Irresistible Gooey Lime Butter Cake: The Ultimate Tangy & Easy Dessert Recipe

Prepare to be absolutely delighted by this incredible **Gooey Lime Butter Cake**. It’s a dessert that masterfully combines a soft, rich, and buttery cake base with an incredibly luscious, tangy lime filling that bakes right into the cake itself. Imagine the classic gooey butter cake, but with a vibrant, refreshing burst of lime – that’s exactly what you get! This unique creation offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, reminiscent of a delicate cheesecake married with a zesty lime slice. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, yet delivers an impressive, mouth-watering experience that will have everyone asking for more.

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Why This Gooey Lime Cake Will Become Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another lime cake; it’s an experience. We’ve taken the beloved concept of a gooey butter cake and infused it with bright, zesty lime, creating a dessert that stands out from the crowd. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:

• Unforgettable Gooey Butter Cake Experience: At its heart, this cake delivers that cherished gooey butter cake essence. It boasts a perfectly buttery cake batter that forms the base, complemented by a soft, rich, and wonderfully gooey filling that melds seamlessly during baking.
• Explosive Lime Flavor: We harness the power of fresh lime juice and zest to ensure every bite is bursting with authentic, tangy lime flavor. There’s no need for artificial extracts here; the natural zest and juice provide all the vibrant citrus notes you could ever want, making it incredibly refreshing.
• Deceptively Easy to Make: Don’t let the impressive results intimidate you! This gooey lime cake is incredibly straightforward. The base comes together without the need for an electric mixer, and the filling bakes right on top, simplifying the process significantly. It’s a recipe designed for bakers of all skill levels to achieve stunning success.
• A Unique Texture Sensation: It’s more than just a cake; it’s a delightful cross between a creamy cheesecake and a traditional lime slice. You’ll love the tender, slightly chewy edges of the base contrasting with the silky, custard-like, gooey center.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a casual family gathering, or a special celebration, this lime cake is a crowd-pleaser. Its bright flavor and impressive texture make it a versatile dessert that everyone will adore.

This cake proves that you don’t need complex techniques or fancy equipment to create a truly spectacular dessert. It’s the kind of treat that looks elaborate but is surprisingly simple to execute.

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The Secret to Intense Lime Flavor: Rubbing Zest with Sugar

One of the foundational steps in this recipe, and a crucial secret to maximizing that vibrant lime flavor, is to thoroughly rub the lime zest together with the granulated sugar. This isn’t just a mixing step; it’s a flavor extraction technique known as “zest infusion.”

When you gently rub the finely grated lime zest into the sugar with your fingertips, the abrasive sugar granules work to release the essential oils from the zest. These oils are where all the potent, aromatic lime flavor resides. As these oils are released, they infuse into the sugar, moistening it slightly and creating a highly fragrant, lime-scented sugar. This process ensures that the lime flavor is evenly distributed throughout the cake batter, providing a deep, natural citrus taste without the need for any artificial lime extracts. It’s a simple technique that makes a significant difference in the final aromatic profile of your cake.

Achieving That Perfect Gooey Texture

The signature “gooey” texture is what makes this lime butter cake truly special, and achieving it is all about understanding the baking and cooling process. While the filling will appear jiggly when it first comes out of the oven, this is exactly what you want! It means it’s on its way to setting perfectly.

The cake is ready when the edges are beautifully golden brown and set, and the center of the filling has puffed up. If you notice small bubbles forming around the middle, consider that a fantastic sign of doneness. A knife inserted into the very middle will NOT come out clean – it should still have some moist, gooey crumbs or filling clinging to it. This is normal and desired for this type of cake.

The most important step for that ideal gooey texture is patience during cooling. It’s crucial to allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before attempting to slice it. This gives the gooey filling ample time to set properly. Cutting into it too soon will result in a runny center, as the filling needs that time to firm up just enough to be sliceable while retaining its decadent softness. For the absolute best gooey experience, we highly recommend serving it at room temperature.

Exploring Gooey Butter Cake Variations

This lime version is a delightful and refreshing twist on the classic St. Louis or Louisiana gooey butter cake, a beloved regional specialty known for its incredibly rich, sweet, and, of course, gooey texture. The traditional version typically features a yellow cake base and a custard-like cream cheese filling.

While the lime iteration brings a fantastic tangy brightness, the versatility of gooey butter cake allows for endless flavor explorations. If you’re a fan of citrus, you absolutely must try a lemon version. Check out this fantastic lemon butter cake recipe for a sunny, equally irresistible alternative. Beyond lemon, consider substituting the lime zest and juice with blood orange for another sophisticated and beautiful flavor profile. The possibilities are truly endless, inviting you to experiment with your favorite fruit combinations.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips for Your Lime Cake

One of the many benefits of this gooey lime cake is its flexibility when it comes to preparation and storage, allowing you to enjoy it fresh or save it for later. For the ultimate soft and gooey texture that truly highlights the cake’s unique characteristics, we highly recommend serving it at room temperature. The subtle warmth brings out the richness of the butter and the delicate tang of the lime in the filling.

If you prefer a firmer, more cheesecake-like texture, simply chill the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight before serving. This firms up the filling, providing a different but equally delicious experience.

Storing leftovers: This delectable gooey lime cake stores remarkably well. Keep it fresh in the fridge within an airtight container or a dedicated cake carrier for up to 3 days. This ensures it retains its moisture and flavor.

Freezing for later: This cake is also freezer-friendly! To freeze, cut the cake into individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in parchment paper, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together and protects them from freezer burn. Frozen slices will maintain their quality for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw a slice in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Essential Ingredients for Your Gooey Lime Cake

Success in baking often comes down to the quality and proper handling of your ingredients. While the full list with precise measurements is in the recipe card below, take a moment to understand the role of these key components:

• All-Purpose Flour: For consistent and accurate baking results, weighing your flour is always the best practice. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, remember the proper measuring technique: stir the flour in its bag or container, then gently spoon it into your measuring cup. Level off the excess with the flat edge of a knife, being careful not to pack the flour into the cup. Over-packed flour can lead to a dry, dense cake.
• Butter: Opt for high-quality, real unsalted butter. Butter is not just a fat here; it’s a flavor powerhouse, contributing significantly to the rich, tender crumb of the cake base and the overall indulgent taste. Make sure it’s properly melted and cooled as specified in the recipe.
• Cream Cheese: Crucial for the signature gooey filling! Always use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. Avoid low-fat or whipped cream cheese varieties, as they contain too much water and can lead to a runny, less stable filling. Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Matcha Powder (Optional): This ingredient is purely for aesthetics, providing a subtle, natural green tint to the lime filling. If you prefer, you can use a tiny drop of green food coloring or simply omit it altogether. The flavor contribution is minimal, allowing the lime to shine.
• Fresh Limes: Whether you choose traditional Persian limes or the more intensely aromatic Key limes, fresh is paramount. You’ll need both the zest for aromatic oils and the juice for that tangy punch. Bottled lime juice simply doesn’t compare in terms of flavor intensity and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Buttery Cake Batter

Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect foundation for your gooey lime cake:

• Step 1 – Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C). This ensures even baking from the start. Thoroughly butter the bottom and sides of an 8-inch or 9-inch round springform pan. If you don’t have a springform pan, use a regular round pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. Leave enough overhang on the edges to create “handles” that will allow you to easily lift the finished cake out of the pan after baking.
• Step 2 – Infuse the Sugar with Lime: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the freshly grated lime zest. Using your fingers, rub these two ingredients together for a minute or two. You’ll notice the sugar becoming incredibly fragrant and slightly moistened as the zest releases its aromatic oils. This simple step is key to a truly lime-packed cake.
• Step 3 – Incorporate Wet Ingredients: To the fragrant sugar and zest mixture, add the sea salt, large egg, melted and cooled butter, and fresh lime juice. Whisk everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; a few lumps are okay.
• Step 4 – Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder directly into the same bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently fold the mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon until no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing the flour will develop gluten, resulting in a tough cake, so stop mixing as soon as it’s just combined.
• Step 5 – Prepare for Baking: Transfer the thick, luscious cake batter into your prepared baking pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out into an even layer, ensuring it covers the entire bottom of the pan smoothly. Set this aside while you prepare the filling.

Crafting and Baking the Luscious Lime Filling

Now for the star of the show – the gooey, tangy lime filling that transforms this cake:

• Step 1 – Cream the Cheese and Sugar: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat them together (an electric mixer is helpful here, but a sturdy whisk can also work) until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature for the best results.
• Step 2 – Add the Remaining Filling Ingredients: Incorporate the sea salt, egg yolks, additional lime juice, more fresh lime zest, and the optional sifted matcha powder (for that subtle green hue). Beat again until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is silky smooth.
• Step 3 – Bake to Gooey Perfection: Carefully pour the smooth lime filling directly on top of the cake batter that you’ve already spread in the baking pan. Place the cake pan onto a larger baking sheet – this is a good preventative measure in case of any drips or overflows. Bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges of the filling are golden brown and set, and the middle is noticeably puffed up. The center will still be jiggly when you gently shake the pan; this is expected and desirable! If you observe small bubbles forming around the middle of the filling, that’s a perfect indicator of doneness. If the top starts to brown too quickly before the center is set, loosely tent the cake with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Step 4 – Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. After this initial cooling, gently run a thin knife along the edges of the cake to help release it from the pan. If using a springform pan, carefully remove the sides. If using a regular pan with parchment overhang, lift the cake out by the parchment handles. Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before slicing. This crucial cooling time allows the gooey filling to fully set, making it easier to cut and ensuring the perfect texture. Just before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and an extra touch of sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gooey Lime Cake

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📖 Recipe

Lime Cake

Mary

This lime cake has a soft, buttery cake at the bottom and a gooey, tangy lime filling that bakes right into the cake. It’s like a gooey butter cake but with lime! It tastes like a cross between cheesecake and lime slice. This lime cake is super easy to make and the texture is super impressive.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time

15 minutes
mins

Cook Time

45 minutes
mins

Total Time

1 hour
hr

Course
Baking, Cake

Cuisine
American

Servings

12
people

Equipment

• 
  ▢
  
  

  nine inch springform round baking pan

Ingredients

Cake

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  cup
  
  sugar
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  
  limes
  
  zested

• 
  ▢
  
  
  ⅛
  teaspoon
  
  sea salt
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  
  large egg
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  cup
  
  butter
  
  melted and cooled

• 
  ▢
  
  
  3
  tablespoons
  
  lime juice
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2 ¾
  cup
  
  all purpose flour
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2 ½
  teaspoons
  
  baking powder
  

Filling

• 
  ▢
  
  
  8
  oz
  
  cream cheese
  
  softened

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  cups
  
  powdered sugar
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  ⅛
  teaspoon
  
  sea salt
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  
  egg yolks
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  tablespoons
  
  lime juice
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  
  lime
  
  zested

• 
  ▢
  
  
  ½
  teaspoon
  
  sifted matcha powder
  
  for green colour, optional

• 
  ▢
  
  
  4
  tablespoons
  
  powdered sugar
  

Makes: 

9
inch


0
x
0
inch


round

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Instructions

Cake

• Preheat oven to 340°F (170°C). Butter the bottom and sides of an 8” or 9” round springform pan. For a non springform pan, use a regular round pan and line the bottom and sides with a piece of parchment paper, leaving enough overhang at the edges to be able to lift the cake out after baking.
• In a large bowl, combine sugar and lime zest. Rub the mixture with your fingers until it becomes fragrant and the sugar looks a bit wet.
  1 cup sugar,
  2 limes
• Add salt, egg, melted butter, and lime juice into the same bowl. Whisk to combine.
  ⅛ teaspoon sea salt,
  1 large egg,
  1 cup butter,
  3 tablespoons lime juice
• Sift flour and baking powder right into the same bowl. Fold just until no more dry streaks of flour remain.
  2 ¾ cup all purpose flour,
  2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• Dump the thick batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out in an even layer. Set aside.

Filling

• Combine cream cheese and powdered sugar, beat until no more lumps remain.
  8 oz cream cheese,
  2 cups powdered sugar
• Add salt, yolks, lime juice, lime zest, and matcha powder (optional).
  2 egg yolks,
  2 tablespoons lime juice,
  1 lime,
  ½ teaspoon sifted matcha powder,
  ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• Beat until completely smooth. Pour filling on top of the cake batter and place onto a larger baking sheet. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the edges are golden and set, and the middle is puffed up. The middle will be jiggly. If you see bubbles around the middle that is a good sign. Tent the top of the cake with aluminum foil to prevent from browning too soon if needed.
• Let the cake cool for 15 minutes. Run a knife along the edges to help release. Remove the sides of the cake (or lift it out) and let cool to room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
  4 tablespoons powdered sugar

Video

Notes

How to tell the cake is ready:

The edges will be set and golden brown, and the middle will be puffed up. If you see any bubbles around the middle, that’s a good sign that it’s ready. If the middle isn’t puffed and the edges are getting too dark, tent the top with aluminum foil to prevent burning, lower the temperature, and keep an eye on it. 

For an ultra gooey texture, I recommend serving the cake when it’s slightly warm at room temperature.

For a firmer texture, chill the cake for a few hours or overnight (like you would a cheesecake). Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.

Storage:

The cake will keep well in the fridge (store in an airtight container or cake carrier) for up to 3 days. You can freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Wrap them in parchment paper to prevent them from sticking in the freezer.

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