What's the Difference Between Key Limes and Limes? (2024)

Key Lime Cream PieI am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It's so cool and refreshing—perfect for any summer potluck or get-together. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, with everyone asking for the recipe. It's one of my favorite key lime recipes! —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, FloridaGo to Recipe

Key Lime Pound CakeThis Key lime pound cake was inspired from a basic pound cake recipe that I like to play around with. It's now the only cake requested at every gathering. The unfrosted cake freezes well. —Pat Stewart, Canton, Georgia

Key Lime Pie BallsThe classic creamy filling, graham cracker crust and burst of lime are all mixed together in every bite of these rolled cookies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Key Lime Blondie BarsHere’s my tropical take on a beloved treat. These Key lime bars combine the taste of the classic pie with a blondie batter and cream cheese frosting. You can make a thicker crust if desired. —Kristin LaBoon, Austin, Texas

Key Lime CheesecakeI modified this old family recipe to use healthier ingredients. The texture is so smooth and light. It is a favorite dessert that is enjoyed by all.

Easy Key Lime PieThis refreshingly easy Key lime pie is a winner on all counts. It's quick and easy enough to make for a weeknight dessert, but special enough to take to weekend potlucks. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Key Lime Butter CookiesI love limes so much that if a recipe calls for lemons I almost always use limes instead. With their pretty green color, these are perfect for Christmas—you can also make them as sandwich cookies and use lime curd for the filling.—Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

Key Lime CupcakesI made these light, tangy cupcakes on a chilly day to remind me of our vacation in southern Florida, where Key lime pies are star attractions. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

Margarita Tres Leches CakeThe first time I ever had tres leches cake I felt as if I were in heaven. I have made it at home using several techniques and flavors, and this margarita twist on the classic is my favorite. —Laurie Lufkin, Essex, Massachusetts

Marshmallow-Almond Key Lime PieSummer is peak season for Key limes—a must for this pie’s distinctive sweet-tart flavor. Unlike other Key lime pies, mine has a smooth marshmallow layer on top. This makes it stand out as a crowd favorite. —Judy Castranova, New Bern, North Carolina

Key Lime TrifleWhen I saw a recipe for banana cream pie trifle I was inspired to invent a version than spun off my favorite pie, Key lime. My family loved it! Some friends got to try it, too, and they enjoyed immensely as well. —Rebecah Lytle, Ocala, Florida

Coconut Key Lime ThumbprintsThis is the cookie recipe I created for the Las Vegas World Food Championships in 2013. It's similar to a shortbread thumbprint cookie, but with lots more personality. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida

Frozen Key Lime DelightIn the middle of summer, nothing hits the spot quite like this sublime Key lime dessert. Cold, creamy and tart, it tastes like sunshine. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

Fluffy Key Lime PieFor a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It's low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best Key lime pie recipe ever! —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan

Key Lime BreadI first tried this deliciously different bread at a friend's house, and she graciously shared the recipe with me. It's so easy to make and it tastes absolutely yummy! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Key Lime PieWe created this refreshing mini pie with a homemade crumb crust and a pudding-like lime filling. If you can’t find Key lime juice, regular lime juice works just fine. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Key Lime Pie CupcakesI bake over 200 of these cupcakes for our church suppers, and we always run out. If you can't find Key lime juice, use lime juice. Just add a tad more sugar. —Julie Herrera-Lemler, Rochester, Minnesota

Margarita FloatsOn a hot afternoon, what could be better than a cold margarita float? The addition of creamy ice cream really takes this treat to the next level. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Margarita CakeThis margarita cake is perfect for a picnic on a warm day. You'll be surprised at how closely it tastes like the real thing. These other margarita dessert recipes are delicious, too. ?—Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Lime-in-the-Coconut Almond BarkI love the combination of flavors in this tropical treat, and it takes mere minutes to make. If you need something for a school or church bake sale, this will get you out of the kitchen in a flash. —Julie Beckwith, Crete, Illinois

Roasted Lime ChickenThe subtle citrus flavor infused throughout this moist and baked lime chicken makes it a frequent request for family dinners. It's the ideal way to use fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme and parsley. —Kathy Lewis-Martinez, Spring Valley, California

MojitoTraditional mojitos are made with rum, which is both pleasant and mildly sweet. If you want a new spin on the classic mojito recipe, try using tequila for tart yet refreshing flavor. —Christine Rukavena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Key Lime Cream PieI am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It's so cool and refreshing—perfect for any summer potluck or get-together. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, and everyone asks for the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida

Steak with Chipotle-Lime ChimichurriSteak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California

Coconut, Lime and Pistachio CookiesPerfect for freezing, these cookies look like Christmas but taste like summer. —Barbara Crusan, Pass Christian, Mississippi

Fresh Lime MargaritasThis basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Want to add a slice of lime to your margarita glass? Make sure you know how to cut a lime the right way.

Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime ButterGrilling corn in the husks is so easy. There's no need to remove the silk and tie the husk closed before grilling. Just soak, grill and add your favorite flavored butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Lemon-Lime BarsThis easy lime bar recipe is a dessert that will wow your guests. I baked these bars for a luncheon on a hot summer day. A gentleman made his way to the kitchen to compliment the cook who made them. —Holly Wilkins, Lake Elmore, Vermont

Bloody MariaTequila, lime and jalapenos give the brunch classic a fresh Mexican twist.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WIsconsin

Lime-Rosemary Shrimp SkewersI had a big bunch of rosemary, so I turned the stems into skewers for grilling shrimp. Serve with rice or couscous and lime wedges. —Leah Lenz, Los Angeles, California

Key Lime Pound CakeThis Key lime pound cake was inspired from a basic pound cake recipe that I like to play around with. It's now the only cake requested at every gathering. The unfrosted cake freezes well. —Pat Stewart, Canton, Georgia

Pressure-Cooker Spicy Lime ChickenThis tender chicken with light lime flavor is a natural filling for tacos, but my son Austin also loves it spooned over cooked rice and sprinkled with his favorite taco toppings. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida

Pineapple RumChata ShortcakesThis deliciously different dessert is made in the slow cooker instead of in the oven. When done, add final touches to the cooled pineapple shortcake jars and serve. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Emily's Honey Lime ColeslawHere’s a refreshing take on slaw with a honey-lime vinaigrette rather than the traditional mayo. It’s a great take-along for all those summer picnics. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Frozen Margarita MousseWho doesn't love a frozen margarita? This creamy frozen mousse combines ready-to-drink margarita mix and whipped topping (you could use this whipped topping substitute instead). It's easy to put together and the freezer does all the work. Garnish with additional crushed pretzels and kosher salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor. —Debbie Glassco*ck, Conway, Arkansas

Pressure-Cooker Lime CheesecakeI love my pressure cooker and get a kick out of creating recipes for it. When I wanted to try a cheesecake, I did some research and put together my own version. Success! It not only was beautiful with no cracks but also tasted absolutely scrumptious. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Easy Seafood SaladThis super simple, deceptively delicious recipe was inspired by a seafood salad I had in the Bahamas that featured conch. I substituted crab and shrimp for the conch and like it even more! —Cindy Heyd, Edmond, Oklahoma

Sunshine Lime RickeyThis is my re-creation of the lime rickey sodas served at my favorite burger place. I even tried a version using my own homemade bitters. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

Key Lime Blondie BarsHere’s my tropical take on a beloved treat. These Key lime bars combine the taste of the classic pie with a blondie batter and cream cheese frosting. You can make a thicker crust if desired. —Kristin LaBoon, Austin, Texas

Lime-Chipotle Carnitas TostadasHere's a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

Cilantro-Lime RiceMy family's favorite Mexican restaurant serves a similar rice as a side dish. I threw this together one night when I was making fajitas, and everyone loved it! It's such an easy side dish and pairs well with kabobs on the grill, too. —Robin Baskette, Lexington, Kentucky

Frozen Key Lime DelightIn the middle of summer, nothing hits the spot quite like this sublime Key lime dessert. Cold, creamy and tart, it tastes like sunshine. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

Cranberry Lime MacaroonsIt wouldn’t be the holidays for my family and friends if I didn’t make these chewy lime-flavored macaroons. I usually make several batches a week during the season..—Alisa Costa, Chatham, New York

Cranberry LimeadeWhen cranberry and lime juice get together, the result is thirst-quenching. Add ice and you’ve got a party in a glass. —Michael Passow, Poughkeepsie, New York

Cilantro Lime ShrimpA quick garlicky lime marinade works magic on these juicy shrimp. They come off the grill with huge flavors perfect for your next cookout. —Melissa Rodriguez, Van Nuys, California

Marshmallow-Almond Key Lime PieSummer is peak season for Key limes—a must for this pie’s distinctive sweet-tart flavor. Unlike other Key lime pies, mine has a smooth marshmallow layer on top. This makes it stand out as a crowd favorite. —Judy Castranova, New Bern, North Carolina

Easy Key Lime Pie TrifleI came up with this easy Key lime pie trifle because I adore Key lime pie in all its forms. It's a refreshing treat on a hot summer day, and since it can be made ahead, it's ideal for entertaining, too. The pie is easier to cut when still a little frozen, but be sure to let the pieces finish thawing before starting the recipe. —Barbara Moorhead, Gaffney, South Carolina

Easy Pad ThaiSkip the takeout restaurant and give this easy pad thai recipe a try if you need an easy and quick meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Simple Lime Gelatin SaladLooking for a festive dish to light up the buffet? This pretty green gelatin salad is eye-catching and has a delightful, tangy flavor. —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa

Cranberry-Lime SangriaTart, light and fruity, this party-worthy sangria is a hit any time of the year. —Katy Joosten, Little Chute, Wisconsin

Lime Angel Food CakeFor my husband's family reunion, I took a store-bought angel food cake and turned it into this special dessert with a lovely lime cream frosting topped with toasted coconut. It went over big! —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

Tequila Lime Shrimp ZoodlesThis tangy shrimp dish is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois

Lime Coconut Smoothie BowlThis Key lime and coconut smoothie bowl is the most refreshing thing on the planet! —Madeline Butler, Denver, Colorado

Honeydew Lime CoolerServe up a frosty glass of this citrusy blend of lime sherbet and honeydew melon for a real thirst-quencher. I like to sip this on warm afternoons, but it's equally good for breakfast or brunch. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland

Coconut-Lime Chicken Curry SoupI created this chicken recipe to replicate the flavors of my favorite curry dish—slightly sweet with just the right amount of spicy heat. When served with a garnish of green onions and toasted coconut, the soup makes the perfect cold-weather meal. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

Honey-Lime Almond CookiesDecades ago my grandmother passed this buttery lime cookie recipe to me. Through years of baking, our cookie memories keep the family connected, although we’re miles apart. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania

Chili-Lime Mushroom TacosI used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobella mushrooms turned it into my family's vegetarian favorite. It's quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas

Baby Kale Salad with Avocado-Lime DressingWe pull a bunch of ingredients from our garden when we make this baby kale salad with zucchini and sweet onion. The yogurt dressing layers on big lime flavor. —Suzanna Esther, State College, Pennsylvania

I took these lime and coconut macaroons to our annual cookie exchange, where we name a queen. I won the crown! —Milissa Kirkpatrick, Angel Fire, New Mexico