Imagine a dessert that combines the tangy sophistication of key lime pie with the irresistible charm of bite-sized cake balls. These Key Lime Pie Cake Bites are not just a treat; they're a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise of flavor! Perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or when you simply need a burst of citrusy happiness, these little gems are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 bites
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup key lime juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the box of vanilla cake mix, 3 large eggs, and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Gradually add 1 cup of key lime juice to the batter, mixing continuously until the juice is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the key lime frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of cream cheese and 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 tablespoon of lime zest to the frosting mixture and mix until well combined. Set the frosting aside.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, crumble it into a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a fork to break the cake into fine crumbs.
- Add the prepared key lime frosting to the cake crumbs and mix well until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture is moist enough to hold together.
- Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the cake bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Once all the mixture has been rolled into bites, refrigerate the cake bites for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- After chilling, serve the Key Lime Pie Cake Bites as a delightful treat. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature!
Tips
- For the most vibrant lime flavor, use fresh key lime juice instead of bottled if possible.
- Make sure your cake is completely cooled before crumbling to ensure the right texture.
- Chill the cake bites for at least 30 minutes before serving to help them hold their shape.
- Use a small cookie scoop or melon baller for uniform-sized cake bites.
- For an extra decorative touch, roll the chilled cake bites in graham cracker crumbs or dust with additional lime zest.
- Store the cake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For best flavor and texture, let the cake bites sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
