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Best Key Lime Angel Food Cake Recipe


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4.3 from 52 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Best Key Lime Angel Food Cake is a light and airy dessert infused with fresh key lime juice and zest, topped with fluffy homemade whipped cream. It combines the classic cloud-like texture of angel food cake with a refreshing citrus twist, perfect for a summer treat or any occasion that calls for a bright, tangy dessert.


Ingredients

Cake Batter

  • 1 box (16 oz) angel food cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup fresh key lime juice (about 4-5 key limes)
  • 1 tbsp key lime zest (or regular lime zest)

Whipped Cream Topping

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • Additional key lime zest and slices for garnish


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 10-inch tube pan by leaving it ungreased to allow the cake to rise properly.
  2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine angel food cake mix, water, vanilla extract, key lime juice, and key lime zest. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  3. Beat the Mixture: Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for 7-10 minutes until stiff peaks form. The batter should be light, fluffy, and resemble a cloud.
  4. Fold in Zest: Carefully fold in an additional tablespoon of lime zest, being gentle to maintain the airiness of the batter.
  5. Pour & Smooth: Pour the airy batter into the tube pan and smooth the top gently with a spatula, ensuring not to pack the batter down.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and springs back lightly when touched.
  7. Cool the Cake: Immediately invert the pan onto a cooling rack post-baking and let the cake cool completely in the pan to prevent collapsing.
  8. Remove from Pan: Once cooled, carefully run a thin knife or spatula around the cake edges to loosen it, then gently remove the cake from the pan.
  9. Make the Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy topping.
  10. Top the Cake: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the cooled cake as desired for an elegant finish.
  11. Garnish: Decorate with additional key lime zest and slices of key lime for a colorful and flavorful presentation.
  12. Serve: Slice and serve the cake chilled or at room temperature to enjoy a refreshing and zesty dessert.

Notes

  • Leave the tube pan ungreased to allow the angel food cake to climb and rise properly.
  • Ensure to beat the batter until stiff peaks form for a light and fluffy cake texture.
  • Be gentle when folding in additional zest and when pouring batter to keep it airy.
  • Cooling the cake inverted prevents it from collapsing and maintains its airy structure.
  • Use chilled bowls and beaters when whipping cream for best results.
  • Key limes have a more intense flavor than regular limes; adjust zest and juice quantities if using regular limes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American