Key Lime Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the tangy flavor of fresh lime into a moist, tender cake with a rich cream cheese frosting. This cake captures the essence of the beloved Key Lime Pie but in a cake form, making it a perfect treat for lime lovers. The combination of zesty lime, sweet sugar, and the creamy richness of frosting creates a harmonious balance of flavors that are sure to impress your guests.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something citrusy, this cake offers a fresh and exciting twist on a classic dessert. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and the lime cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. Topped with fresh lime slices for garnish, this cake is as visually appealing as it is delicious. If you’re looking for a dessert that combines tang and sweetness in every bite, this Key Lime Cake is the recipe for you.

Let’s explore why this cake should be on your dessert menu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Citrus Flavor

The key lime zest and juice infuse the cake with a bright, refreshing citrus flavor that isn’t overwhelming but adds just the right balance of tartness.

2. Moist and Tender Texture

Thanks to the addition of oil and whole milk, this cake remains moist and tender, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience with each bite.

3. Creamy Frosting

The lime cream cheese frosting is velvety smooth, with just the right tang to complement the sweetness of the cake, making it the perfect topping for this dessert.

4. Easy to Make

Despite the impressive taste, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced baking skills. The ingredients are simple, and the process is easy to follow.

5. A Showstopper Dessert

With its vibrant lime flavor and creamy frosting, this cake is a beautiful showstopper at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to a potluck, this cake is sure to be the star of the event.

Ingredients

Key Lime Cake:

Canola or Olive Oil
Large Eggs
Whole Milk
Fresh Lime Zest
Fresh Lime Juice
Sugar
Flour
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Salt

Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:

Butter (softened)
Cream Cheese (softened)
Powdered Sugar
Fresh Lime Juice
Fresh Lime Zest
Fresh Limes (for garnish)

Variations

This Key Lime Cake recipe is quite versatile, allowing for several variations to suit your preferences:

Key Lime Cupcakes: Instead of baking a full cake, use the batter to make individual cupcakes. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties.
Vegan Version: Swap out the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute and use plant-based milk and vegan butter for the frosting.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cake gluten-free while still keeping the texture and flavor intact.
Berries on Top: Add some fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries on top of the cake as a vibrant garnish for a sweet and tart contrast.
Lime and Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the cake batter for a tropical twist on this classic dessert.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, whole milk, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix until smooth and combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the fresh lime juice and lime zest, and beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Garnish with fresh lime slices for a decorative touch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into slices and serve your delicious Key Lime Cake. The cake is best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored for later.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth, easy frosting.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix the dry ingredients just until they are incorporated into the wet ingredients.
Check Cake for Doneness: Every oven is different, so check your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
Chill the Frosting: If the frosting becomes too soft while spreading, chill it for a few minutes before continuing to frost the cake.
Zest the Limes First: Zest the limes before juicing them to avoid any mess and ensure you get all of the zest you need.

How to Serve

Key Lime Cake can be served in several ways:

Traditional Slices: Serve individual slices of cake with a garnish of fresh lime slices.
With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for added richness.
On its Own: The cake is delicious on its own, especially with the flavorful cream cheese frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake will remain moist and delicious, even after being stored.

Freezing

You can freeze Key Lime Cake for up to 3 months. To do so, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, you can microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or heat it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Just be careful not to dry it out.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?

For the best flavor, fresh lime juice is recommended, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.

2. Can I make the cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two ahead of time. Just store the cooled layers in an airtight container until ready to frost.

3. How do I prevent my cake from being too dense?

Be sure not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to a dense cake.

4. Can I use a different type of frosting?

While lime cream cheese frosting complements this cake, you can also use a traditional buttercream frosting or whipped cream for a lighter option.

5. How do I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly and increase the amount of lime juice for a tangier flavor.

6. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.

7. How do I store leftover frosting?

Store leftover frosting in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature before using it again.

8. Can I use lime extract instead of zest and juice?

While lime extract can be used, it won’t provide the same freshness as the zest and juice from a fresh lime.

9. How can I make my cake more moist?

Adding oil and milk to the batter ensures the cake stays moist. Also, avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake.

10. Can I add coconut to the cake?

Yes, shredded coconut can be added to the batter for a tropical twist on the classic Key Lime Cake.

Conclusion

Key Lime Cake is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that offers a perfect blend of tart lime and sweet cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply want to treat yourself to something citrusy and delicious, this cake is sure to be a hit. With its easy preparation, vibrant flavors, and ability to be customized, it’s a dessert that’s both impressive and approachable.