How to Make Key Lime Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

When the sun is warm and citrus smells fill the air, key lime cake is hard to resist. This dessert brings the tropical taste of juicy limes to life. It’s perfect for spring celebrations or a cool treat on a summer day.

Key Takeaways

• Key lime cake is a rich, bright, and fluffy dessert with a tangy lime flavor and a creamy cream cheese frosting.
• This recipe provides a comprehensive guide on how to make a delicious key lime cake.
• Key lime cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a crowd-pleasing treat for spring and summer occasions.
• The recipe includes tips and tricks for achieving a moist, flavorful cake and a silky smooth frosting.
• Citrus fruits like limes are in season during spring and summer months, making key lime cake a suitable choice for warm weather.

Introduction to Key Lime Cake

Key lime cake is a vibrant and refreshing dessert. It combines the flavors of key lime pie into a moist cake. The cake layers have a zesty key lime flavor, contrasting with the sweet vanilla.

The frosting adds to the tangy citrus taste. This makes the cake both decadent and refreshing.

What is Key Lime Cake?

Key lime cake is a delightful dessert. It highlights the bright, tangy, and tropical flavors of key limes. Unlike traditional lime cakes, it balances sweetness and tartness perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and tender cake layers infused with key lime flavor
• Creamy key lime cream cheese frosting that enhances the citrus notes
• A refreshing and decadent dessert that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or an after-dinner treat
• Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe accessible for home bakers
• Versatile cake that can be served on its own or paired with various toppings and accompaniments

This key lime cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves key lime flavors. The vibrant and refreshing dessert will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Key Lime Cake Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

The key lime cake recipe uses top-notch ingredients for the perfect mix of sweet and tart. The main cake ingredients are:

• 384g (3 cups) of all-purpose flour
• 500g (2.5 cups) of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of key lime zest
• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (63g) of freshly squeezed key lime juice
• 58g (1/4 cup) of cream cheese
• Baking powder, baking soda, and salt
• Vegetable oil and sour cream

Frosting Ingredients

The frosting for the key lime cake is creamy and rich. It’s made with:

• Softened unsalted butter
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (59ml) of key lime juice
• Vanilla extract

These ingredients come together to make a moist, flavorful cake. It’s sure to please your taste buds.

These ingredients create the perfect balance of sweet and tart in the key lime cake.

Equipment Needed for Key Lime Cake

To make a delicious key lime cake, you’ll need some baking tools. Here are the must-haves:

• Three 8-inch round cake pans
• A stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• A fine mesh strainer
• A small stainless steel saucepan for making the key lime curd

These tools help you mix the batter, bake the layers, and make the frosting. You might also use parchment paper to line the pans. This makes the cake layers easy to remove.

With these key lime cake equipment and baking tools for key lime cake, you’re ready to start. You’ll have a great time making your key lime cake.

Preparing the Key Lime Cake Batter

To start making the key lime cake batter, follow a few easy steps. First, mix together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Put them in a big bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. This mix will be the base of your moist and tasty key lime cake.

Then, add the wet ingredients. Start with softened butter, adding it one tablespoon at a time. Make sure each bit is fully mixed before adding more. This step makes the batter crumbly, which is key for a great cake. After the butter is mixed in, add the oil and fresh key lime zest. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

1. Combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition to achieve a sandy, crumbly texture.
3. Stir in the oil and key lime zest until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.

Now that you have the key lime cake batter ready, you’re close to making a moist, flavorful, and beautiful dessert. You’ll love how it tastes. Keep reading for the next steps in baking!

key lime cake

Introducing the tantalizing key lime cake, a delightful dessert. It combines the bright, tart flavors of key limes with a moist cake. This easy recipe yields a cake that will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

The key lime cake batter is divided between prepared pans and baked until a toothpick comes out clean. This means the cakes are fully cooked. Once cooled, they’re ready to be frosted with a creamy, citrusy key lime frosting.

This key lime cake is a crowd-pleaser, with an average rating of 4.89 out of 5 stars from 209 votes. It’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations. Its bright, tangy flavor and moist crumb will impress your taste buds.

The recipe includes key ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs. The frosting combines butter, cream cheese, and key lime juice. Garnished with lime zest, this cake is a tropical delight.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this key lime cake recipe will impress. Enjoy the sweet and tart balance. Bake this key lime cake for your next event or gathering. It’s a refreshing and flavorful dessert experience.

Baking the Key Lime Cake

Baking a perfect key lime cake is easy and fun. First, heat your oven to 350°F. The baking time depends on your cake pans’ size. For 8-inch pans, bake for 22-25 minutes. A 9×13-inch cake needs 27-30 minutes.

To check if the cakes are done, use a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a bit of moist crumb. After baking, let the cakes cool on a wire rack. This is before you frost them.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Bake the key lime cake layers for 22-25 minutes (for 8-inch rounds) or 27-30 minutes (for a 9×13-inch cake).
3. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
4. Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

By following these easy steps for baking lime cake, your dessert will be moist and delicious. It’s ready to be turned into a stunning key lime cake masterpiece.

Making the Key Lime Frosting

The frosting for your key lime cake starts with softened unsalted butter and cream cheese. These are beaten until smooth and creamy. This makes a great base for the frosting.

Preparing the Key Lime Curd

To add the tangy flavor of key limes, you need to make a homemade curd. It’s made by cooking egg yolks, key lime juice, sugar, and butter until thick. After cooling, it’s strained for a silky texture.

Combining the Frosting Ingredients

Now, mix the butter-cream cheese base with the key lime curd. Add powdered sugar slowly, beating until fluffy. Then, fold in the cooled curd evenly. This makes a frosting that’s creamy, tangy, and full of key lime flavor.

Getting the perfect key lime frosting is all about balance and detail. Follow these steps for a frosting that perfectly complements your key lime cake. It’s sure to impress.

Assembling and Decorating the Cake

Now that your key lime cake layers and frosting are ready, it’s time to put it all together. Start by placing the first cake layer on a cake board or sturdy plate. Use an offset spatula to spread a generous layer of frosting evenly over the top.

Then, stack the remaining cake layers, spreading frosting between each one. This will help hold them together.

Once the cake is stacked, use the offset spatula to coat the outside in a thick layer of frosting. For a key lime pie look, press graham cracker crumbs up the sides. This adds a crunchy texture and visual appeal.

To decorate, pipe swirls of stabilized whipped cream around the top edge. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh lime zest for a burst of color and citrus flavor. Your lime cake will now impress everyone and satisfy their taste buds.

With these steps, you can assemble and decorate your homemade lime cake perfectly. The moist cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy graham cracker crust make a dessert that everyone will love.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Your delectable key lime cake is a true delight. But, because of the cream cheese frosting and whipped cream topping, it’s important to store it right. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This lets the flavors come alive, making each bite even more special. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a refreshing treat, perfect for warm summer days.

Proper storage and serving will make sure you and your guests enjoy every bite. Let the tangy and creamy goodness of this homemade masterpiece take you to a tropical paradise.

“The key lime cake is a delightful blend of tart and sweet, making it the perfect addition to any celebration or a simple afternoon indulgence.”

With a little care in storing and serving, your key lime cake will stay a delightful and visually appealing dessert. Your family and friends are sure to love it.

Conclusion

This lime cake recipe is a delicious and versatile dessert. It captures the vibrant, tangy flavors of key limes. The moist cake layers and silky frosting are carefully crafted for a tropical treat.

Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a craving, this cake will delight you. It takes you straight to the Florida Keys with its citrusy taste.

The cake’s buttery texture and the frosting’s tangy creaminess balance perfectly. Fresh key lime juice and zest add a citrusy note that complements the sweetness.

This key lime cake is a stunning dessert that will impress everyone. It’s a new favorite in your dessert collection. So, get your ingredients ready, preheat your oven, and let’s make a memorable key lime cake.

FAQ

What is key lime cake?

Key lime cake is a dessert that’s both rich and tangy. It has a creamy frosting and a zesty lime flavor. It’s a hit for spring and summer events.

Why will I love this key lime cake recipe?

This recipe combines the best of key lime pie with a moist cake. The cake layers have a hint of lime, balancing the sweetness. The frosting adds a tangy citrus touch, making it both decadent and refreshing.

What ingredients are needed to make key lime cake?

You’ll need flour, sugar, baking powder, and eggs for the cake. The frosting requires butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Don’t forget the key lime juice and vanilla extract.

What equipment is needed to make key lime cake?

You’ll need three 8-inch round cake pans and a mixer. Also, bowls, a strainer, and a saucepan for the curd are necessary.

How do you make the key lime cake batter?

Start by mixing the dry ingredients. Add softened butter slowly, then the oil and lime zest. This makes a smooth batter.

How long do you bake the key lime cake?

Bake at 350°F. 8-inch layers take 22-25 minutes, while a 9×13-inch cake takes 27-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.

How do you make the key lime frosting?

Begin with softened butter and cream cheese. Add powdered sugar and then the homemade key lime curd. The curd is made by cooking egg yolks, lime juice, sugar, and butter until thickened.

How do you assemble and decorate the key lime cake?

Start with a cake board or plate. Spread frosting on each layer. Coat the whole cake in frosting. Decorate with graham cracker crumbs, whipped cream, and lime zest for a pie-inspired look.

How should the key lime cake be stored and served?

Store in the fridge in an airtight container. It lasts up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.