If you’re yearning for a bakery-style treat with a citrus twist, Key Lime Bread is about to become your new go-to loaf! Moist, zesty, and kissed with a tangy lime glaze, every bite will transport you straight to a beachside bakery—without ever leaving your kitchen.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Bursts of Fresh Citrus Flavor: Real key limes (or regular limes) give this bread authentic, irresistible zing in every slice.
- Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to sour cream and olive oil, Key Lime Bread stays deliciously soft for days.
- Easy to Make: Everything comes together in a blender, so even “non-bakers” can turn out bakery-perfect loaves every time.
- Perfect Year-Round: Whether it’s summer or you need a winter pick-me-up, this bread brings a splash of sunshine to your table.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of Key Lime Bread is that each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen for both flavor and texture, but there’s plenty of room to make it your own. Most are pantry staples, and even a couple of swaps won’t compromise the zesty, moist crumb you crave!
- Key limes (or regular limes): Key limes provide a floral, signature tartness, but regular limes bring great results, too—just stick to the same volume.
- Lime zest: Zest adds vibrant oils for that extra pop of lime aroma—don’t skip this step!
- Eggs: Room-temperature eggs ensure smooth blending and a beautifully risen loaf.
- Extra virgin olive oil: This gives rich moisture and subtle flavor. Substitute with a neutral oil like canola, if needed.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right amount for balance—feel free to swap with coconut sugar for a hint of caramel.
- Sour cream: Adds tender crumb and tang. Plain Greek yogurt can be used in a pinch.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the citrus and adds warmth to the flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread—don’t use cake or bread flour here, or the texture will change.
- Baking powder: Gives the bread its classic rise and airiness.
- Sea salt: Just enough to enhance the sweet and sour notes.
- Confectioners’ sugar & fresh lime juice: Essential for that glossy, tangy lime glaze that makes every slice irresistible.
How to Make Key Lime Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease and flour a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. For the easiest removal later, you can also line the pan with a strip of parchment paper, making sure there’s an overhang for lifting out the loaf.
Step 2: Blend Up the Wet Ingredients
Add the peeled and pith-removed key limes, lime zest, eggs, olive oil, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract into your blender. Blitz until everything is completely smooth—this step ensures that you get an even lime flavor throughout your Key Lime Bread.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking powder, and sea salt right into the blender. Pulse gently (about 10 times) just until you see the flour disappear. It’s important not to overmix here—overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of a tender crumb!
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
Step 5: Cool and Glaze
Let the Key Lime Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. While that’s happening, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and lime juice to make a tangy-sweet glaze. Drizzle it all over the cooled loaf, and give it a few moments to set before slicing.
How to Serve Key Lime Bread
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra lime zest or thinly sliced limes looks gorgeous and highlights the vibrant flavor, while a dusting of toasted coconut or chopped pistachios brings texture and a hint of the tropics to your Key Lime Bread.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside vanilla yogurt for breakfast, pair with a fruit salad for brunch, or go all-out with a scoop of homemade coconut ice cream for a perfect dessert duo.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread into cubes for a zesty trifle, make mini loaves as edible gifts, or even toast thick slices and spread with sweetened mascarpone for a delightful brunch treat—the possibilities with Key Lime Bread are endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Key Lime Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or pop it in the fridge if you plan to enjoy it throughout the week—the glaze actually protects the crumb and keeps it moist.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the cooled, unglazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature before adding fresh glaze.
Reheating
If you love a warm, fresh-from-the-oven slice, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. Larger portions can be wrapped in foil and warmed gently in a low oven.
FAQs
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Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh limes?
Fresh limes (especially key limes) give the bread its bright, natural flavor, while bottled juice can taste flat or acidic—so I highly recommend sticking with the real thing!
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What should I do if my bread sinks in the middle?
This usually happens if the batter is overmixed, or if the bread is underbaked. Make sure to pulse the dry ingredients gently and check for doneness with a toothpick before removing from the oven.
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Can I make Key Lime Bread gluten-free?
Absolutely—replace the all-purpose flour with a good 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The loaf will still be light and packed with lime flavor!
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Is the glaze essential, or can I skip it?
The lime glaze adds a tangy-sweet finish that perfectly balances the bread, but the loaf is delicious all on its own if you prefer it less sweet or need to transport it easily.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about baking and sharing Key Lime Bread—each slice feels like a celebration of sunshine and citrus! Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if this zesty, tender loaf quickly becomes a new favorite with everyone at your table.
Print
Key Lime Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight your taste buds with this tangy and moist Key Lime Bread recipe that’s bursting with citrus flavor. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a wonderful treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 4 whole key limes or 2 large limes, peeled and pith removed
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
For the Lime Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 – 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a blender, combine the peeled limes, lime zest, eggs, olive oil, granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and sea salt to the blender. Pulse just until fully incorporated.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Lime Glaze: Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and lime juice until smooth.
- Glaze the Bread: Once cooled, drizzle the lime glaze over the bread.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 186mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
