Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Key lime cake is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. Made with fresh key lime juice and zest, this cake is light, fluffy, and full of citrusy goodness. The rich and creamy key lime cream cheese frosting complements the tartness of the cake, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a summer gathering, a birthday, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this key lime cake will impress with its bright flavor and luscious texture.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp key lime zest
• ½ cup fresh key lime juice
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh key lime juice
• 1 tbsp key lime zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the key lime zest and vanilla extract.
6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
7. Gently fold in the key lime juice, ensuring the batter is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
4. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Prepare the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting over the entire cake, including the sides.
3. Use a spatula to create decorative swirls or smooth out the frosting for a polished look.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the cake with additional key lime zest for extra flavor and visual appeal.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set.

Variation

• Lime Coconut Cake: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and tropical flavor.
• Lemon-Lime Cake: Replace half of the key lime juice with lemon juice for a citrus twist.
• Key Lime Cupcakes: Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes for a fun, individual treat.

Cooking Note

• Use fresh key lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice may not provide the same bright, tart taste.
• If key limes are unavailable, you can substitute with regular limes, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Do not overmix the batter to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Garnish with fresh lime slices or edible flowers for an elegant presentation.

Tips

• To get the most juice out of key limes, roll them on the counter before slicing.
• Chill the frosting slightly before spreading to make it easier to work with.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For an extra tangy flavor, brush each cake layer with a key lime syrup before frosting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 450
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 250mg

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. Frost before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this cake?

A: Yes, the unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

Q: How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?

A: Be sure to properly cream the butter and sugar and avoid overmixing the batter.

Conclusion

Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that offers the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. This citrus-infused cake is soft, moist, and topped with a luscious, tangy frosting that enhances its bright taste. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a comforting homemade dessert, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe and bring a taste of tropical paradise to your kitchen!

Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 50 minutes

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Ingredients

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp key lime zest
• ½ cup fresh key lime juice
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh key lime juice
• 1 tbsp key lime zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the key lime zest and vanilla extract.
6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
7. Gently fold in the key lime juice, ensuring the batter is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
4. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Prepare the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting over the entire cake, including the sides.
3. Use a spatula to create decorative swirls or smooth out the frosting for a polished look.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the cake with additional key lime zest for extra flavor and visual appeal.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Sodium: 250mg
• Protein: 5g