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.
Overview: How To Make Key Lime Cake?
Get ready to indulge in a heavenly treat with our Key Lime Cake topped with Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s a match made in dessert heaven! This recipe promises a moist and fluffy citrus-infused lime cake paired with a sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s simply the BEST Lime Cake Recipe out there!
Preparation is a breeze, taking just 15 minutes of your time. Then, pop it in the oven for about 20 to 36 minutes, depending on your choice of pan size. You’ll need some basic kitchen equipment like round cake pans, a mixer, and measuring tools. Nothing too fancy, just the essentials to whip up this delightful dessert.
For the cake batter, it’s a simple mix of oil, eggs, milk, lime zest, lime juice, sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Once combined, pour it into your prepared cake pans and let the oven work its magic.
While the cakes cool, prepare the star of the show: the Lime Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s a creamy blend of butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, lime juice, and lime zest. Once your cakes are cooled, frost them generously, sandwich them together, and adorn them with fresh lime slices for that final touch of elegance. Voil�! You’re all set to savor every citrusy bite of this delightful Key Lime Cake.
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!
- Mix with Care: When it comes to mixing your cake batter, less is more. Overmixing can result in a tough and dense cake, and we definitely don’t want that. Mix until everything is just combined�your cake will thank you later!
- Parchment Paper Power: To make sure your cakes slide out of the pan with ease, line the bottoms with parchment paper. It’s a simple step that makes a world of difference when it comes to cake removal.
Storing and Managing Leftovers!
- Cake Storage: If you have leftover cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
- Frosting: Any leftover frosting can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip to make it creamy again.
- Freezing: If you have a lot of leftover cake, consider freezing it for later. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. Frozen cake can last for up to 3 months. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Repurposing: Don’t let the leftover cake go to waste! You can repurpose it into cake pops, trifle layers, or even use it as a base for a new dessert creation. Crumble it up to make cake crumbs for decorating other desserts or mix it into ice cream for a tasty treat. The possibilities are endless!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I have to use key limes?
A: Use normal limes instead of key limes if you can’t find any. However, bear in mind that normal limes may not have as strong of a lime flavor as key limes, which have a stronger flavor. You may also use key lime juice from a bottle in a pinch.
Q: What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?
A: If you’re looking for an alternative to cream cheese frosting, you can try a simple vanilla buttercream or whipped cream frosting.
Q: How do I know when the cake is baking?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake layers; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, the cakes are done. Be careful not to overbake to ensure a moist texture.