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Delicious slice of Key Lime Cake topped with fresh lime zest and cream

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
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.