Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly boozy, key lime rum cakes are the perfect way to add a tropical twist to your baking repertoire. Whether you’re craving a zesty dessert to brighten up your day or looking for a show-stopping treat to impress your guests, these 12 amazing recipes promise to deliver. Dive into our roundup and discover your next favorite bake—each one is a slice of paradise waiting to happen!
Key Lime Rum Cake with Coconut Glaze

Tantalize your taste buds with this zesty Key Lime Rum Cake, topped with a silky coconut glaze. Perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet treat any day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- a splash of rum
- the zest and juice of 2 key limes
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour and sugar. Add butter, eggs, rum, and key lime zest. Beat until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, whisk together key lime juice, coconut milk, and powdered sugar for the glaze.
- Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the top with a skewer. Slowly pour the glaze over, letting it soak in.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Tip: For extra flavor, brush the warm cake with a bit more rum before glazing.
Moist and bursting with citrus, this cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coconut glaze adds a tropical twist that’s irresistibly creamy.
Tropical Key Lime Rum Cake

Absolutely perfect for summer, this Tropical Key Lime Rum Cake blends zesty lime with smooth rum for a dessert that’s irresistibly moist and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 small box of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup of vegetable oil
- ½ cup of water
- ½ cup of rum
- Juice of 2 key limes
- Zest of 1 key lime
- A splash of vanilla extract
- A couple of tablespoons of powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a Bundt pan thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, water, rum, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Tip: The cake should be golden and pull away slightly from the edges.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Tip: Running a knife around the edges helps release the cake easily.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Moist and fluffy, this cake packs a punch of tropical flavor. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and extra lime zest for a vibrant finish.
Key Lime Rum Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Zesty and vibrant, this Key Lime Rum Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a tropical twist on a classic dessert. Perfect for summer gatherings or when you’re craving something sweet with a kick.
Ingredients
– 1 box of yellow cake mix
– 3 eggs
– 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup of rum
– 1/4 cup of key lime juice
– A splash of vanilla extract
– 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup of butter, softened
– 2 cups of powdered sugar
– A couple of key limes for zest
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, rum, key lime juice, and vanilla until smooth. Tip: For an extra moist cake, don’t overmix.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Tip: Cooling upside down helps keep the cake’s shape.
5. While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese and butter together until fluffy.
6. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is smooth. Tip: For a thinner frosting, add a teaspoon of key lime juice.
7. Frost the cooled cake and garnish with key lime zest.
Unexpectedly moist with a bold lime flavor, this cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of rum on the side. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy contrast to the tangy cake.
Key Lime Rum Cake with White Chocolate Drizzle

Vividly tangy and irresistibly boozy, this cake is a tropical escape on a plate. Perfect for summer gatherings or when you’re craving something sweet with a kick.
Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup key lime juice
– 1/4 cup rum
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1 tsp baking powder
– A pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– A splash of milk for the drizzle
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix in the eggs, key lime juice, rum, and melted butter until smooth. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the cake tender.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Tip: Cooling prevents the drizzle from melting too fast.
6. Melt white chocolate chips with a splash of milk in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Tip: Use a piping bag for a neat drizzle.
7. Drizzle the white chocolate over the cooled cake.
Now, the cake boasts a moist crumb with a zesty lime flavor, balanced by the creamy white chocolate. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Key Lime Rum Cake with Raspberry Coulis

Perfect for summer gatherings, this Key Lime Rum Cake with Raspberry Coulis combines zesty citrus with a boozy kick, topped with a sweet-tart sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup key lime juice
- 2 tbsp rum
- 1 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- A splash of water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add softened butter, eggs, key lime juice, and rum. Mix until smooth. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, blend raspberries, powdered sugar, and a splash of water for the coulis. Strain to remove seeds. Tip: Adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if needed.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Tip: Cooling prevents the cake from breaking.
- Drizzle raspberry coulis over the cooled cake before serving.
With a moist crumb and vibrant flavors, this cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Key Lime Rum Cake with Mango Topping

Fancy a tropical twist on your dessert game? This Key Lime Rum Cake with Mango Topping is a breeze to make and packs a punch of flavor. Perfect for summer gatherings or when you’re craving something sweet with a kick.
Ingredients
– 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup key lime juice
– 1/4 cup rum
– 1 tsp baking powder
– A pinch of salt
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– A splash of vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix in the key lime juice and rum until well combined.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. While the cake cools, toss the diced mango with powdered sugar.
11. Once the cake is completely cool, top it with the mango mixture.
Just right for those who love a moist cake with a zesty lime flavor and a sweet mango finish. Serve it chilled for an extra refreshing treat or with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Key Lime Rum Cake with Lime Zest Icing

Absolutely everyone needs a slice of this Key Lime Rum Cake with Lime Zest Icing in their life. It’s the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, with a boozy kick that’s not too overpowering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup of key lime juice
- 1/4 cup of rum
- 1 tbsp of lime zest
- 1/2 tsp of baking powder
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- A splash of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of powdered sugar for the icing
- A couple of tbsp of milk to thin the icing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Tip: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the key lime juice and rum. The batter will look a bit curdled, but that’s okay.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Fold in the lime zest.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Tip: Check the cake at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar and enough milk to reach a drizzle-able consistency. Stir in a bit of lime zest for extra flavor.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake.
This cake is wonderfully moist with a bright lime flavor and a subtle rum warmth. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and extra lime zest on top for an extra special touch.
Key Lime Rum Cake with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream

Zesty and refreshing, this Key Lime Rum Cake with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream is a tropical delight. Perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet treat any day.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup key lime juice
- 2 tbsp rum
- 1 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean, scraped
- A splash of vanilla extract
- A couple of tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Tip: Room temp butter blends better.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in key lime juice and rum.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
- Pour batter into the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For the whipped cream, beat heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, extract, and powdered sugar to stiff peaks. Tip: Chill your bowl and beaters for quicker whipping.
- Spread whipped cream over the cooled cake.
Creamy and tangy, this cake pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of extra rum or fresh lime zest on top. Serve chilled for a refreshing twist.
Key Lime Rum Cake with Almond Crust

Ready to dive into a dessert that’s as refreshing as it is indulgent? This Key Lime Rum Cake with Almond Crust combines zesty lime, a hint of rum, and a crunchy almond base for a dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of almond flour for that nutty crust
- 1/4 cup of melted butter to bind it all together
- 2 tbsp of sugar, just a touch of sweetness
- 3 eggs, because every good cake needs them
- 1 cup of sugar, for the cake batter
- 1/2 cup of key lime juice, freshly squeezed is best
- A splash of rum, for that grown-up kick
- 1 tbsp of key lime zest, for extra zing
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, to give the cake structure
- A pinch of salt, to balance the sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix almond flour, melted butter, and 2 tbsp sugar in a bowl. Press into the pan’s bottom for the crust. Bake for 10 minutes until slightly golden. Tip: Use the bottom of a glass to press the crust evenly.
- Whisk eggs and 1 cup sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Tip: Room temperature eggs mix better.
- Stir in key lime juice, rum, and zest. Gently fold in flour and salt until just combined. Tip: Overmixing leads to a tough cake.
- Pour batter over the pre-baked crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the center is set.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Zesty and moist, this cake pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted almonds. The almond crust adds a delightful crunch, making every bite a perfect balance of textures.
Key Lime Rum Cake with Passion Fruit Sauce

Got a craving for something tropical and tangy? This Key Lime Rum Cake with Passion Fruit Sauce is your ticket to paradise. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup key lime juice
- 2 tbsp rum
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup passion fruit pulp
- A splash of water
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add melted butter, key lime juice, rum, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into the pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, combine passion fruit pulp, water, and honey in a saucepan.
- Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before drizzling with the passion fruit sauce.
Here’s the deal: the cake is moist with a zesty kick, balanced by the sweet and tangy sauce. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Key Lime Rum Cake with Candied Lime Slices

Baking this Key Lime Rum Cake is a breeze, and the candied lime slices add a zesty finish. Perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet treat any day.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup key lime juice
- 1/4 cup rum
- 1 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup sugar (for candied limes)
- 2 limes, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Tip: Room temp butter blends easier.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in key lime juice and rum.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Pour batter into the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cake bakes, make candied limes. Boil 1/2 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a skillet.
- Add lime slices, simmer for 15 minutes until translucent. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Let limes cool on parchment paper. They’ll crisp up as they dry.
- Once cake is cool, top with candied lime slices. Tip: For extra shine, brush limes with a little syrup.
Rich with tangy lime and a hint of rum, this cake is moist and flavorful. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra decadence.
Key Lime Rum Cake with Spiced Rum Glaze

Never underestimate the power of a good rum cake, especially when it’s got the tangy kick of key lime and a spiced rum glaze. This one’s a game-changer for your dessert table.
Ingredients
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup of sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup of key lime juice
– 1/2 cup of spiced rum
– 1 tsp of baking powder
– A pinch of salt
– For the glaze: 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, a splash of spiced rum, and a squeeze of key lime juice
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Tip: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best mix.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the key lime juice and 1/4 cup of spiced rum.
4. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Tip: Overmixing can make the cake tough.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. While the cake cools, mix the powdered sugar, remaining spiced rum, and key lime juice for the glaze. Tip: Adjust the consistency with more sugar or juice as needed.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Enjoy the moist, tangy-sweet layers with a hint of warmth from the spiced rum. Perfect with a cup of coffee or as a bold dessert at your next gathering.
Conclusion
Absolutely delightful, these 12 Key Lime Rum Cake recipes offer a tropical escape in every bite! Perfect for home cooks looking to impress or simply treat themselves. We’d love to hear which recipe becomes your favorite—don’t forget to leave a comment and share the joy by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy baking!