Blackberry Lime Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the tartness of lime and the sweetness of fresh blackberries. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply treating yourself, this cake features tender layers infused with zesty lime and topped with a luscious blackberry buttercream. It’s not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cake Layers
- For the Blackberry Buttercream
- For Decoration
- How to Make Blackberry Lime Cake
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
- Step 4: Make the Blackberry Buttercream
- Step 5: Assemble Your Cake
- How to Serve Blackberry Lime Cake
- With Fresh Berries
- Accompanied by Ice Cream
- Decorated with Edible Flowers
- How to Perfect Blackberry Lime Cake
- Best Side Dishes for Blackberry Lime Cake
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Blackberry Lime Cake
- Reheating Blackberry Lime Cake
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Blackberry Lime Cake?
- Can I use frozen blackberries in this recipe?
- How do I make Blackberry Buttercream?
- What can I substitute if I don’t have lime juice?
- How can I customize my Blackberry Lime Cake?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this impressive cake without stress.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of lime and blackberry offers a refreshing taste that’s sure to please your palate.
- Beautiful Presentation: Decorated with fresh blackberries and edible flowers, this cake is as stunning as it is delicious.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for birthdays, picnics, or afternoon teas, it’s suitable for any gathering.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add more fruit to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready makes cooking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cake pans (8-inch round)
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Ensures that your buttercream is fluffy and well-blended, which is crucial for a perfect frosting texture.
- Cake pans: Using the right size allows for even baking and helps achieve those beautiful layers you’re aiming for in your Blackberry Lime Cake.

Ingredients
For the Cake Layers
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons organic lime zest
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 8 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Blackberry Buttercream
- 12 ounces fresh blackberries
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 6 egg whites
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons blackberry reduction
For Decoration
- 12 ounces fresh blackberries
- edible flowers (micro pepper, alyssum and micro mint) washed and dried
How to Make Blackberry Lime Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking for each layer of your cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and lime zest.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with milk and lime juice. Mix until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
- Grease three 8-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 4: Make the Blackberry Buttercream
- In a blender or food processor, puree fresh blackberries with sugar and lime juice until smooth.
- Strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds if desired.
- In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy; gradually add granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy; then gradually mix in blackberry reduction along with vanilla extract.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cake
- Place one layer of cake on a serving plate; spread blackberry buttercream on top.
- Repeat layering with remaining cakes and frosting until finished.
- Decorate with fresh blackberries and edible flowers for an elegant touch.
Enjoy your delectable Blackberry Lime Cake!
How to Serve Blackberry Lime Cake
Serving your Blackberry Lime Cake can elevate the entire dessert experience. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, these suggestions will make your cake shine.
With Fresh Berries
- Top with Blackberries: Garnish each slice with fresh blackberries for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve with Berry Compote: Drizzle a homemade compote made from blackberries and lime juice over the cake for added sweetness.
Accompanied by Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the tangy flavors of the cake beautifully.
- Coconut Sorbet: For a dairy-free option, coconut sorbet adds an exotic twist that pairs well with lime.
Decorated with Edible Flowers
- Micro Herbs Decoration: Use micro pepper and micro mint for a fresh touch that enhances both appearance and flavor.
- Alyssum Blossoms: These small, delicate flowers add visual appeal and a subtle sweetness to each slice.
How to Perfect Blackberry Lime Cake
Creating the perfect Blackberry Lime Cake involves attention to detail in both preparation and baking. Follow these tips to ensure your cake is a hit.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour, baking powder, and soda helps aerate the mixture, resulting in a lighter cake.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mixing just until combined prevents dense cake; overmixing can lead to tough texture.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking conditions. An incorrect temperature can affect baking time and texture.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the layers cool fully before applying buttercream to avoid melting and sliding.
Best Side Dishes for Blackberry Lime Cake
Adding side dishes can enhance your dessert table and offer guests more options. Here are some great pairings for your Blackberry Lime Cake.
- Minted Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed with mint leaves provides a light contrast.
- Citrus Sorbet: This palate-cleansing dessert is zesty enough to complement the lime flavor in the cake.
- Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome treat that balances sweetness.
- Chocolate Mousse Cups: Rich chocolate mousse brings depth to the dessert spread while contrasting the tartness of the cake.
- Lime Curd Tarts: Mini tarts filled with tangy lime curd add another layer of citrus delight alongside your cake.
- Spiced Nuts Mix: A crunchy mix of spiced nuts offers a savory crunch that contrasts well with the sweet flavors of the cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Blackberry Lime Cake can be delightful, but certain mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing and result in a dense cake.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level the flour rather than scooping directly from the bag. This avoids using too much flour, which can make your cake dry.
- Skipping the lime zest: Lime zest adds essential flavor to the cake. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste and aroma.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a tough texture instead of a tender crumb.
- Ignoring baking time and temperature: Every oven is different. Check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off to avoid overbaking your cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before refrigerating to maintain moisture.
Freezing Blackberry Lime Cake
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for optimal freshness.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Label each package with the date.
Reheating Blackberry Lime Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one slice at a time for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blackberry Lime Cake?
Blackberry Lime Cake is a tender dessert infused with zesty lime and layered with blackberry buttercream. It’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I use frozen blackberries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries, but make sure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the cake batter or frosting.
How do I make Blackberry Buttercream?
To make Blackberry Buttercream, blend softened butter with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh blackberry puree until smooth.
What can I substitute if I don’t have lime juice?
You can use lemon juice as an alternative if you’re out of lime juice. It will provide a similar tangy flavor.
How can I customize my Blackberry Lime Cake?
Feel free to add other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry flavor. You can also experiment with different citrus zests!
Final Thoughts
The Blackberry Lime Cake is not only visually stunning but also packed with vibrant flavors that everyone will love. Its versatility allows for various customization options, making it perfect for any celebration or just a sweet treat at home. Try out this delightful recipe today!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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Blackberry Lime Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Blackberry Lime Cake, a delightful dessert that combines the tangy essence of lime with the sweet juiciness of fresh blackberries. This moist layer cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself. Topped with a luscious blackberry buttercream and garnished with fresh berries and edible flowers, this cake not only pleases the palate but also dazzles the eyes. With straightforward steps and customizable options, you’ll find it easy to make this cake a showstopper at your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons organic lime zest
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 8 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 12 ounces fresh blackberries
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 6 egg whites
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons blackberry reduction
- edible flowers (micro pepper, alyssum and micro mint), washed and dried
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and lime zest.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with milk and lime juice. Mix until just combined.
- Grease three 8-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- In a blender or food processor, puree fresh blackberries with sugar and lime juice until smooth.
- Strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds if desired.
- In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy; gradually add granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy; then gradually mix in blackberry reduction along with vanilla extract.
- Place one layer of cake on a serving plate; spread blackberry buttercream on top.
- Repeat layering with remaining cakes and frosting until finished.
- Decorate with fresh blackberries and edible flowers for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg