If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances zesty brightness with creamy indulgence, this Key Lime Cake Recipe is an absolute showstopper. With its tender layers soaked in fresh lime zest and juice, crowned by a luscious lime cream cheese frosting, every bite feels like a burst of sunshine. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something fresh and flavorful, this cake brings a delightful tropical twist that’s sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a critical role in building the cake’s fluffy texture, citrusy zing, and creamy richness. You’ll find everything here contributes to making this cake a refreshing yet indulgent treat.
- Canola or Olive Oil: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down, making it tender and soft.
- Large Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the cake batter.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps blend the lime flavors smoothly throughout the batter.
- Fresh Lime Zest: Delivers that bright, fragrant zing essential for an authentic citrus punch.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Infuses bright acidity that lifts all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cake while enhancing the lime flavor.
- Flour: Provides structure and ensures the layers hold together nicely.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise perfectly, giving it a light crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through sweetness.
- Butter (softened): Adds depth to the frosting with a creamy, rich texture.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The star of the frosting for tanginess and smooth creaminess.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, making it spreadable.
- Fresh Limes (sliced for garnish): Adds a fresh decorative touch and hints at the citrus inside.
How to Make Key Lime Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Batter
First up, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit — this allows for even baking to ensure a tender crumb. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, eggs, whole milk, fresh lime zest, and fresh lime juice. Beat these together for about two minutes. This step is important because it melds the citrus flavors beautifully into the liquid base, setting the stage for the cake’s bright personality.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry elements work as the framework of your cake, and mixing them well ensures an even rise and consistent texture.
Step 3: Combine and Fold Batter
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet lime mixture, gently folding to maintain airiness. This careful combining locks in the fluffy texture while evenly distributing the zingy lime flavors throughout the batter.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spray two 9-inch or three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, then divide the batter evenly among them. Bake for 20-26 minutes if using three 8-inch pans, or 30-36 minutes if using two 9-inch pans. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before moving to frosting.
Step 5: Make the Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and whipped to perfection. Gradually add powdered sugar, fresh lime juice, and lime zest, mixing well to achieve that luscious, tangy frosting that perfectly complements your Key Lime Cake layers. Chill it briefly to firm up for easy spreading.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Carefully remove the cooled cake layers from their pans. Spread a generous layer of lime cream cheese frosting on the first cake. Add the second layer on top, then frost the whole cake with the remaining frosting. Garnish with fresh lime slices for a pop of color and an inviting citrus finish.
How to Serve Key Lime Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lime slices aren’t just pretty; they reinforce the cake’s lime essence right at the first glance. You can also sprinkle a little extra lime zest or finely chopped mint leaves for a refreshing contrast in flavor and appearance.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a cold cup of mint tea, a fruity sorbet, or a light tropical fruit salad. These sides balance the cake’s creamy and zesty richness with their fresh, clean flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic round cake. Try serving individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a lime wedge on a rustic wooden board or in clear glass dessert cups layered with graham cracker crumbs for a deconstructed Key Lime Cake experience that wows guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Key Lime Cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents it from drying out and maintains the fresh lime flavor for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy it again without losing any of that brightness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers separately after they’ve cooled by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This way, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw the layers overnight in the fridge before frosting.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature for full flavor. If you prefer a slightly warmer slice, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving—avoid microwaving, as this can affect the delicate texture and cream cheese frosting.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is definitely preferred for the brightest, most vibrant flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lime juice can be used. Just be sure it’s 100% juice without additives to keep that authentic zestiness.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
The cream cheese gives the frosting its signature tang and creaminess. If you don’t have any, you could substitute with mascarpone or a blend of butter and sour cream, but the flavor will be a bit different — less tangy, more buttery.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help keep the cake’s structure intact.
How do I keep my cake moist?
The oil in this Key Lime Cake Recipe is key to keeping the crumb moist and tender. Also, be careful not to overbake — checking with a toothpick early on will help you catch it at just the right moment.
Is it possible to make cupcakes using this recipe?
Absolutely! Use cupcake liners and bake for about 15-18 minutes at 325 degrees. Keep an eye on baking time since cupcakes generally bake faster than larger cakes.
Final Thoughts
If you love desserts that bring a little sunshine to your table, the Key Lime Cake Recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your baking repertoire. It’s unexpectedly refreshing, wonderfully creamy, and surprisingly simple to make. So roll up your sleeves and treat yourself and your loved ones to this bright, flavorful slice of tropical bliss — I promise it will become a fast favorite!
Print
Key Lime Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Key Lime Cake is a tangy and moist dessert perfect for lime lovers. It features a tender cake infused with fresh lime zest and juice, layered with a smooth and creamy lime cream cheese frosting. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, this cake balances citrus brightness with rich sweetness for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup Canola or Olive Oil
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 1/3 cup Whole Milk
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Zest
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 cups Sugar
- 2 cups Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 4 – 4 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Lime Zest
Garnish
- Fresh Limes (sliced for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the cake.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canola or olive oil, eggs, whole milk, fresh lime zest, and fresh lime juice. Beat these ingredients together for 2 minutes until fully blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix: In another large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined—use a folding motion to keep the batter airy.
- Prepare Pans and Bake: Spray two 9-inch or three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. Divide the batter evenly among the pans. Bake in the preheated oven. For three 8-inch pans, bake for 20-26 minutes, or for two 9-inch pans bake for 30-36 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
- Make Lime Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down sides as needed. Gradually add powdered sugar, fresh lime juice, and lime zest. Mix until smooth. Chill the frosting until ready to use.
- Assemble the Cake: Remove the cooled cakes from the pans. Place one cake layer on your serving dish and spread a generous layer of lime cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top, then spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the frosted cake with thin slices of fresh lime. Serve and enjoy this refreshing Key Lime Cake.
Notes
- Use fresh lime zest and juice for the best flavor—bottled lime juice will alter the taste.
- To ensure even baking, make sure your batter is well mixed but do not overmix to avoid a dense cake texture.
- If you don’t have 8-inch or 9-inch pans, adjust baking time accordingly but check for doneness regularly.
- Chilling the frosting helps it to set and makes spreading easier.
- This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, well-covered.
