Hey, it’s Anne Carter from Beyond the Bayou Blog, and I couldn’t wait to share this special recipe with you: key lime cake.
Tender, fluffy, and moist, this three-layered Key Lime Cake is bursting with bright lime flavor! Both the cake and cream cheese frosting are infused with key lime flavor, making for the perfect combination of tangy and sweet. It’s an excellent dessert for any occasion or gathering.
Yesterday, my friend and her husband surprised me with a visit to my home. Wanting to treat them to something special, I quickly decided to whip up a Key Lime Cake. As the tangy aroma filled the kitchen, I couldn’t wait to share this delightful dessert with them.
When they took their first bite, their faces lit up with delight. The cake was a hit! To complement the sweetness, I also served some homemade Oatmeal Coconut Cookies, adding an extra touch of warmth to our gathering. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with laughter, good company, and delicious treats.
Are you ready to show off your cooking skills and delight your nearest and dearest with this mouthwatering recipe?
Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- Just-Right Lime Flavor: A burst of zesty lime flavor that’s not too strong or too weak. It’s like hitting the sweet spot for all you citrus fans out there. This cake knows how to balance its tanginess just perfectly.
- Fluffy, Tender Crumb: Ever had a cake that’s so light and tender it practically melts in your mouth? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get here. This cake is like a cloud of deliciousness, airy and soft with every bite.
- Dreamy Lime Buttercream Frosting: And oh, let’s not forget the frosting! It’s like the cherry on top, but in this case, it’s the lime on top. Smooth, creamy, and packed with just the right amount of limey goodness to complement the cake flawlessly.
Try More Cake Recipe!
Fresh Flavor Key Lime Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 3 x 8-inch round cake pans
- 2 x 9-inch round cake pans
- 1 KitchenAid mixer
- 1 set of measuring cups and spoons
- 1 set of spatulas
Ingredients
Key Lime Cake:
- 1 cup Canola or Olive Oil
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 1/3 cups Whole Milk
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lime Zest
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 cups Sugar
- 2 cups Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Salt
Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup Butter softened
- 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/2 tsp Fresh Lime Zest
- Fresh Limes sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oil, eggs, whole milk, lime zest, and lime juice. Beat for 2 minutes until creamy.
- In another large bowl, mix sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Fold into the egg mixture until combined.
- Grease two 9-inch or three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. Divide batter evenly into pans.
- Bake three 8-inch cakes for 20-26 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Bake two 9-inch cakes for 30-36 minutes. Let cool.
- To make Lime Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese for 4-5 minutes until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, lime juice, and lime zest. Beat until smooth. Chill.
- Remove cakes from pans. Spread frosting on top of one cooled cake layer. Place the other cake layer on top and spread frosting all over. Garnish with fresh lime slices. Enjoy!
Nutrition
What to Serve with Key Lime Cake?
Time for The Tips!
- Flour Matters: Want light and fluffy cake layers? Measure your flour accurately. Using a scale is the best way to go, but if you don’t have one, fluff up your flour with a spoon, then scoop it into your measuring cup and level it off. This ensures you don’t pack in too much flour, which could lead to dense cakes.
- Zesting Like a Pro: When zesting a lime for that extra zingy flavor, stop once you hit the white layer underneath. That white part can be bitter, and we want our cake to be all about that tangy lime goodness!
- Say Bye-Bye to Air Bubbles: Before popping your cake pans into the oven, give them a few gentle taps on the counter. This helps burst any pesky air bubbles lurking in the batter, ensuring a smooth and even bake.
- Chill Out: Want an easier time assembling your cake? Stick those layers in the fridge beforehand. Cold cakes are sturdier and less likely to break apart as you stack them. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to meld together for an even tastier treat!