Description
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting, a perfect dessert for any occasion. This vibrant cake features a moist, tangy base infused with fresh key lime juice and zest, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds a creamy, zesty finish. Ideal for summer parties, birthdays, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning. With easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can impress their guests with this tropical treat. Elevate your dessert game and bring a slice of sunshine to your table!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- 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.
- 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.
- For 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg