Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 20-36 min
  • Total Time: 35-51 min
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Key Lime Cake is a moist and fluffy citrus cake featuring bright lime zest and juice in the batter, paired with a sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced with the richness of butter and cream cheese, this cake offers the best combination of tangy lime flavor and smooth, luscious frosting, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cake Batter

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

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
  • 8 ounce Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 4 - 4 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Lime Zest

Garnish

  • Fresh Limes (sliced for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cake evenly.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, eggs, whole milk, fresh lime zest, and fresh lime juice. Cream these ingredients together for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another large bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Once combined, fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients carefully until just incorporated to avoid overmixing.
  4. Prepare Pans and Bake: Spray two 9-inch or three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. Divide the batter evenly among the pans. If using three 8-inch pans, bake for 20-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If using two 9-inch pans, bake for 30-36 minutes. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
  5. Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add 4 to 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar along with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and 1/2 teaspoon lime zest. Beat until smooth and creamy, adjusting sugar quantity for desired consistency.
  6. Assemble Cake: Once the cakes are fully cooled, frost the layers with the cream cheese frosting. Apply an even layer between layers and around the sides, smoothing with a spatula.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cake with freshly sliced limes to enhance the presentation and add an extra burst of fresh lime aroma. Serve and enjoy your fresh Key Lime Cake!

Notes

  • This cake features a moist and fluffy texture with the bright flavor of key lime perfectly balanced by the tangy cream cheese frosting.
  • Use fresh lime zest and juice for the most authentic and vibrant lime flavor.
  • Ensure the cake layers are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
  • Adjust the powdered sugar in the frosting to reach your preferred sweetness and thickness.
  • Fresh lime slices as garnish add a beautiful visual touch and hint at the cake’s citrus flavor.
  • If you prefer a deeper lime flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lime extract to the batter or frosting.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 535 kcal
  • Sugar: 60 g
  • Sodium: 292 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 73 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 67 mg

Find it online: https://jmrecipes.com/key-lime-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/