Best Key Lime Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Delight yourself with our Key Lime Cake recipe. Enjoy a moist, fluffy cake with creamy lime frosting. It's perfectly sweet and tangy with every bite.
Ingredients
For Key Lime Cake
- Granulated Sugar: Makes the cake batter taste sweeter.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps the cake hold its shape.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the flavor better.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise by acting as a leavening agent.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and neutralizes the acidity of the lime juice.
- Lime Flavored Gelatin: Add flavor and color to the cake batter.
- Eggs: Gives the cake its shape and keeps it moist.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps to keep the cake moist and adds richness.
- Orange Juice: Adds flavor and acidity to the cake batter.
- Lemon Juice: Adds acidity and enhances the citrus flavor.
- Key Lime Juice: Provides a distinct lime flavor to the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Helps make the cake taste and smell better.
For Cream Cheese Lime Frosting
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the icing.
- Cream Cheese: Provides creaminess and tanginess to the icing.
- Confectioner’s Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing.
- Key Lime Juice: Adds flavor and acidity to the icing.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the icing.
- Green Food Coloring optional: Adds color to the icing.
- Lime Zest: Adds a fresh citrus flavor and garnish to the cake.
Instructions
For Key Lime Cake
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and lime-flavored gelatin.
- In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then add vegetable oil, orange juice, lemon juice, key lime juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Pour the batter evenly into each of the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then carefully invert them onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
For Cream Cheese Lime Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add confectioner’s sugar, mixing well after each addition, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Add key lime juice and vanilla extract to the frosting, mixing until fully incorporated.
- If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring for a vibrant green hue.
Assembly
- After the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Evenly spread a layer of frosting over the top of the cake layer.
- Place another cake layer on top and repeat the process, spreading frosting evenly over the second layer.
- Finally, place the third cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish the top of the cake with lime zest for added flavor and decoration.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Then, savor and enjoy your delightful Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Lime Frosting.