If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that balances zesty citrus tang with creamy, luscious sweetness, look no further than this Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting. Each slice bursts with the bright, tropical flavors of fresh key limes layered between a tender, buttery crumb, all swirled up in clouds of silky cream cheese frosting that melts into every bite. It’s the kind of cake that instantly transports you to sunny days and celebrations, and is guaranteed to impress anyone who tries it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this cake truly special is the simplicity of its ingredients—each one plays a meaningful role in creating that moist texture, punchy lime flavor, and dreamy frosting you’ll crave. Here’s what you’ll need and exactly why every item matters for this Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:
- All-purpose flour: Builds the backbone of your cake, keeping the crumb light but sturdy enough to layer beautifully.
- Baking powder: Gives your cake that essential lift for an airy, tender texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and draws out the key lime notes.
- Unsalted butter (for cake and frosting): Adds rich flavor and keeps every bite melt-in-your-mouth soft—use it at room temperature for the fluffiest results.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a golden, tender crumb.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a luscious, moist consistency.
- Vanilla extract (in both cake and frosting): Adds warmth and complexity, making all the flavors pop.
- Key lime juice: The star of our show! Fresh or bottled, this brings a tangy, tropical zing that sets this dessert apart.
- Key lime zest: Packed with fragrant oils, zest infuses the cake and frosting with true-to-life citrusy aroma and color.
- Whole milk: Keeps the batter supple and enriches the cake’s flavor and texture.
- Cream cheese: For the frosting, it introduces a luxurious, silky smoothness with just the right amount of tang.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting its signature velvety finish while providing sweetness without graininess.
How to Make Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep the Pans and Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 9-inch round cake pans. Flour the pans lightly, and for extra nonstick insurance, line the bottoms with parchment paper. This prep step is essential for getting those cake layers out in one beautiful piece!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium mixing bowl, and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Taking just a moment to evenly distribute these ensures your cake rises evenly, with no dense pockets or bitter spots.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light, pale, and fluffy—think of this as the foundation of your cake’s texture. This process incorporates air and helps the cake rise high.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract to round out the flavors, followed by the key lime juice and that vibrant, aromatic zest.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
With your mixer on low, alternate adding the flour mixture and the whole milk—begin and end with the flour. This keeps your batter smooth and prevents overmixing, ensuring a moist and tender cake every time.
Step 6: Divide and Bake
Scrape the batter evenly into your prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Place them in the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Let them cool 10 minutes in the pans, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cakes cool, whip the softened cream cheese and butter together until luxuriously smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, followed by the key lime juice and a splash of vanilla. Continue to whip until the frosting is light, fluffy, and irresistible.
Step 8: Frost and Garnish
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting between the two layers, then cover the sides and top with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle extra key lime zest over the top for a pop of color and citrusy aroma. Now you have a show-stopping Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting ready to impress!
How to Serve Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh key lime zest is not just pretty—it amplifies the bright, tropical aroma with every slice. For an extra flourish, try adding thin lime slices, edible flowers, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.
Side Dishes
Because the cake is so vibrant and creamy, a chilled bowl of mixed fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream pairs beautifully without overpowering those citrus notes. If you’re planning a festive occasion, tropical fruit salads or a fizzy limeade can round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting by layering it in individual mason jars for rustic parties, or cut the cake into neat squares for a dessert platter. Tiny piped swirls of extra frosting and candied lime wheels add a bakery-worthy touch for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting covered in the refrigerator—it stays fresh and moist for up to four days. The chilled frosting won’t lose its silkiness, so you can enjoy a perfect slice anytime.
Freezing
If you want to save some cake for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap then in foil before freezing. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight for best results. You’ll find the cake and frosting both taste just as delicious as day one!
Reheating
While this cake is wonderful served cold or at room temperature, you can gently bring a slice back to room temp by letting it sit out for 20–30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as cream cheese frosting can separate when heated.
FAQs
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely! While key limes offer a distinctive flavor, standard limes work well in this recipe and are easier to find. The cake will still have a delightful citrus punch.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead, wrap tightly, and chill. The frosting can also be made ahead and kept in the fridge; just bring everything to room temperature and assemble before serving.
What if I only have one cake pan?
No problem—bake the batter in two batches, making sure to clean and prep the pan between. If using a 9×13-inch pan, just keep an eye on baking time and test with a toothpick for doneness.
How do I get an extra tangy flavor?
For those who crave maximum lime sensation, brush each cooled cake layer with more key lime juice before frosting, or add an extra teaspoon of zest to the frosting.
Is this recipe suitable for cupcakes?
Definitely! Divide the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for 18–22 minutes. Swirl each one with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting and a lime zest sprinkle—they’re perfect for parties and easy sharing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the irresistible tang and creamy decadence of homemade Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting. This recipe never fails to light up a room and bring smiles at any gathering. If you’re ready to wow your friends (and your own taste buds), this is the citrus dessert you need to try!
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Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of this Key Lime Cake with a tangy Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this citrus-infused dessert is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1 cup whole milk
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla. Mix in the key lime juice and zest. Add the dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, key lime juice, and vanilla, and beat until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake: Spread frosting evenly between the cake layers, on the sides, and on top. Garnish with lime zest before serving.
Notes
- For an even tangier flavor, brush the cooled cake layers with a little extra lime juice before frosting.
- Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 47g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
