Key Lime Cake
When it comes to desserts, few things can brighten your day like a slice of cake. The first time I tasted Key Lime Cake, I felt like I was eating sunshine on a plate. This delightful cake is light, citrusy, and perfectly sweet, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. With its refreshing flavor and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to impress family and friends.
If you have a sweet tooth and enjoy vibrant flavors, then this cake is for you. It’s a simple recipe that anyone can make, whether you are a baking novice or an experienced cook. Get ready to indulge in a slice of this irresistible cake that captures the essence of summer in every bite.
Why you’ll love this recipe
There are many reasons to love this Key Lime Cake. Here are just a few:
Refreshing Flavor: The bright, tangy flavor of key lime juice adds a refreshing twist that you won’t find in every cake. It’s like a burst of sunshine in your mouth!
Creamy Frosting: The key lime cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the cake. It’s sweet and tangy, making each bite feel indulgent while still being light.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday celebration, holiday gathering, or just because you want a special treat, this cake fits the bill. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event.
Easy to Make: Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this delightful dessert.
Great Leftover: This cake stays fresh for several days, making it a perfect treat to enjoy throughout the week. You might find yourself reaching for a slice every day!
How to prepare Key Lime Cake
Making Key Lime Cake from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience. With a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious dessert that will impress everyone. Let’s go over what you need and how to make it.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need to bake this delicious Key Lime Cake:
For the Cake:
- 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
- 2 tsp key lime zest
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup key lime juice
- 1 tsp key lime zest
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get started on baking your Key Lime Cake. Follow these simple steps:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed mixture. Beat well after each addition.
Combine Buttermilk and Lime: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, key lime juice, and key lime zest together.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk mixture. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Bake the Cakes: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Then add the key lime juice, key lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix until your frosting is light and fluffy.
Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Use the remaining frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Key Lime Cake!
How to serve Key Lime Cake
Serving is just as easy as making this delicious cake. You can present your Key Lime Cake on a beautiful cake stand or a simple plate. Here are some ideas for how to serve and enjoy this delicious dessert:
Garnish: For a decorative touch, add a few key lime slices or lime wedges on top of the cake. You might also sprinkle some lime zest around the edges of the cake.
Sides: Serve your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added creamy contrast.
Beverage Pairing: A glass of chilled lemonade, iced tea, or a light white wine can pair beautifully with your Key Lime Cake.
Occasions: This cake is perfect for birthdays, picnics, potlucks, or any festive occasion.
How to store Key Lime Cake
If you find yourself with leftovers (and we hope you do!), storing your Key Lime Cake is straightforward. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
In the Fridge: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep the cake moist and the frosting fresh. It should last for about 4 to 5 days.
Cover: If you do not have an airtight container, use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the cake. Make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent the cake from drying out.
Freezing: If you want to save the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Preparation tips Key Lime Cake
To make sure your Key Lime Cake turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh key limes for the juice and zest. Pre-packaged lime juice may alter the taste.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure all your ingredients (like butter and eggs) are at room temperature before starting. This helps in creating a smooth batter.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the batter, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so check your cakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Use a toothpick to see if they are fully cooked.
Let it Cool: Make sure the cakes cool completely before frosting. If you frost a warm cake, the frosting may melt and slide off.
Variation (if applicable)
While the classic Key Lime Cake is delicious as it is, you can also try some variations to mix things up:
Coconut Lime Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. You can also substitute coconut milk for buttermilk.
Layered Cake: Instead of two layers, you can make a four-layer cake for an extravagant dessert. Just be sure to adjust the baking time.
Key Lime Cupcakes: Use the same batter to create cupcakes. Bake for about 15-18 minutes and top them with the same frosting.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cakes a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge or at room temperature (if frosted).
2. What can I use if I can’t find key limes?
If key limes are hard to find, you can substitute regular limes. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
3. Is there a gluten-free option for this cake?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.
By following this easy recipe, you’ll create a delightful dessert that brightens your day with every bite. Enjoy your Key Lime Cake with friends and family, and savor the sunshine it brings!
