The Ultimate Key Lime Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Key lime cake is a refreshing and zesty dessert that offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This key lime cake recipe takes the classic key lime flavor to a whole new level by pairing it with a creamy cream cheese frosting. The combination of the tartness of key lime juice and the richness of the frosting creates a perfect harmony that’s sure to impress at any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual gathering.

What makes this cake so special is not only its vibrant flavor but also its moist texture and the way it stands out from more traditional cakes. Instead of using standard lime juice, this recipe incorporates key lime juice, which has a more concentrated and aromatic flavor, adding a unique twist to the cake. Additionally, the cream cheese frosting brings a tangy yet sweet richness that beautifully complements the cake’s citrus notes.

If you’re a fan of citrus-based desserts or simply want something new for your next celebration, this key lime cake is a must-try. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also has an impressive look, making it perfect for special events. Plus, with a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

For more cake inspiration, you can check out additional cake recipes like vanilla cake or explore various ways of using lime zest on Pinterest for creative serving ideas.

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Why This Key Lime Cake Recipe Is Special

This key lime cake recipe stands out from the rest for several reasons. First, it combines the unique and vibrant flavor of key limes, which are known for their tart and aromatic profile. Key limes are smaller and more fragrant than regular limes, which is why they’re often the go-to for classic key lime pie. By incorporating these into the cake, the recipe captures their essence, giving it a fresh, citrusy punch that is different from your typical dessert.

The cream cheese frosting is another standout feature. It’s not too sweet but provides a tangy contrast to the cake, enhancing the lime flavor while keeping the overall taste balanced. The rich and smooth texture of the frosting perfectly complements the soft, fluffy texture of the cake itself, ensuring each bite is as delightful as the last.

Additionally, this cake is incredibly versatile. While it’s perfect for birthdays and holidays, it can also be enjoyed as an afternoon treat with a refreshing iced tea or paired with a limeade for a citrus-filled indulgence. For anyone looking to create a unique dessert experience, this key lime cake brings that tangy-sweet magic into every bite.

Not only does this cake provide a refreshing alternative to heavier desserts, but it also offers a great way to use key lime juice in a new and exciting way. If you’re curious about other ways to incorporate lime into your baking, check out the various ideas available on Pinterest for other citrus desserts and tips.

Finally, the ease of preparation makes this cake an accessible dessert for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that the process is straightforward, and the result is undeniably delicious.

Ingredients for the Cake

To make this irresistible key lime cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create the perfect texture and flavor. Below is a breakdown of the main ingredients for the cake and why each one is essential to achieving the right result.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cake. It’s the main structural ingredient that gives the cake its body and texture. Be sure to measure it correctly to avoid a dense cake.

• Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise, giving it a light and fluffy texture.

• Baking soda: While not always used in every cake recipe, baking soda is essential here to help balance the acidity of the key lime juice and create a soft, tender crumb.

• Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness of the cake and enhances the flavor of the lime zest and lime juice.

• Unsalted butter: Butter contributes to the moist texture of the cake and helps create a rich, tender crumb. Always use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe.

• Granulated sugar: Sugar is needed to sweeten the cake, balancing out the tartness of the key lime juice. The sugar also helps with the texture, making it tender and moist.

• Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure. They help with moisture and create the light, airy texture of the cake.

• Key lime juice: The star of this recipe. The tartness of the key lime juice brings the refreshing citrus flavor that makes this cake stand out. Using fresh key lime juice ensures the most vibrant and tangy flavor.

• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tartness of the lime and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Buttermilk: Buttermilk is an essential ingredient to help tenderize the cake. It also reacts with the baking soda, giving the cake a light and fluffy texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mix of milk and vinegar.

• Key lime zest: The zest of the key lime adds an extra punch of lime flavor. It’s a great way to infuse the cake with a more intense lime fragrance and flavor without overwhelming the overall taste.

This combination of ingredients ensures that your key lime cake is both light and fluffy, with just the right amount of tang from the lime juice and zest. For those looking for more tips on baking with lime, Wikipedia’s page on Key Lime Pie offers a rich history of lime-based desserts that might provide inspiration for other treats.

By using quality ingredients, such as fresh key lime juice and buttermilk, you ensure the cake’s moist texture and vibrant flavor will shine. These ingredients are common in many kitchens and shouldn’t be difficult to find. If you’re uncertain about where to find key limes, you can visit local farmers’ markets or specialty grocery stores.

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Ingredients for the Frosting

The frosting is where this cake truly shines, providing a rich and tangy finish to each slice. The cream cheese frosting is a perfect complement to the cake’s tart lime flavor, adding a smooth texture and sweetness without overwhelming the palate.

• Cream cheese: The base of the frosting. It brings the signature tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the citrusy key lime juice. Be sure to use softened cream cheese for the smoothest texture.

• Unsalted butter: Like the butter in the cake, unsalted butter is essential here for the right creamy consistency. It helps bind the frosting ingredients together, creating a light and spreadable texture.

• Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar, also known as confectioner’s sugar, helps thicken the frosting while adding the right level of sweetness. Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar gives the frosting a smooth, silky texture.

• Key lime juice: Just a small amount of key lime juice enhances the frosting’s flavor and ties everything back to the cake. It adds a subtle tartness, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the cream cheese.

• Key lime zest: A little lime zest added to the frosting helps boost the flavor, creating a more intense lime experience with every bite. It also gives the frosting a pretty, speckled appearance.

This frosting is both simple to make and incredibly delicious. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy richness to each bite, while the key lime flavor shines through without being overpowering. If you’re interested in exploring more ways to use cream cheese in baking, you can check out the Wikipedia page on Cream Cheese to discover more frosting and dessert ideas.

Using this frosting is an excellent way to enhance the lime flavor of the cake. It’s not too sweet, and the tanginess of the cream cheese helps balance out the sharpness of the lime. You’ll find it perfectly complements the light and fluffy texture of the cake itself.

If you prefer a slightly lighter frosting, you can adjust the powdered sugar to your taste, but this traditional version is the perfect topping for this key lime cake.

Preparing the Cake Batter

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start preparing the key lime cake batter. The process is simple, and with a few key steps, you’ll have a smooth batter that will bake into a moist, fluffy cake. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This step is essential to ensure that the cakes release easily once they’re baked. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper to line the pans for extra ease when removing the cakes later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

These dry ingredients form the structure of your cake. The baking powder and baking soda work together to help the cake rise, while the salt enhances the overall flavor of the key lime juice and lime zest. Once combined, set the dry ingredients aside to be added later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important because it helps to incorporate air into the batter, which results in a lighter, fluffier cake. Make sure to beat the butter and sugar for about 3-4 minutes until it’s creamy and pale.

Step 4: Add the Eggs, Lime Juice, and Zest

Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. After all the eggs are incorporated, mix in ½ cup key lime juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and the zest of 2 key limes. The key lime juice will add that signature tart flavor, and the zest will provide extra citrusy punch, enhancing the cake’s overall flavor.

This step will create a smooth, citrus-scented wet mixture that’s perfect for incorporating with the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and 1 cup buttermilk to the wet mixture. Begin by adding about one-third of the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Then, add half of the buttermilk and mix again. Repeat this process until all the dry ingredients and buttermilk have been incorporated. It’s important to mix only until combined; overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake, which is not ideal for this recipe.

Step 6: Divide and Bake

Once the batter is smooth and fully combined, divide it evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

This is a good time to check the Pinterest Key Lime Cake Recipes for other cake tips or to explore different baking techniques. If you’re unsure about your oven’s temperature accuracy, it’s a good idea to check the cake a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. This step is crucial for ensuring the frosting doesn’t melt when applied. Letting the cakes cool completely will also help them hold their shape better when stacked.

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Baking the Cake

Baking the key lime cake is a straightforward process, but ensuring the right temperature and baking time is key to achieving the perfect texture. The cake batter should rise beautifully in the oven, and a clean toothpick test is the best way to ensure the cake is baked through.

Step 1: Check for Doneness

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs sticking to it, the cake is done. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, give the cake a few more minutes to bake. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in a dry cake.

Step 2: Cooling the Cakes

After removing the cakes from the oven, allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This allows the cake to set a little and makes it easier to remove from the pans without breaking. Once the cakes have cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let them cool completely before adding the frosting; otherwise, the frosting may melt and not set properly.

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Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

Now that your cake is cooling, it’s time to prepare the key lime cream cheese frosting. This frosting is the perfect pairing with the tangy cake, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Here’s how to prepare it:

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese and ½ cup unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Make sure both ingredients are softened before starting. This will create a smooth base for your frosting.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture on low speed. This helps prevent the sugar from spilling everywhere. Once the powdered sugar is fully incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Lime Juice and Zest

Add 2 tbsp key lime juice and the zest of 1 key lime to the frosting mixture. Mix until smooth and fully combined. The addition of key lime juice gives the frosting a subtle tartness, while the zest adds a burst of citrus flavor that enhances the cake’s overall lime profile.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency if Needed

If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little bit of key lime juice to thin it out. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. The frosting should be thick enough to spread easily but soft enough to apply without pulling the cake apart.

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Assembling and Frosting the Cake

Now that both the cake and frosting are ready, it’s time to assemble your key lime cake.

Step 1: Layer the Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, smoothing it evenly across the surface.

Step 2: Add the Second Cake Layer

Place the second layer of cake on top of the frosted cake. Gently press down to ensure the layers stick together. Then, frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Smooth it out with a spatula for a neat and elegant look.

Step 3: Chill the Cake

Once the cake is frosted, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set and makes it easier to slice. If you want to make the cake ahead of time, it can be refrigerated for several hours or even overnight.

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Serving Suggestions

This key lime cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate the presentation and flavor with a few creative ideas:

• Fresh Fruit: Add fresh fruit on top of the cake, such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even more lime wedges, to enhance the citrus flavor.

• Whipped Cream: Serve the cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for added richness.

• Lime Zest Garnish: Garnish the top of the cake with extra lime zest or even a few thin slices of key lime for a beautiful finishing touch.

For more ideas on how to serve this cake, check out other citrus-themed desserts on Pinterest, where you can find a variety of garnishing and presentation suggestions.

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How to Store the Cake

If you have leftovers or want to make the cake in advance, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness.

• Refrigeration: This key lime cake should be stored in the refrigerator, especially since the frosting contains cream cheese. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: If you want to freeze the cake, wrap each layer of cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

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FAQs

How do I make my key lime cake extra moist?

To ensure your key lime cake stays moist, make sure to use buttermilk in the batter, as it adds moisture and tenderness. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a denser texture. Additionally, make sure to cool the cakes properly before frosting, as frosting a warm cake can cause it to lose moisture.

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

While regular lime juice can be used, it won’t provide the same unique flavor that key lime juice does. Key limes have a more intense and aromatic flavor, which is the key to this recipe’s distinct taste. If possible, use fresh key lime juice for the best results.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can make this key lime cake in advance. The cake can be baked up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. If you want to prepare the frosting ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and allow it to come to room temperature before frosting the cake.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens and curdles slightly. This will create a similar acidity and texture that buttermilk provides in the cake.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the key lime cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator and then frost it before serving.

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