Delight in the refreshing tanginess of a homemade Key Lime Cake! This dessert is a perfect blend of zesty lime flavor and sweet cake, guaranteed to brighten any occasion.
Ingredients for Key Lime Cake:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed Key lime juice
- Zest of 2 Key limes
For the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed Key lime juice
- Zest of 1 Key lime
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (optional):
- Key lime slices
- Fresh mint leaves
How to Make Key Lime Cake:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk and Key lime juice. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the Key lime zest.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Prepare Frosting: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. While the cakes cool, prepare the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, Key lime juice, Key lime zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer, and then add the final cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with slices of Key lime and fresh mint leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Key Limes: Known for their distinct tartness and aromatic zest, Key limes provide the signature flavor in this cake.
- Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy frosting that balances the tangy lime.
- Butter and Eggs: Provide moisture and structure to the cake layers.
- Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and enhances the flavor profile of the cake.
Enjoy this Amazing Key Lime Cake as a refreshing dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite!
