The Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that captures the vibrant flavors of key limes. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake offers a refreshing twist on traditional desserts. The bright and tangy frosting complements the moist layers of cake, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Its unique taste and gorgeous presentation are sure to impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of key lime juice and zest provides a refreshing burst of citrus that brightens your palate.
• Versatile Dessert: This cake is perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal celebrations.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this stunning cake without stress.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors and garnishes make this cake visually appealing, adding charm to your dessert table.
• Creamy Frosting: The rich cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the tartness of the key lime, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the essential tools needed for preparation. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cake pans (9-inch round)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures ingredients are evenly mixed, resulting in a light and fluffy cake batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice, or bottled key lime juice
• 1 tbsp key lime zest, or regular lime zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: a few drops of green food coloring for a lime hue

For the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tbsp key lime juice
• 1 tsp key lime zest
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: a drop of green food coloring for tint

How to Make Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine milk, key lime juice, zest, and vanilla in a measuring cup.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the milk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
6. If desired, stir in a few drops of green food coloring.

Step 3: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing well.
3. Add key lime juice, zest, and salt; beat until fluffy and spreadable. Adjust with more juice for tanginess or more sugar for thickness if needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost both top and sides as desired. Garnish with lime zest, slices of lime, or crushed graham crackers for that classic key lime pie touch!

How to Serve Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cake experience.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on a decorative plate for an elegant presentation.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.

With Fresh Fruits

• Pair the cake with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries to add color and contrast.
• Serve alongside sliced kiwi for a tropical twist.

Ice Cream Accompaniment

• A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream complements the tangy flavors of the cake beautifully.
• Try a lime sorbet for an extra zing.

Garnished with Mint

• Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing touch when placed on top of each slice.
• Use mint sprigs as a garnish on the serving platter for added visual appeal.

Drizzled with Fruit Sauce

• A drizzle of key lime or berry sauce elevates the flavor profile and adds moisture.
• Consider making a quick coulis by blending fruits with a bit of sugar.

How to Perfect Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating the perfect Key Lime Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and powdered sugar helps remove lumps and ensures a smooth batter and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients; overmixing can make the cake dense.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust lime juice in the frosting based on your preference for tanginess; taste frequently to find your ideal balance.
• Cool Completely: Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting; this prevents melting and sliding of frosting.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Key Lime Cake can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and freshness to your meal.
2. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy macaroons add texture and complement the tropical theme of the cake.
3. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a rich counterpoint to the lightness of the key lime flavor.
4. Lime Sorbet: This refreshing palate cleanser enhances the citrus notes while cooling down between bites.
5. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: The sweetness of chocolate paired with tart strawberries creates a delightful contrast.
6. Graham Cracker Crust Cookies: These cookies mimic key lime pie crust, adding crunch that complements the soft cake texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and there are common pitfalls that can affect your Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture in your cake.

• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, so use precise measurements. Use kitchen scales or measuring cups specific for dry and liquid ingredients to avoid inconsistencies.

• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined when adding the dry ingredients to the wet. Overmixing can result in a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.

• Not checking for doneness: Rely on visual cues alone can lead to underbaking or overbaking. Always test with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

• Skipping the cooling step: Allow the cake layers to cool properly before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures better presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use bottled key lime juice?

Yes, bottled key lime juice is a great substitute for fresh juice. Just make sure it’s pure and not from concentrate for the best flavor.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, indicating the cake is fully baked.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time, freeze them, and frost just before serving for optimal freshness.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese as an alternative, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor slightly.

How can I customize my Key Lime Cake?

Feel free to add coconut flakes to the batter or top it with fresh fruit like raspberries for added color and flavor!

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is refreshing, vibrant, and perfect for any occasion. Its tangy flavor paired with creamy frosting makes it irresistible. Don’t hesitate to customize it according to your preference—whether it’s adding fruits or adjusting sweetness! Try this delightful recipe today!

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Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of our Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting—a vibrant dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes. This delightful cake is ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. With its luscious cream cheese frosting and light, moist layers, this cake will surely impress your guests while brightening any dessert table. The zesty key lime taste combined with a creamy finish creates a memorable experience for your palate. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you can whip up this tropical delight without any hassle.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice, or bottled key lime juice
• 1 tbsp key lime zest, or regular lime zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: a few drops of green food coloring for a lime hue
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tbsp key lime juice
• 1 tsp key lime zest
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: a drop of green food coloring for tint

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Instructions

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. 2. Cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy; add eggs one by one.
3. 3. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt; combine milk, lime juice, zest, and vanilla separately.
4. 4. Gradually combine dry and wet ingredients into the butter mixture until just mixed; add food coloring if desired.
5. 5. Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean; cool before frosting.
6. 6. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar, lime juice, zest, and salt.
7. 7. Assemble the cake by layering and frosting as desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps. Customize your frosting with additional lime zest or color.