Key Lime Bread is a delightful citrusy loaf that bursts with zesty flavor, topped with a tangy glaze. This quick bread is incredibly moist and easy to make, making it a perfect choice for brunch, spring gatherings, or just as a sweet treat any time of the year. The refreshing taste of lime combined with the sweet glaze creates a wonderful experience that will brighten your day. Let’s get started on this delicious journey!
Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Bread
This delicious Key Lime Bread is not only a feast for the taste buds but also offers numerous benefits:
- Perfect for summer parties with a tropical twist.
- Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to whip up without any special tools.
- A great way to incorporate citrus into your diet.
- Perfectly complements tea or coffee for breakfast.
- Can be made gluten-free for a dietary option.
- Versatile enough to serve as a dessert or snack.
- Freezes well, making it a convenient option for later.
With its bright flavor, it’s no wonder why this Key Lime Quick Bread has gained popularity as a must-try recipe!
Ingredients for Key Lime Bread
Gather these items:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons key lime juice (for glaze)
- Optional: extra lime zest for garnish
How to Make Key Lime Bread Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk sugar, oil, egg, buttermilk, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: Whisk powdered sugar with lime juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread and garnish with extra zest.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Key Lime Bread
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it can lead to dense bread.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding Key Lime Bread with Cream Cheese as a twist.
- Experiment with adding coconut for a tropical flair.
Best Ways to Serve Key Lime Bread
This Key Lime Bread can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet treat.
- Pair with a fruit salad for a refreshing brunch option.
- Consider it as a base for Key Lime Dessert by layering with cheesecake filling.
How to Store and Reheat Key Lime Bread
To keep your Key Lime Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature. It can last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it slightly in the oven. This is particularly handy for meal prep and ensures you always have a delicious treat on hand!
Frequently Asked Questions About Key Lime Bread
What’s the secret to perfect Key Lime Bread?
The secret lies in using fresh key lime juice and zest for the best flavor. Properly measuring your ingredients and not overmixing the batter will ensure a light and moist loaf.
Can I make Key Lime Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make this bread a day in advance. Just be sure to store it properly, and it will stay fresh and delicious for your event.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Key Lime Bread?
To avoid common pitfalls, measure your flour accurately, and ensure your baking powder is fresh. Also, be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out your bread.
Variations of Key Lime Bread You Can Try
There are so many delightful variations for this recipe. You could try:
- Adding shredded coconut for a Key Lime Bread with Coconut twist.
- Creating a gluten-free version using almond flour or coconut flour.
- Incorporating nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
- Using a cream cheese swirl for a rich, decadent variation.
These variations not only highlight the versatility of this Key Lime Quick Bread but also allow you to tailor it to your taste preferences!

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection. If you’re interested in trying a different flavor, consider making Pumpkin Patch Cookies or Pistachio Cheesecake Delight. You can also explore Spicy Thai Pumpkin Soup for a unique twist on seasonal flavors.
For more information on the health benefits of citrus fruits, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Delicious Key Lime Bread: A Bright Citrus Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Key Lime Quick Bread is a soft, citrusy loaf bursting with zesty lime flavor and topped with a tangy lime glaze. Moist, bright, and easy to make, this quick bread is perfect for brunch, spring gatherings, or any time you want a sweet, sunny treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons key lime juice (for glaze)
- Optional: extra lime zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk sugar, oil, egg, buttermilk, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Whisk powdered sugar with lime juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread and garnish with extra zest.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg












