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
Scale
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.
