This Key Lime Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer with its fluffy layers and zesty flavor. Perfect for any gathering, this cake features a buttery graham cracker crumble between each layer and a sweet yet tangy key lime buttercream frosting. It’s an ideal dessert to impress your guests or simply enjoy at home with family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of key lime juice and creamy buttercream creates a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile: Great for birthdays, holidays, or just because—this cake fits any occasion you can think of!
• Beautiful Presentation: Layered cakes are always a showstopper. This Key Lime Cake will be the centerpiece of any dessert table.
• Perfectly Moist: The use of sour cream and egg whites adds moisture to the cake, ensuring every bite is tender.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking this delicious Key Lime Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures even mixing and aeration for a fluffy cake.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to perfect results every time.
• Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

Ingredients

This Key Lime Cake features three layers of fluffy white cake with a hint of lime, a buttery graham cracker crumble in between each layer, and a sweet yet tangy key lime buttercream frosting… classic summer flavors perfect for any gathering!

For the Cake

• 3 cups cake flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 tablespoons key lime juice (8-10 key limes)
• 5 egg whites, room temperature

For the Graham Cracker Crumble

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted and slightly cooled

For the Key Lime Buttercream Frosting

• 1.5 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup shortening
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6-8 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons key lime juice (3-4 key limes)
• ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1-2 tablespoons hot water
• Green food coloring gel

For Garnish

• Lime slices for garnish

this recipe

How to Make Key Lime Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
2. In another bowl, cream together unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, milk, vegetable oil, key lime juice, and egg whites to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
1. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove from oven; let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Make the Graham Cracker Crumble

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar.
2. Pour melted butter over crumbs, mixing until combined.

Step 5: Prepare the Key Lime Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl:
1. Beat softened butter and shortening together until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
3. Add salt, key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, hot water as needed for consistency.
4. Mix until well blended; add green food coloring gel as desired.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled:
1. Place one layer on a serving plate; spread some frosting on top followed by graham cracker crumble.
2. Repeat with second layer; top with final layer.
3. Frost entire cake with remaining buttercream frosting.

Step 7: Garnish

Finish by garnishing with fresh lime slices on top of your beautifully layered cake.

Enjoy your delightful Key Lime Cake, perfect for summertime celebrations!

How to Serve Key Lime Cake

Key Lime Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the essence of summer to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, serving this cake can be done in various fun ways.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on its own with a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant touch.
• Garnish with lime zest or a slice of lime for added color and flavor.

Layered Parfaits

• Crumble the cake into cups and layer it with whipped cream and fresh fruits.
• This presentation offers a fun twist and makes it easy for guests to enjoy.

Mini Cakes

• Bake smaller versions using a muffin tin for individual servings.
• Decorate each mini cake with buttercream and lime slices for a cute presentation.

Cake Pops

• Crumble leftover cake and mix it with frosting, then shape into balls.
• Dip in white chocolate and decorate with green sprinkles for a fun treat.

Festive Platter

• Arrange slices on a platter along with fresh fruits like strawberries and kiwi.
• This colorful display will enhance your dessert table at any event.

How to Perfect Key Lime Cake

To ensure your Key Lime Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Limes: Freshly squeezed key lime juice offers the best flavor compared to bottled juice. It enhances the tanginess of your cake.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature. This helps achieve a fluffy texture in your cake.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cake layers instead of light and airy ones.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature. Baking at incorrect temperatures can affect baking time and texture.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your layers to cool completely before adding buttercream. This prevents melting and helps maintain layer structure.

• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the cake for at least an hour after frosting helps set the buttercream and makes it easier to slice.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Cake

Pairing side dishes with Key Lime Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some suggestions that complement its flavors beautifully:

1. Coconut Macaroons: These sweet treats provide a chewy texture that nicely contrasts the fluffy cake.
2. Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and strawberries adds brightness alongside the cake.
3. Lemonade: A cool glass of lemonade enhances the citrus theme while refreshing your palate between bites.
4. Ice Cream: Serve vanilla or coconut ice cream alongside warm slices of cake for a delightful contrast in temperatures.
5. Pineapple Salsa: This sweet-and-spicy salsa adds an exciting twist when served on top of cake slices.
6. Minted Yogurt Dip: A light yogurt dip flavored with mint complements the tanginess of key lime without overpowering it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Key Lime Cake, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final outcome. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Using the wrong type of lime: Always use key limes for authentic flavor. Regular limes will not deliver the same tangy kick.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure your cake has the right texture.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can lead to uneven baking. Make sure butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.

• Neglecting to preheat the oven: A properly preheated oven ensures even baking. Always preheat your oven before placing the cake inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Key Lime Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• If possible, keep it on a flat surface to prevent damage.

Freezing Key Lime Cake

• Wrap each layer of cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped layers in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Key Lime Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a covered skillet over low heat. Warm slices for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes in my Key Lime Cake?

Using regular limes will change the flavor profile of your cake. Key limes provide that unique tartness essential for this dessert.

How do I achieve a light fluffy texture in my Key Lime Cake?

To achieve fluffiness, avoid overmixing your batter and ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before combining them.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake and store your Key Lime Cake layers in the refrigerator or freeze them for later use. Just frost when you’re ready to serve.

What can I use as a substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt can be used as a great alternative to sour cream in this recipe while still keeping it moist and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Cake is not only delicious but also brings summer vibes to any gathering. Its fluffy layers paired with sweet yet tangy buttercream make it a crowd favorite. Feel free to customize with different toppings or flavors—experimenting is part of the fun! Enjoy making this delightful dessert!

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Key Lime Cake

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing delight of Key Lime Cake, a perfect dessert that embodies the spirit of summer. This cake features three layers of moist, fluffy cake infused with zesty key lime juice and is complemented by a buttery graham cracker crumble between each layer. Topped with a sweet yet tangy key lime buttercream frosting, it’s an ideal centerpiece for any gathering or a comforting treat at home. Simple to make and visually stunning, this Key Lime Cake will impress your guests and leave them craving more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cake flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups sugar
• ½ cup sour cream
• 8 tablespoons key lime juice
• 5 egg whites
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1.5 cups unsalted butter (for frosting)
• 6–8 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, milk, vegetable oil, key lime juice, and egg whites; mix well.
3. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Divide batter among pans and bake for about 20 minutes.
4. Allow cakes to cool before assembling with layers of frosting and graham cracker crumble in between.
5. Frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream and garnish with lime slices.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 34g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For the best flavor, use fresh key limes instead of bottled juice. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing. Chill the cake after frosting for easier slicing.