Key Lime Cake

Why Make This Recipe

Key Lime Cake is a deliciously refreshing treat that brings a taste of the tropics right to your kitchen. The tangy flavor of key lime perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake, making it a popular choice for gatherings or special occasions. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer BBQ, or just indulging in a sweet craving, this cake is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make and enjoyable for everyone!

How to Make Key Lime Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons key lime juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Lime zest (optional)
• Thin lime slices (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, key lime juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
12. Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
13. Garnish with lime zest and thin lime slices if desired.
14. Slice and serve the refreshing Key Lime Cake.

How to Serve Key Lime Cake

Serve your Key Lime Cake chilled for an extra refreshing taste. It’s perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added sweetness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!

How to Store Key Lime Cake

To keep your Key Lime Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can also be frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.

Tips to Make Key Lime Cake

• Use fresh key limes if possible for the best flavor.
• Make sure that all ingredients are at room temperature to ensure even mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter; it should be combined just until no flour streaks remain.
• Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Variation

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding a layer of key lime curd in between the cake layers for an extra burst of tangy lime flavor. You can also experiment with different frostings, such as a whipped cream frosting or a citrus-infused buttercream.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, you can use regular limes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Key limes are smaller and have a unique tartness that many find delicious.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake layers a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap until you’re ready to frost and serve them.

Key Lime Cake

A deliciously refreshing cake that combines the tangy flavor of key lime with a sweet cake, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Tropical

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Best if at room temperature
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk Best if at room temperature
• 1/4 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons key lime juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Lime zest (optional)
• Thin lime slices (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Baking

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting

1. For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, key lime juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
4. Garnish with lime zest and thin lime slices if desired.

Serving

1. Slice and serve the refreshing Key Lime Cake.

Notes

Serve your Key Lime Cake chilled for an extra refreshing taste. It’s perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added sweetness. Use fresh key limes if possible for the best flavor. Make sure that all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing. Don’t overmix the batter; it should be combined just until no flour streaks remain. Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.