Key Lime Bread is a delightful treat that bursts with a zesty lime flavor and a moist texture. This easy-to-make citrus bread is topped with a tangy lime glaze that perfectly complements its sweet profile. Whether served at brunch or as a simple dessert, this bread brings a sunny vibe to any occasion. With no yeast required, it’s a quick and satisfying way to enjoy the refreshing taste of lime.
Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Bread
There are countless reasons to adore this Key Lime Bread. First, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a perfect option for both novice and experienced bakers alike. The vibrant citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze, delivering a taste that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy as a dessert or a snack. This lime quick bread is a fantastic addition to brunch spreads, and you can easily customize it by adding coconut or nuts. With every bite, you’ll savor the delicious tanginess that makes this bread a popular choice!

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 Best Key Lime Bread
Keep these in mind:
- Make sure to use fresh key limes for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep your bread light and fluffy.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before icing to ensure the glaze sets perfectly.
Best Ways to Serve Key Lime Bread
This citrus bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For an extra tropical twist, try serving it with some toasted coconut flakes on top.
How to Store and Reheat Key Lime Bread
To store your Key Lime Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Key Lime Bread
What’s the secret to perfect Key Lime Bread?
The secret lies in using fresh key limes and ensuring not to overmix the batter. This keeps the bread moist and enhances its flavor, making it a delicious key lime loaf.
Can I make Key Lime Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and bake it fresh when you’re ready. This makes it an excellent option for quick brunch plans.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Key Lime Bread?
To avoid common mistakes, measure your ingredients accurately, and be careful not to overbake. A toothpick should come out clean, but the bread should still be moist inside.
Variations of Key Lime Bread You Can Try
There are several fun variations you can experiment with. Consider adding shredded coconut for a tropical twist, or make it a gluten-free key lime bread by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour. You can also create a key lime bread with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent dessert version.
For more delicious recipes, check out Orange Zucchini Bread or Apple Pie Baked Oats. If you’re interested in the health benefits of citrus, visit Healthline for more information.
Print
Delicious Key Lime Bread: A Sweet Citrus Delight
- 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: 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
