Here’s a refreshingly tangy and beautifully sweet recipe for Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting — perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you want a zesty, tropical dessert with a moist crumb and luscious frosting. 🍰🌿
🍈 Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
🍽️ Servings: 10–12
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 min | Bake Time: 25–30 min
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp key lime zest (about 2–3 limes)
- ½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (to desired consistency)
- 2 tbsp key lime juice
- 1 tsp key lime zest
- Pinch of salt
🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs & Flavor
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet & Dry
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined — don’t overmix.
6. Bake
- Divide batter evenly between the pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
🎂 Make the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add lime juice, zest, and salt.
- Gradually beat in powdered sugar until creamy and spreadable.
🧁 Assemble the Cake
- Place one cooled cake layer on a plate.
- Spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
- Add second layer and frost the top and sides.
- Garnish with lime zest, lime slices, or toasted coconut, if desired.
💡 Tips & Variations:
- Use bottled key lime juice (like Nellie & Joe’s) if fresh isn’t available.
- For cupcakes: Bake 18–22 minutes, yields about 24.
- Add graham cracker crumbs to the sides for a pie-inspired look!
Would you like a gluten-free version, sheet cake style, or a bundt cake adaptation?