Key lime cake recipe
If you’ve ever craved the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, you’re in for a treat with this key lime cake recipe. Not only does it combine the zesty flavor of key lime with a soft, moist cake, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is a winner! So, let’s jump right in and see how you can make this delightful cake.
Key lime cake recipe
The History of Key Lime Flavor
At first, key limes became popular due to their use in key lime pie. Because they grow predominantly in the Florida Keys, they’re often associated with tropical dishes. So, why not use them in cake too? Over time, bakers began experimenting with key limes in other desserts, leading to the invention of key lime cake.
How key lime cake recipe Came About
Basically, the idea behind key lime cake comes from people wanting to enjoy the citrusy goodness of key lime pie in a softer, fluffier form. After that, this cake became a popular twist on the classic dessert.
Ingredients for key lime cake recipe
Key Lime vs. Regular Lime
Firstly, let’s address the difference between key limes and regular limes. Key limes are smaller and more tart. So, while you can use regular limes, key limes give a more intense flavor.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup fresh key lime juice
- 2 tbsp key lime zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Kitchen Tools Needed
Essential Baking Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have these tools on hand:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- 9-inch cake pans
- Juicer and zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
Optional Equipment for Best Results
Additionally, tools like a cake leveler and parchment paper will help make your cake more professional.
How to Prepare Key Limes
Juicing Key Limes
At first, juicing key limes may seem tedious because they’re small. So, use a handheld juicer to make things easier. Afterward, strain out the seeds to get smooth juice.
Zesting Tips and Techniques
Also, don’t forget the zest! Key lime zest adds a burst of citrus flavor. Use a fine grater to zest only the green part of the lime.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Batter
- Firstly, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour your cake pans.
- Then, in a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- After that, add eggs one by one, mixing well between each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Stir in key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract until just combined.
Baking the Cake
- Pour the batter into your prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Afterward, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Key Lime Cake
- Avoid Overmixing: At first, it’s tempting to keep mixing, but overmixing can make your cake dense. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: So, how do you know when it’s done? Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Making the Key Lime Frosting
Ingredients for the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp key lime juice
- 1 tbsp key lime zest
Mixing and Applying Frosting
- Firstly, beat the butter until smooth.
- Then, gradually add powdered sugar, key lime juice, and zest, beating until fluffy.
- After that, apply the frosting generously between cake layers and on top.
Decorating Ideas for Key Lime Cake
Simple Presentation Ideas
So, for a simple yet effective presentation, add a few lime slices and a sprinkle of zest on top.
Advanced Decorating Tips
If you’re feeling creative, add whipped cream swirls or even candied lime slices for extra flair.
Serving Suggestions for key lime cake recipe
Pairing with Ice Cream or Drinks
Another great idea is to serve this key lime cake recipe with a side of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing lime-based drink like limeade.
How to Plate Your Cake
For an elegant touch, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest on top.
Storing and Freezing key lime cake recipe
Best Practices for Keeping Your Cake Fresh
Afterward, store your key lime cake recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, it’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
Freezing Tips for Long-Term Storage
If you want to keep it for longer, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze. Accordingly, they will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Variations of key lime cake recipes
Gluten-Free key lime cake recipe
If you’re gluten-intolerant, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan and Dairy-Free Options
Basically, you can make this recipe vegan by using almond milk instead of buttermilk and replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative.
More cakes recipes
- Kodiak Mug Cake Recipe
- Kodiak Pancakes Recipe
- Kodiak Cakes Brownie Recipe
- Cornmeal Cake recipe
- Best Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
- Italian Yogurt Cake Recipe
- Butter Cake recipe
- Perfect Strawberry Sauce Cake
- Tres Leches Cake Recipe
- Pineapple Juice Cake
- Easy 2-Color Cake Recipe
FAQs About key lime cake recipe
Key limes are smaller, more tart, and aromatic compared to regular limes.
At first, fresh lime juice is preferable because it has a stronger, more authentic flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
It lasts up to 3 days at room temperature, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Yes, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Another option is to substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice.
So, If you enjoy, please Follow my facebook page to be notified every time I publish a recipe!
Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!
Key lime cake recipe
Equipment
- 3 8 inch round cake pan
- 2 9 inch round cake pans
- 1 kitchenaid mixer
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 spatula set
Ingredients
Key Lime Cake:
- 1 cup canola or olive oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime zest
- Fresh lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, eggs, whole milk, lime zest, and lime juice. Beat the mixture for 2 minutes until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold this into the egg mixture.
- Grease two 9-inch or three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick spray. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- If using three 8-inch pans, bake for 20-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For two 9-inch pans, bake for 30-36 minutes.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Notes
In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl frequently. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lime juice, and lime zest, mixing until smooth. Chill the frosting for a while to firm up. Once the cakes have cooled completely, remove them from the pans. Spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake. Garnish with fresh lime slices.
Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!