If you are a fan of bright, zesty desserts that feel like a burst of sunshine on your palate, then this Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to become your new obsession. The perfect balance of tangy key lime and rich, creamy frosting makes every bite a celebration. Light, fluffy cake that carries the subtle tartness of key limes paired with a smooth, luscious cream cheese frosting infused with the same vibrant lime flavor is simply irresistible. This recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a joyful invitation to delight in the fresh, tropical charm that only key limes can provide.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but crucial for achieving that perfect harmony of flavor and texture in your Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each one plays its part, from the fluffy structure given by the flour and eggs to the tangy brightness from fresh key lime juice and zest.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the cake’s texture.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Essential for that light rise and fluffy crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors wonderfully.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and moistness to both the cake and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the lime.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and create a delicate structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, mellow notes that balance the tartness.
- Fresh key lime juice: The superstar ingredient delivering that signature tang.
- Key lime zest: Intensifies the lime flavor and adds a lovely aroma.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Cream cheese: Creates the luscious, smooth texture of the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the frosting texture.
- A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
How to Make Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or use parchment paper to make sure your cakes release effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution, so every bite of your cake will have consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this aerates the batter beautifully, giving your cake its tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to keep the batter smooth. Then stir in the vanilla extract, fresh key lime juice, and zest to build that heavenly lime flavor foundation.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients with Milk
Gradually add your dry mix to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, ensuring not to overmix to keep your cake tender and light.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly into your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start smelling wonderfully citrusy!
Step 7: Cool Completely
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which is essential before frosting.
Step 8: Make the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar to reach a fluffy consistency. Finish by mixing in the key lime juice, zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt—this frosting brings the whole cake together with its tangy, creamy bliss.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Once cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on the first cake layer. Carefully place the second cake on top and cover the entire cake with more frosting. Decorate with extra lime zest or even thin slices of lime if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of fresh lime zest or delicate slices of lime not only adds a visual pop but gives an extra punch of citrus aroma. You can also try edible flowers or a dusting of crushed graham crackers for texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake shines best on its own or paired with light accompaniments like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These sides enhance the lime’s brightness without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake as mini layered cupcakes, or slice it into bars for a casual party treat. For a more dramatic look, add a drizzle of white chocolate or a candied lime peel atop the frosting to elevate the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to four days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers before frosting to save time later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and assembling.
Reheating
If you want to warm a slice, let it come to room temperature first and enjoy as is, or briefly microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the frosting just a bit. Avoid overheating, as this can affect the frosting texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
Yes, you can substitute regular lime juice, but the unique tartness and aromatic quality of key limes give this cake its signature flavor, so it won’t be quite the same.
How long does it take to make this Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
The entire process takes about 50 minutes, including baking and frosting, so it’s perfect for a weekend project or a special occasion dessert.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, ensuring that it contains xanthan gum for proper structure, to keep this cake delightfully tender.
Is the frosting difficult to make?
Not at all! The frosting is straightforward—just beat cream cheese and butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar, and finish with lime juice and zest. It’s rich but easy to whip up.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
It’s best to use fresh key lime juice whenever possible for the brightest and freshest flavor, but if bottled juice is all you have, it will work—just keep in mind the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough if you want a dessert that feels like a little tropical vacation on your plate. Its irresistible combination of zesty lime and creamy frosting makes for a crowd-pleaser every time. So dive in, grab some fresh key limes, and treat yourself to this sunshine-filled cake—you won’t regret it!
Print
Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is a refreshing and tangy dessert perfect for any occasion. Moist layers of fluffy cake infused with fresh key lime juice and zest are complemented by a smooth, creamy frosting that balances sweetness with citrus brightness. The cake is light yet flavorful, making it an ideal treat for lime lovers seeking a citrusy twist on a classic dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup fresh key lime juice (about 4–5 key limes)
- Zest of 2 key limes
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
- Zest of 1 key lime
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cake layers do not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth, which typically takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract, fresh key lime juice, and zest to infuse the batter with vibrant lime flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake layers to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, blending until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Add Lime and Vanilla: Mix in the fresh key lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the frosting until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to adjust to the desired consistency.
- Assemble the Cake: Once cooled, place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of key lime cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Top and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top of the first and frost the entire cake evenly with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the cake with additional lime zest or thin slices of lime for a decorative and fresh finishing touch. Slice and enjoy your homemade key lime cake!
Notes
- Use fresh key limes for the best authentic citrus flavor instead of bottled lime juice.
- Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to ensure smooth batter and frosting.
- If you prefer a less tangy frosting, reduce the key lime juice by half.
- Leftover cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly for up to one month; thaw completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
