Key Lime Quick Bread Recipe
This Key Lime Quick Bread is a moist and zesty loaf infused with the bright flavors of key lime zest and juice. Perfect for a quick bake, this bread features a tender crumb with a tangy key lime glaze drizzled on top, making it a refreshing treat ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Bread
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1 tablespoon key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup buttermilk
Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb in the bread.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, followed by key lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla extract until all are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Then pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough.
- Fill Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan or alternatively into mini loaf pans or a muffin pan. Place in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make Glaze: While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and key lime juice in a small bowl to form a smooth glaze.
- Cool and Glaze: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for roughly 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack or tray. Pour the lime glaze over the bread while it is still warm so it soaks in beautifully. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the bread tender.
- You can use regular lime if key limes are unavailable, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- The bread can be baked in muffin tins for about 20-25 minutes for a smaller portion.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: Key lime bread, quick bread, lime glaze, citrus bread, easy bread recipe, dessert bread