Looking for a fresh, zesty dessert that will wow your taste buds? This Key Lime Cake recipe bursts with citrus flavor and brings tropical vibes to your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a casual treat, this cake is light, tangy, and incredibly refreshing. The best part? It’s super easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Cake Recipe
The key lime cake is a delightful combination of sweet and tart, with the bright flavor of key lime juice taking center stage. This cake is perfect for summer picnics, spring celebrations, or anytime you want a dessert that’s a little different. The key lime flavor pairs beautifully with a soft, moist cake base and a creamy, tangy frosting.
Key limes, smaller and more aromatic than regular limes, give this cake its signature tangy taste. They’re often found in tropical regions, but bottled key lime juice works just as well if you can’t get your hands on fresh key limes.
Ingredients for the Perfect Key Lime Cake
Here’s everything you’ll need for this zesty key lime cake:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- One teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- Four large eggs
- One teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup of key lime juice, either freshly squeezed or from a bottle.
- Two tablespoons key lime zest (optional, for extra flavor and color)
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional for a more vibrant cake)
For the Key Lime Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Three tablespoons key lime juice
- One teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Key lime zest (for garnish)
How to Make Key Lime Cake: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking until everything is thoroughly mixed. This will help your cake rise evenly and give it a light texture.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.Add the eggs individually, ensuring to mix well after each one. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately, add the flour mixture and the buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined. Be cautious not to mix too much, which could result in a dense cake.
Step 5: Add the Key Lime Flavor
Mix in the key lime juice and zest (if using them) until everything is well combined. At this point, you can add a few drops of green food coloring if you want your cake to have a slight green tint.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Spoon the batter into the prepared cake pans, ensuring an even distribution. Place them in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Creamy Key Lime Frosting
While your cake is cooling, it’s time to prepare the frosting.
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter, beating them together until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, adding it one cup at a time and mixing thoroughly after each addition. This will give your frosting its smooth, sweet base.
Step 3: Add the Key Lime Juice and Vanilla
Mix in the key lime juice and vanilla extract. Sample the frosting and incorporate additional lime juice if you desire a more pronounced flavor.
Assembling the Key Lime Cake
Step 1: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, position one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer on top and frost both the sides and the top. Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting or create swirls for a decorative finish.
Step 2: Garnish
Sprinkle some key lime zest over the top of the cake for a finishing touch. For extra flair, add thin slices of key lime as a garnish.
Serving and Storing Key Lime Cake
Your key lime cake is best served chilled. The frosting will firm up slightly in the fridge, which makes slicing the cake easier and keeps it fresh.
Tips for the Best Key Lime Cake
- Use Fresh Key Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed key lime juice offers the best flavor, but bottled key lime juice works if you’re short on time.
- Don’t Skip the Zest: If you love the bold lime flavor, adding key lime zest will enhance the tangy taste and add a pop of color to your cake.
- Buttermilk is Key: The buttermilk in this recipe helps create a tender, moist cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Chill the Cake Before Serving: Chilling the cake helps the flavors meld together, making the frosting easier to slice.
Variations and Customizations
- Lime and Coconut Cake: To add a tropical twist, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on the frosting or between the layers.
- Key Lime Cupcakes: To make this recipe into individual servings, bake the batter in cupcake tins. Adjust the baking time to 18-20 minutes.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
- Graham Cracker Crust: Add a graham cracker crust at the base of your cake layers to nod to key lime pie. Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter, press into the cake pans, and bake for 10 minutes before adding the cake batter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it possible to substitute regular limes for key limes in this recipe?
A: Yes! While key limes have a unique flavor, regular limes can be substituted in this recipe. Just use the same amount of juice and zest.
Q: How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?
A: Alternate adding the flour and buttermilk to the batter, mixing only until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
Q: Is it possible to prepare this cake in advance?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers in advance and frost it the next day. Store the layers wrapped in plastic at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble.
The Perfect Cake for Key Lime Lovers
Whether you’re a fan of tropical flavors or just looking for a new cake recipe, this Key Lime Cake is a fantastic choice. The tangy lime flavor and creamy frosting make this cake a showstopper for any event. Additionally, it’s simple to prepare and can be easily customized to match your personal preferences.
So, grab some key limes and get baking—you won’t be disappointed!
Give this recipe a try and share your experience with us! We’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your Key Lime Cake creations on social media and tag us at Cakemelt. Explore more delicious recipes and tips on our blog page.