Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Oh, sweet goodness, where do I even begin with this cake? Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is like the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy—imagine a tropical paradise in every bite. The cake itself is so moist, light, and fluffy, and then there’s that tangy key lime flavor that dances on your taste buds like a summer breeze. Top it off with the creamy, zesty key lime frosting, and you’ve got a dessert that feels like a celebration in a bite!

Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, a birthday party, or just treating yourself to a slice of heaven, this cake is always a showstopper. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

This cake isn’t just delicious—it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Here’s why it’s perfect for any occasion:

Tangy and Refreshing

The key lime flavor in this cake and frosting brings a refreshing twist to your usual dessert. It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it the ideal treat for those hot summer days or whenever you’re craving something bright and zesty.

Moist and Light

The cake is unbelievably moist, light, and fluffy, giving you the kind of texture that makes you want to savor every bite. It’s so soft, it practically melts in your mouth!

Creamy and Dreamy Frosting

The key lime cream cheese frosting is rich, smooth, and tangy with just the right amount of sweetness. It pairs perfectly with the cake, making every bite an experience of smooth indulgence.

Beautiful Presentation

With its pale green frosting and soft cake layers, this cake looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just a casual get-together, it’ll definitely impress your guests.

Simple, But Special

Don’t be fooled by how easy this cake is to make—it’s got that special “wow” factor that’ll make you feel like you’ve been baking for years. It’s a great way to impress without all the fuss.

Ingredients in Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Cake Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, giving it that soft and tender texture.
• Baking powder: For lift, making sure the cake rises perfectly.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetness that’s just right.
• Eggs: These help the cake hold together while adding some structure and fluffiness.
• Buttermilk: The secret to a soft, moist crumb and a slight tang.
• Key lime juice: This is where that fresh, citrusy zing comes from. The star of the show!
• Key lime zest: Adds even more bright, citrusy flavor to the cake.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• Cream cheese: The base for the creamy, tangy frosting that pairs beautifully with the cake.
• Unsalted butter: For a smooth, rich frosting texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetness that balances the tang of the cream cheese.
• Key lime juice: For that zesty key lime flavor in the frosting.
• Key lime zest: Adds even more of that signature citrusy punch.
• Vanilla extract: A hint of warmth that brings everything together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this cake in the oven! Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that’s guaranteed to wow:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans to ensure that the cake comes out nice and easily once it’s baked.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside for later.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.

Add the Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the buttermilk, key lime juice, and zest. The batter might look a little bit curdled, but that’s totally okay!

Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two or three batches. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. You want a smooth, thick batter, but don’t overdo it.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more key lime juice or a touch of milk to adjust the consistency.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the frosting—it’s what makes this cake truly divine!

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Key Lime Cake with a cold glass of iced tea or a refreshing cocktail. It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and guaranteed to be a hit!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 340
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total Carbohydrates: 44g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 33g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 60mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 75mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

This cake is so versatile, it pairs perfectly with a variety of drinks and sides. Here are a few ways to serve it:

With Fresh Fruit

Serve your cake with a side of fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, or even some thin slices of lime. The fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cake and frosting.

As a Summer Dessert

Perfect for barbecues, summer parties, or a light dessert after a heavy meal, this cake has the perfect balance of refreshing lime flavor and creamy frosting.

With Iced Tea or Lemonade

Pair your cake with a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade for a citrusy combo that’s just perfect for warm weather.

For Special Occasions

This cake is an absolute showstopper for birthdays, holiday dinners, or any other special occasion. Its gorgeous look and refreshing flavor will make it the highlight of the event.

Additional Tips

Storing the Cake

Store your cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. This will keep the cake fresh and the frosting creamy.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can bake the cake layers a day ahead, allowing them to cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature until you’re ready to frost and serve. The frosting can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge—just bring it to room temperature before frosting the cake.

Make It Even More Zesty

If you’re a big fan of key lime flavor, you can add a little extra lime zest to the cake or frosting for an extra zing. It’s a great way to amplify that tangy flavor!

Freezing the Cake

This cake freezes beautifully. You can wrap the baked, un-frosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, just let the cake thaw and then frost it.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

A1: Yes! While key limes have a distinct, more tart flavor, regular limes will work just fine. Just use fresh lime juice and zest in place of the key lime juice and zest.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can make the cake layers and frosting ahead of time, store them separately in the fridge, and then frost and assemble the cake when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I keep the frosting from being too runny?

A3: If your frosting is too runny, simply add more powdered sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk or more key lime juice can help loosen it up.

Q4: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A4: Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour. Make sure to check that it’s a good one for baking.

Q5: How can I make the cake more moist?

A5: Adding more buttermilk will keep the cake moist. You can also brush the cake layers with a little key lime syrup or juice before frosting for extra flavor and moisture.

Q6: Can I use a different frosting?

A6: Sure! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can use a buttercream frosting flavored with key lime juice or even a whipped cream frosting.

Q7: How should I store leftovers?

A7: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’ll keep fresh and the frosting will remain creamy!

Q8: How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

A8: Make sure to grease and flour your cake pans thoroughly. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper to ensure an easy release.

Q9: Can I freeze the cake?

A9: Yes, you can freeze the cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q10: Can I use a bundt pan instead of round cake pans?

A10: Yes! You can use a bundt pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time since it may take longer for the cake to cook through. Keep an eye on it and use the toothpick test to check for doneness.

Conclusion

Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and tart. The moist, flavorful cake paired with the creamy, zesty frosting is a combination that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress. Try it out and take your taste buds on a delicious tropical adventure!

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