Irresistible Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

There’s something magical about a Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that makes you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation, even if you’re only sitting on your couch. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Orange Creamsicle Pie for a summer dessert Imagine biting into a slice of fluffy cake, the tangy sweetness of key lime dancing on your taste buds while luscious cream cheese frosting hugs every crumb. It’s like summer in your mouth!

Now, let me take you back to the first time I tasted this delightful creation at my Aunt Edna’s backyard barbecue. The sun was shining, the grill was sizzling, and there it was—her Key Lime Cake. As I dove into that first slice, I realized I’d found my new favorite dessert. The burst of citrus flavor paired with the creamy goodness was so good that I may have taken an extra slice or two… or three! This cake is perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to quiet evenings when you just need a little pick-me-up.

I still remember my cousin’s face when he took a bite and exclaimed it was “the best cake ever.” That kind of reaction makes baking worthwhile! For more inspiration, check out this Best Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Cake Flour: Use cake flour for a lighter texture; it helps create that fluffy consistency we all crave. Gooey Butter Cake for a rich texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here; adjust based on your preference for tartness versus sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly; check expiration dates for best results.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness beautifully; don’t skip this crucial ingredient.
• Eggs: Use large eggs for better moisture and richness in the batter; room temperature works best.
• Key Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juice packs more flavor than bottled; seek out those cute little key limes!
• Zest of Key Limes: Adds depth to the flavor profile; zest away before juicing!
• Sour Cream: This adds moisture and tanginess that takes the cake over the top.
• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing; it enriches the batter significantly.
• Cream Cheese: Essential for that rich frosting; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
• Powdered Sugar: For sweetness in the frosting, it dissolves easily and creates that smooth texture we want.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash rounds out the flavors beautifully; always opt for pure vanilla extract if possible.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Adjust thickness in your frosting based on preference; cream gives a luxurious touch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together!

Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking. You want those cakes to slide right out!

Create Your Dry Mix: In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This helps ensure even rising—trust me, lumps are not our friends.

Mingle Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in key lime juice and zest—it should smell like paradise!

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients while alternating with sour cream. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense cakes!

Bake Those Layers: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops using a spatula. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Create Your Frosting: While cakes cool, beat cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until smooth. Stir in milk or cream until desired consistency is achieved.

Frost Away: Once cooled completely, remove cakes from pans. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting generously over top. Add the other layer and frost the top and sides as desired—don’t be shy!

This Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will surely be a hit! Now grab yourself a slice (or two) and enjoy every tangy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To ensure your Key Lime Cake bakes evenly, start by preheating your oven to 350°F before mixing ingredients. No Bake Lemon Blueberry Pie as a refreshing alternative Prepare all components beforehand for a seamless baking experience, ensuring you don’t forget the zest!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap regular flour for gluten-free flour or add desiccated coconut for an extra tropical twist. Lemon Raspberry Cookies for a citrus twist You can also experiment with different citrus juices like lemon or orange for a unique flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For best results, enjoy it chilled directly from the fridge rather than reheating.

I remember the first time I made this cake; my friends devoured it! Their smiles after every bite made me realize I had struck gold with this recipe. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Banana Cake Recipe recipe.

FAQ

What can I substitute for cream cheese in frosting?

Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese works well as a delicious alternative.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake and frost it a day before serving for enhanced flavors.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.

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Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a tropical treat that brings a burst of citrus flavor to your dessert table. This fluffy cake, paired with rich cream cheese frosting, creates an unforgettable combination that feels like a slice of summer, no matter the season. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, this recipe is simple enough for bakers of all levels to enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cake flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Zest of 3 key limes
• For the frosting: 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in key lime juice and zest.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture while alternating with sour cream until just combined.
5. Divide batter between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. For the frosting, beat cream cheese until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Stir in milk or cream to reach desired consistency.
7. Once cakes are completely cooled, frost layers generously.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For added zestiness, consider incorporating lime zest into the frosting. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.