Key Lime Cake

The perfect balance of sweet and tart, this Key Lime Cake delivers a burst of citrusy freshness in every bite. The soft, moist layers are infused with zesty lime and topped with a rich, creamy lime cream cheese frosting. Each slice is a delightful explosion of tropical flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a light and refreshing dessert, this Key Lime Cake is an absolute must-try. Its bright and vibrant flavor profile, paired with a velvety smooth frosting, makes it an irresistible treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it with a cup of tea, a chilled glass of lemonade, or even a tropical cocktail for the ultimate dessert experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 cup Canola or Olive Oil
3 large Eggs
1 1/3 cups Whole Milk
2 tbsp Fresh Lime Zest
1 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
2 cups Sugar
2 cups Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt

For the Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 cup Butter, softened
8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
4 to 4 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
1 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 tsp Fresh Lime Zest
Fresh Lime Slices (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine oil, eggs, whole milk, lime zest, and lime juice. Beat for about 2 minutes until smooth.
In another bowl, mix sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet mixture until fully combined.
Grease two 9-inch or three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. Divide the batter evenly into the pans.
Bake:
- Three 8-inch cakes: 20-26 minutes
- Two 9-inch cakes: 30-36 minutes
- Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready. Let them cool completely before frosting.
For the Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese for 4-5 minutes until fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, lime juice, and lime zest. Beat until smooth and creamy. Chill for 15 minutes.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting.
- Stack the next cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
- Garnish with fresh lime slices and extra lime zest.
Serve and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 464 kcal per serving | Servings: 16

Key Lime Cake: A Zesty and Refreshing Dessert for Any Occasion

Key Lime Cake is a deliciously tangy and sweet dessert that captures the essence of tropical flavors in every bite. With its bright citrusy notes and rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is a favorite among those who love a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a summer gathering, or simply to satisfy a citrus craving, Key Lime Cake is a delightful treat that never disappoints.

The History and Origin of Key Lime Cake

Key limes, the star ingredient in this cake, are small, aromatic limes known for their tart yet slightly floral flavor. These limes are most famously associated with Key Lime Pie, a classic American dessert originating from the Florida Keys. The pie was first made using condensed milk, eggs, and key lime juice, creating a smooth, creamy, and tangy filling.

Over time, bakers began experimenting with key limes in other desserts, leading to the creation of Key Lime Cake. While the exact origins of Key Lime Cake are unclear, it likely emerged as a creative twist on the beloved pie, incorporating similar flavors into a moist and fluffy cake. Today, it is a widely popular dessert, especially in the Southern United States, where citrus-based treats are cherished.

Why Key Lime Cake Stands Out

Key Lime Cake is unique because it offers a perfect balance of flavors. Unlike traditional cakes that may lean heavily on sweetness, this cake brings a refreshing tartness from the key limes, which complements the sweetness of the cake layers and frosting. The result is a light, airy, and citrusy dessert that appeals to a wide range of palates.

Here are a few reasons why Key Lime Cake is a must-try:

Bright and Refreshing Flavor – The tangy citrus notes make it an ideal dessert for warm weather, bringing a tropical feel to your table.
Moist and Soft Texture – The use of oil instead of butter ensures a tender crumb, making each bite light and fluffy.
Versatile and Customizable – You can add coconut, nuts, or even a hint of vanilla to personalize the flavor.
Pairs Well with Many Beverages – Enjoy it with iced tea, lemonade, or a tropical cocktail for a complete experience.

Tips for Making the Best Key Lime Cake

While Key Lime Cake is relatively easy to make, a few tips can help you perfect the recipe and achieve the best results:

1. Use Fresh Key Lime Juice and Zest

The key to a truly flavorful Key Lime Cake is freshly squeezed lime juice and zest. Bottled lime juice may lack the vibrant citrus oils present in fresh limes, which enhance both the aroma and taste of the cake. When zesting the limes, be careful to only grate the outer green layer, as the white pith underneath is bitter.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a dense and tough texture. To keep the cake light and airy, mix until the ingredients are just combined. This ensures the cake remains soft and tender after baking.

3. Chill the Frosting for Easy Spreading

The cream cheese frosting used in Key Lime Cake is naturally rich and creamy. To make spreading easier, chill the frosting for about 15 minutes before assembling the cake. This prevents it from becoming too soft and helps create smooth, even layers.

4. Add a Decorative Touch

For a beautiful presentation, consider decorating the cake with:

Fresh lime slices or zest on top
A dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish
Toasted coconut flakes for added texture and tropical flavor

5. Let the Cake Rest for Enhanced Flavor

Like many citrus desserts, Key Lime Cake tastes even better after a few hours or overnight. Letting the cake sit allows the lime flavors to intensify and meld with the frosting, creating a more flavorful and moist cake.

Key Lime Cake Variations

If you want to experiment with different versions of Key Lime Cake, here are a few variations to try:

Coconut Key Lime Cake – Add shredded coconut to the batter or sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the frosting for a tropical twist.
Key Lime Cupcakes – Instead of a layered cake, bake the batter in cupcake tins for a fun, individual sized treat.
Gluten-Free Key Lime Cake – Use almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix to make a delicious gluten free version.
Key Lime Pound Cake – For a denser texture, modify the recipe into a pound cake by using butter instead of oil and increasing the flour ratio slightly.

What to Serve with Key Lime Cake

Key Lime Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages and side treats. Here are some great pairings:

Iced Tea – The sweetness of tea complements the tartness of the cake perfectly.
Coffee or Espresso – The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the frosting.
Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of ice cream adds extra creaminess to each bite.
Fresh Berries – Blueberries or strawberries provide a nice contrast in texture and taste.

Why Key Lime Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best things about Key Lime Cake is its versatility. It’s light enough for an afternoon snack but decadent enough for celebrations. Here are a few occasions where Key Lime Cake is a great choice:

Summer Gatherings – The citrusy flavor is refreshing and enjoyable in warm weather.
Birthday Parties – A unique alternative to traditional birthday cakes.
Holidays – Whether it’s Easter, Mother’s Day, or Thanksgiving, this cake is sure to be a hit.
Dinner Parties – Impress guests with a homemade cake that looks and tastes amazing.

Storage and Shelf Life

If you have leftovers, Key Lime Cake stores well both at room temperature and in the refrigerator:

Room Temperature – If unfrosted, store in an airtight container for up to two days.
Refrigerated – Once frosted, keep the cake in the fridge for up to five days.
Freezer-Friendly – You can freeze the cake layers (without frosting) for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before assembling.

Conclusion

Key Lime Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that brings the perfect combination of tangy and sweet flavors. Its moist texture, creamy frosting, and vibrant lime zest make it a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of citrus desserts or looking for something unique to try, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and room for customization, Key Lime Cake is a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch as it becomes an instant favorite among family and friends.

So, grab some fresh key limes, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious citrus cakes you’ve ever tasted!

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