Key Lime Cake Recipe

Introduction

This easy Key Lime Cake recipe delivers incredible citrus flavor with just five simple ingredients. The tangy lime and sweet cake create a perfect balance that’s both refreshing and indulgent. For more citrus-inspired desserts, try the Orange Pound Cake With Orange Glaze Recipe or explore other delightful options like the Delectable Cherry Cheesecake Fluff Recipe.

Ingredients

This bright and zesty Key Lime Cake combines the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with a wonderfully moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 cup whole milk

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	55 minutes

Context: This Key Lime Cake recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a great choice for a quick and delicious dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal. Measure all your ingredients accurately—this Key Lime Cake relies on the perfect balance of tart lime and sweet cake base.

Step 2 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Sifting is optional but helps create a lighter crumb in your finished Key Lime Cake.

Step 3 — Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup softened butter with 1½ cups granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes. Scrape down the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing.

Step 4 — Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in 3 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ cup key lime juice. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this stage, which is normal. Gradually mix in 1 cup buttermilk on low speed until just combined.

Step 5 — Incorporate Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix only until the flour disappears—overmixing will result in a dense cake. Fold in 1 tablespoon finely grated key lime zest for maximum citrus flavor.

Step 6 — Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden and spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 7 — Cool and Prepare Frosting

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare cream cheese frosting by beating 8 oz softened cream cheese with ½ cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons key lime juice until smooth.

Step 8 — Assemble and Frost

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with about ¾ cup frosting. Top with the second layer and frost the top and sides with remaining frosting. For best results, chill the assembled Key Lime Cake for 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	14g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	280mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt for sour cream — Adds protein while maintaining tangy moisture with fewer calories.
• Almond flour instead of all-purpose — Creates a gluten-free, lower-carb Key Lime Cake with nutty undertones.
• Coconut oil in place of butter — Offers a dairy-free alternative with a subtle tropical flavor that complements lime.
• Monk fruit sweetener for granulated sugar — Reduces carbs and glycemic impact while keeping sweetness balanced.
• Avocado in the frosting — Provides creamy, dairy-free richness with healthy fats and a neutral base.
• Egg whites instead of whole eggs — Lowers cholesterol and fat while preserving structure in the cake batter.
• Reduced-sodium baking powder — Cuts sodium content without affecting the Key Lime Cake’s rise or texture.
• Unsweetened applesauce for some oil — Trims fat and adds natural moisture, letting the lime flavor shine.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Key Lime Cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and thin lime slices for a classic, refreshing presentation.
• Pair slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a tangy raspberry sorbet to complement the citrus notes.
• This Key Lime Cake is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a bright finish to a seafood dinner.
• For an elegant twist, drizzle each plate with a raspberry or mango coulis before placing the cake slice.
• Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or crushed graham crackers for added texture and a nod to Key lime pie.
• Serve chilled with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea to balance the cake’s zesty sweetness.

This versatile Key Lime Cake fits beautifully into both casual and formal settings, making it a crowd-pleaser year-round.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using bottled lime juice instead of fresh. Fix: Freshly squeezed key lime juice provides a brighter, more authentic flavor that bottled juice can’t match.
• Mistake: Overmixing the cake batter. Fix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which results in a tough, dense cake.
• Mistake: Not properly creaming butter and sugar. Fix: Cream them for a full 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy to incorporate air for a proper rise.
• Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge. Fix: Bring eggs, dairy, and butter to room temperature so they emulsify properly for a uniform, smooth batter.
• Mistake: Overbaking the Key Lime Cake. Fix: Start checking for doneness 5-10 minutes before the recipe suggests; a toothpick should have moist crumbs attached.
• Mistake: Skipping the zest in the batter. Fix: The zest contains potent citrus oils that are essential for delivering the true, aromatic key lime flavor.
• Mistake: Not greasing and flouring the pan sufficiently. Fix: Thoroughly prepare your pan to ensure the delicate cake releases cleanly without sticking or breaking.
• Mistake: Adding glaze or frosting to a warm cake. Fix: Always allow the cake to cool completely so the topping doesn’t melt and soak in, making it soggy.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Key Lime Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing in a freezer-safe container; it will keep well for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: For a warm slice, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F until warmed through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for food safety.

Always allow your Key Lime Cake to cool completely before storing to maintain its texture and prevent condensation.

Conclusion

This Key Lime Cake is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. If you enjoyed this recipe, try our Easy Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe or Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe next. Share your results in the comments and subscribe for more delicious dessert ideas!

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FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes for this Key Lime Cake?

Yes, you can substitute regular limes if key limes are unavailable. The flavor will be slightly less aromatic and tart, but your Key Lime Cake will still be delicious. Use the same quantity of juice and zest as the recipe specifies.

How should I store this Key Lime Cake to keep it fresh?

Store your Key Lime Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to five days to maintain its moisture and flavor. Always bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I make this Key Lime Cake ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely, this Key Lime Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can bake it a day in advance and store it properly. The flavors often meld and improve, making it even more delightful for your guests.