Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of key lime with this mouthwatering key lime cake recipe. This decadent dessert combines the zesty zing of key limes with a moist, fluffy crumb, creating a heavenly treat that will transport your taste buds to the Florida Keys. Whether you’re a fan of key lime pie or simply love a good citrus-infused cake, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Baking a key lime cake may sound intimidating, but with this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be whipping up a slice of paradise in no time. The key to this recipe’s success lies in the perfect balance of tart and sweet, achieved by using a combination of key lime juice, zest, and a creamy, tangy frosting. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this irresistible key lime cake that’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure that will leave you craving more with every bite. Let’s dive into the world of key lime cake and discover why this recipe is a must-try.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try ?

There are several reasons why this key lime cake recipe deserves a spot on your baking agenda. First and foremost, the vibrant, tart flavor of key limes is the star of the show. Key limes, known for their small size and intense citrus notes, lend an unparalleled zing to this cake that sets it apart from your typical lime-flavored desserts. The combination of key lime juice and zest in both the cake and the frosting ensures that every bite bursts with that signature key lime essence.

Beyond the flavor, this key lime cake recipe is also incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the use of a few key ingredients. The addition of sour cream to the batter helps to keep the cake incredibly soft and supple, while the creamy, tangy frosting adds a delightful contrast to the tart filling. Furthermore, this recipe is relatively straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re serving this key lime cake at a summer gathering, a dinner party, or simply enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, it’s sure to be a hit. The bright, refreshing flavors and the elegant, professional-looking presentation will have your guests raving and asking for the recipe. Get ready to bask in the glory of this irresistible key lime cake that will quickly become a new family favorite.

Essential Ingredients

📌 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
📌 1 teaspoon baking powder
📌 1/4 teaspoon salt
📌 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
📌 1 cup granulated sugar
📌 2 large eggs
📌 1/2 cup sour cream
📌 1/4 cup key lime juice
📌 2 teaspoons key lime zest
📌 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:

📌 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
📌 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
📌 3 cups powdered sugar
📌 2 tablespoons key lime juice
📌 1 teaspoon key lime zest

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the sour cream, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, key lime juice, and key lime zest, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

📌 Calories: 416
📌 Carbohydrates: 55g
📌 Fat: 21g
📌 Saturated Fat: 13g
📌 Protein: 4g
📌 Fiber: 1g
📌 Sugar: 42g
📌 Sodium: 176mg
📌 Cholesterol: 88mg

Tips for Success

📌 Use Fresh Key Limes: For the best flavor, use fresh key limes rather than bottled key lime juice. The zest and juice from fresh limes will provide the most vibrant and authentic key lime taste.
📌 Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cake during the baking process to prevent it from becoming dry or crumbly. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
📌 Chill the Cake: Allowing the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving will help the flavors meld and the frosting to set, resulting in a perfectly sliceable cake.
📌 Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the cake batter by 2-3 tablespoons. Adjust the powdered sugar in the frosting to your desired level of sweetness as well.
📌 Garnish with Lime Slices: For a beautiful presentation, garnish the top of the cake with thin slices of fresh key lime.

Servings and Timing

📌 Servings: 12 slices
📌 Prep Time: 20 minutes
📌 Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
📌 Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Recipe Variations

📌 Key Lime Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among a 12-cup muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes. Top with the cream cheese frosting.
📌 Lime Coconut Cake: Substitute the key lime juice and zest with regular lime juice and zest, and add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the cake batter.
📌 Tart Key Lime Bars: Bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan, then cut into bars and top with the cream cheese frosting.

Storage and Reheating

📌 Room Temperature: The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, but it’s best to keep it refrigerated for longer storage.
📌 Refrigerator: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
📌 Freezing: Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
📌 Reheating: If desired, you can warm individual slices of the cake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to slightly soften the frosting before serving.

Conclusion

This key lime cake recipe is a true taste of paradise, blending the tangy, refreshing flavors of key limes with a moist, tender cake and a creamy, tangy frosting. Whether you’re a fan of key lime pie or simply love a good citrus-infused dessert, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The bright, vibrant flavors and the elegant presentation make this key lime cake a showstopper that’s perfect for any occasion, from summer gatherings to holiday celebrations.

With its easy-to-follow instructions and accessible ingredients, this key lime cake recipe is a must-try for bakers of all skill levels. Indulge in the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and let the flavors of the Florida Keys transport you to a tropical oasis with every delectable bite.