Key Lime Cake

This Key Lime Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant flavors. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just a sweet indulgence at home, this cake features three layers of fluffy white cake infused with a tantalizing hint of lime. Each layer is complemented by a buttery graham cracker crumble and topped with a luscious key lime buttercream frosting. Its bright and refreshing taste makes it an instant favorite among dessert lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor – The combination of key lime juice and buttercream creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
• Versatile Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday party, picnic, or holiday gathering, this cake fits any celebration.
• Easy to Make – With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this impressive dessert.
• Stunning Presentation – The vibrant green frosting and lime garnish make for an eye-catching centerpiece.
• Layered Texture – Enjoy the delightful contrast between the light cake and the rich buttercream.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, gather the following tools before starting. Having the right equipment on hand helps ensure your Key Lime Cake turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• 8-inch round cake pans
• Offset spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer – This tool saves time and ensures that your batter is well-mixed for light and fluffy layers.
• Measuring cups – Accurate measurements are crucial in baking; these help you get everything just right.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Key Lime Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake Layers

• 3 cups cake flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 tablespoons key lime juice (about 8-10 key limes)
• 5 egg whites, room temperature

For the Graham Cracker Crumble

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted and slightly cooled

For the Key Lime Buttercream Frosting

• 1.5 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup shortening
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6-8 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons key lime juice (about 3-4 key limes)
• ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1-2 tablespoons hot water
• Green food coloring gel

For Whipped Cream Topping

• 1-2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1 tablespoon sugar

For Garnish

• Lime slices

How to Make Key Lime Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Cake flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Sugar
Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add sour cream, vanilla extract, milk, vegetable oil, and key lime juice to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Add Egg Whites

Gently fold in egg whites until no streaks remain in the batter.

Step 7: Bake

Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Layers

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 9: Make Graham Cracker Crumble

Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter in a bowl until well mixed.

Step 10: Prepare Frosting

In a large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with shortening until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while alternating with key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Adjust consistency with hot water if needed.

Step 11: Assemble Cake

Once layers are cool:
1. Place one layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread frosting on top followed by a layer of graham cracker crumble.
3. Repeat with second layer.
4. Top with third layer and frost entire cake.

Step 12: Whip Cream

In another bowl, whip cold heavy whipping cream with sugar until soft peaks form. Spread over top of frosted cake as desired.

Step 13: Garnish

Decorate with lime slices or additional graham cracker crumble before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Key Lime Cake!

How to Serve Key Lime Cake

Serving Key Lime Cake is all about enhancing its delightful flavors with the right accompaniments. This cake can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve slices of the Key Lime Cake alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on each slice to enhance the cake’s tangy flavor and add a creamy texture.

Coconut Flakes

• Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for an extra layer of flavor that complements the lime beautifully.

Lime Zest Garnish

• Grate some fresh lime zest over the cake before serving to enhance its zesty appeal and make it visually appealing.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a decadent treat that balances the sweetness of the cake.

Lemonade or Iced Tea

• Pair slices with refreshing lemonade or iced tea, enhancing the summer vibes while providing a thirst-quenching option.

How to Perfect Key Lime Cake

Creating the perfect Key Lime Cake requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and dairy to come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Scoop flour into your measuring cup without packing it down. Too much flour can lead to a dense cake.

• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to avoid tough cake layers. Overmixing can develop gluten and create a dense texture.

• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached for perfectly baked layers.

• Cool Layers Completely: Let cake layers cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of the buttercream.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Cake

Pairing side dishes with Key Lime Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors well.

1. Citrus Salad
   A light salad featuring mixed citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits adds brightness to your meal.

2. Minted Pea Salad
   This refreshing salad combines peas with mint leaves and a zesty dressing, balancing the cake’s sweetness.

3. Tropical Fruit Skewers
   Skewers of pineapple, mango, and kiwi provide a sweet contrast that enhances the tropical vibe of key lime.

4. Chilled Cucumber Soup
   A cool cucumber soup offers a savory note that pairs well with dessert, creating an interesting flavor combination.

5. Pineapple Salsa
   A fresh pineapple salsa adds an exciting twist when served alongside slices of cake, bringing out tropical flavors.

6. Lemon Sorbet
   A scoop of lemon sorbet serves as a light palate cleanser between bites of rich cake, enhancing your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when it comes to making the perfect Key Lime Cake. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can affect the texture of your cake. Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your cake. Invest in a kitchen scale or use measuring cups properly for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting the cake before it has cooled can result in crumbling. Allow your layers to cool completely on a wire rack.
• Ignoring ingredient substitutions: Substituting with incorrect ingredients can compromise flavor. Stick to suggested alternatives for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Key Lime Cake in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Key Lime Cake

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Key Lime Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Key Lime Cake that might help you perfect your baking experience.

What makes a great Key Lime Cake?

A great Key Lime Cake combines zesty key lime juice with a fluffy cake base. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors is essential.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the layers ahead, freeze them, and frost them later. This saves time on party day!

How should I decorate my Key Lime Cake?

You can top it with lime slices or zest, and even add whipped cream for extra flair. Get creative!

Is there an alternative to key lime juice?

If you can’t find key limes, regular limes work as well, though they may alter the taste slightly.

How do I prevent my cake from collapsing?

Ensure that you don’t overmix the batter and that your oven temperature is accurate. Properly beaten egg whites also help maintain structure.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Cake is an excellent choice for summer gatherings or any special occasion. Its refreshing flavors make it versatile for various tastes. Feel free to customize it by adding different fruit toppings or adjusting sweetness levels!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Key Lime Cake

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• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Key Lime Cake, a refreshing dessert perfect for any celebration. This delightful three-layer cake features fluffy white layers infused with zesty key lime juice, complemented by a buttery graham cracker crumble and topped with a luscious key lime buttercream frosting. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it an instant favorite among dessert lovers. Ideal for summer gatherings or simple indulgence at home, this visually stunning cake is sure to impress your guests and brighten your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cake flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 tablespoons key lime juice (about 8–10 key limes)
• 5 egg whites, room temperature
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1.5 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup shortening
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6–8 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons key lime juice (about 3–4 key limes)
• ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1–2 tablespoons hot water
• Green food coloring gel
• 1–2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Lime slices

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, milk, vegetable oil, and key lime juice; mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in egg whites gently.
5. Divide batter among prepared pans and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
7. Prepare graham cracker crumble by mixing crumbs with melted butter and sugar.
8. Make key lime buttercream by beating softened butter with shortening, then gradually adding powdered sugar alternating with key lime juice until smooth.
9. Assemble by layering cake with frosting and crumble; frost the top and sides of the cake.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg