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Key Lime Quick Bread Recipe

5 from 104 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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