Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

The Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of tangy flavor and a refreshing twist to any occasion. This cake is perfect for birthdays, summer gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy. With its moist layers and creamy frosting, each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and tartness that will leave everyone craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavor: The key lime juice adds a zesty kick that makes this cake stand out.
• Moist Texture: The combination of butter and milk ensures a soft, tender crumb that’s hard to resist.
• Simple Preparation: This cake comes together easily, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Design: Decorate the cake to suit any celebration with fun garnishes like lime zest or crushed graham crackers.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique flavor profile is sure to impress guests at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and energy while ensuring the butter and sugar blend perfectly for fluffy batter.
• Mixing bowls: Keeps your ingredients organized and allows for easy mixing without mess.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down bowls to ensure no ingredients go unaccounted for, leading to a well-mixed batter.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or bottled key lime juice)
• 1 tbsp key lime zest (or regular lime zest)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: a few drops of green food coloring for a lime hue

For the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2-3 tbsp key lime juice
• 1 tsp key lime zest
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: a drop of green food coloring for tint

How to Make Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a measuring cup, combine the milk, key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the milk mixture. Start with dry ingredients and end with dry; mix just until combined.
6. If desired, stir in a few drops of green food coloring.

Step 3: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar while mixing well until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in key lime juice, zest, and salt; continue beating until fluffy and spreadable. Adjust consistency by adding more juice for tanginess or sugar if you prefer it thicker.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top before adding the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake as desired. Garnish with additional lime zest or slices, or sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for added texture reminiscent of key lime pie.

Enjoy your homemade Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any occasion. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

For a Casual Gathering

• Fresh Fruit: Serve slices of the cake alongside a mix of berries, such as strawberries and blueberries, for a refreshing contrast.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a tropical flair that complements the key lime flavor beautifully.

At a Formal Celebration

• Candied Lime Slices: Garnish your cake with thinly sliced candied lime for an elegant touch and added sweetness.
• Edible Flowers: Adding edible flowers around the cake can create a stunning presentation for special events.

With Beverages

• Iced Tea or Lemonade: Pairing the cake with a chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade balances the tartness of the key lime.
• Sparkling Water: For a light option, serve sparkling water with lime wedges for extra zest.

How to Perfect Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Key Lime Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and powdered sugar eliminates lumps, leading to a smoother batter and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding wet and dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake.
• Taste Your Frosting: Adjust sweetness by tasting the cream cheese frosting as you add powdered sugar and lime juice; balance is key!
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool fully on wire racks to prevent melting the frosting.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Key Lime Cake can make it even more delightful. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with citrus vinaigrette complements the tartness of the cake nicely.
2. Coconut Rice: Sweet coconut rice enhances tropical flavors, creating a unique dessert experience.
3. Grilled Pineapple: The sweetness of grilled pineapple pairs perfectly with the tangy key lime flavor.
4. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad made from seasonal fruits can refresh palates between bites of cake.
5. Chilled Cucumber Soup: This light soup offers a cool contrast, making it perfect for warm days.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses balances sweet desserts while providing variety on your table.
7. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add an indulgent touch that pairs wonderfully with citrus desserts.
8. Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla ice cream is always a hit; it provides creaminess against tangy flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can result in a dense cake. Always ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough cake. Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Incorrect measuring of ingredients: Using too much flour or sugar can throw off your recipe. Always measure accurately using dry measuring cups for solids and liquid measuring cups for liquids.
• Not proper cooling time: Cutting into the cake too soon can cause it to crumble. Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting them.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Start checking your cakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Key Lime Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe container; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:

Can I use bottled key lime juice?

Yes, bottled key lime juice works well if fresh key limes are not available.

How do I make my frosting thicker?

If your frosting is too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I customize the frosting flavor?

Absolutely! You can add other citrus zest like lemon or orange for a unique twist on the classic flavor.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

Serve chilled with a garnish of lime zest or crushed graham crackers for added texture and flavor.

How long does this cake last?

When stored properly, this cake stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. With its tangy flavor and creamy frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment by adding different zests or toppings to make it uniquely yours!

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Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 12 portions 1x

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Description

Indulge in the zesty delight of Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting, a refreshing dessert that brightens up any occasion. This cake features moist layers infused with tangy key lime juice, complemented by a smooth, creamy frosting that balances sweetness and tartness. Perfect for summer parties, birthdays, or simply as an everyday treat, this easy-to-follow recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. With its vibrant flavors and playful garnishes like lime zest or crushed graham crackers, this cake not only tastes great but looks stunning too. Bake this delightful dessert today and enjoy each bite of its tropical goodness!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or bottled key lime juice)
• 1 tbsp key lime zest (or regular lime zest)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: a few drops of green food coloring for a lime hue
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tbsp key lime juice
• 1 tsp key lime zest
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: a drop of green food coloring for tint

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
4. Combine milk, key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract in another container.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the milk mixture until just combined.
6. Divide batter between pans and bake for 28–32 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool cakes before frosting with a mixture of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, key lime juice, zest, and salt.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg