Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup whole milk (room temperature); 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or bottled key lime juice); 1 tbsp key lime zest (or regular lime zest); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional: a few drops of green food coloring for a lime hue; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 2-3 tbsp key lime juice; 1 tsp key lime zest; Pinch of salt; Optional: a drop of green food coloring for tint

Published: September 3, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing Flavor: The combination of key lime juice and zest delivers a bright and tangy taste that is sure to awaken your palate.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because, this cake fits any celebration.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this stunning dessert without stress.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant color and garnishes make this cake not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
Customizable Options: You can adjust the sweetness of the frosting or add food coloring for an extra pop!

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Cake pans (9-inch)
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: This tool helps you achieve a light and fluffy texture in both the cake batter and frosting effortlessly.
Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes allows you to easily separate ingredients while mixing different components of the recipe.

Ingredients

For the Cake:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* 4 large eggs
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tbsp baking powder
* tsp salt
* 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
* 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or bottled key lime juice)
* 1 tbsp key lime zest (or regular lime zest)
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* Optional: a few drops of green food coloring for a lime hue

For the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
* 2-3 tbsp key lime juice
* 1 tsp key lime zest
* Pinch of salt
* Optional: a drop of green food coloring for tint

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine milk, key lime juice, zest, and vanilla in a measuring cup.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the milk mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
If desired, stir in a few drops of green food coloring for an added touch.

Step 3: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add sifted powdered sugar while mixing well.
Mix in key lime juice, zest, and salt; beat until fluffy and spreadable. Adjust with more juice if you’d like it tangier or more powdered sugar for thickness.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread frosting generously on top before adding the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake. For garnish, consider using lime zest, lime slices, or crushed graham crackers to evoke that classic key lime pie feel.

Enjoy your delicious Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting!

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

Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a summer gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, the serving options are endless.

Creative Serving Suggestions

Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Top each slice with fresh lime slices or berries for added color and flavor.
Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream enhances the cake’s tangy taste.
Pair with Ice Cream: Vanilla or coconut ice cream complements the key lime flavors beautifully.
Add Crushed Graham Crackers: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for a crunchy texture reminiscent of key lime pie.
Drizzle with Lime Syrup: A light drizzle of lime syrup can elevate the cake’s zesty notes.

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

To make your Key Lime Cake truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

Boldly Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh key limes provide vibrant flavor compared to bottled juice.
Boldly Measure Accurately: Use kitchen scales or measuring cups to ensure perfect ingredient ratios for the best texture.
Boldly Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes; check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
Boldly Cool Completely: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and sliding of the icing.
Boldly Adjust Sweetness: Taste your frosting and adjust sugar levels based on your preference for sweetness and tanginess.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Enjoying Key Lime Cake can be elevated further by pairing it with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake.
Coconut Rice: The light coconut flavor pairs well with the tartness of the key lime.
Tropical Smoothie: A smoothie made from mango, pineapple, and coconut milk brings tropical vibes to your dessert table.
Crispy Garden Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens adds a light crunch and balances the richness of the frosting.
Pineapple Salsa: This zesty salsa can provide an unexpected twist alongside each slice of cake.
Lime Sorbet: For a cool treat, serve lime sorbet as a palate cleanser between bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you have the right quantities.
Skipping the room temperature step: If your butter and eggs are too cold, they won’t incorporate well. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the correct temperature.
Not cooling layers properly: Allowing the cake layers to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting off. Patience is key here.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.
The cake will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on low power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:

Can I use bottled key lime juice?

Yes, bottled key lime juice is a convenient option and works well in this recipe.

How do I make my cake more flavorful?

Adding extra key lime zest or using fresh ingredients can enhance the flavor of your cake.

How long should I let the cake cool before frosting?

Allow each layer to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to wire racks until completely cool.

What can I substitute for cream cheese if needed?

For a dairy-free option, consider using plant-based cream cheese alternatives that are widely available.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Its tangy flavor and creamy texture make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the sweetness level. Give it a try; you won’t regret it!

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Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe