why shouldn’t I grease the angel food cake pan?

The ungreased pan allows the batter to cling to the sides as it rises, helping the cake maintain its structure and light texture during baking.

Perfect Key Lime Angel Food Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 106 reviews

This Perfect Key Lime Angel Food Cake is a light, airy dessert infused with fresh key lime juice and zest. Made with whipped egg whites and cake flour, it offers a delicate texture combined with a tangy key lime glaze and a luscious lime-infused whipped cream topping. Ideal for citrus lovers seeking a refreshing, summery cake with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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For the Cake:

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

For the Glaze:

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

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream (chilled)
• 1/2 tsp lime zest
• 1 tbsp sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that it reaches the proper temperature by the time your batter is ready for baking.
2. Beat the Egg Whites: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine 1 1/2 cups egg whites at room temperature, 2 tablespoons key lime juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime peel. Beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, which stabilizes the mixture and creates an airy structure.
3. Incorporate Sugar and Cake Flour: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, mixing until just combined. Then, gently sprinkle in 1 cup sifted cake flour and fold it in with a spatula carefully to avoid deflating the whipped egg whites. Pour the batter into an ungreased 9 or 10-inch angel food tube pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing.
4. Prepare and Drizzle the Key Lime Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 to 4 tablespoons key lime juice, and 1 teaspoon lime zest until smooth. Use a skewer or fork to poke small holes in the top of the cooled cake, then drizzle the glaze evenly over it to allow the flavors to soak in deeply.
5. Make the Lime Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, add 1 cup chilled heavy cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon grated lime zest. Beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until stiff peaks form and the cream becomes thick and creamy. Serve the whipped cream alongside or spread on top of the cake for a fresh, citrusy finish.

Notes

• Make sure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume when whisking.
• Do not grease the angel food cake pan to allow the batter to cling and rise properly.
• Poking holes before glazing helps the cake absorb more flavor of the key lime glaze.
• Use freshly squeezed key lime juice for the best and brightest lime flavor.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before removing from the pan to prevent collapse or cracking.

Keywords: Key Lime Angel Food Cake, Light Citrus Cake, Angel Food Cake, Key Lime Dessert, Low Fat Cake