Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Why Make This Recipe

Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful and refreshing dessert that brings the tangy flavors of key limes to life. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, family gathering, or simply a weekend treat at home. The bright, zesty flavor of lime paired with the creamy sweetness of the frosting creates a balanced and scrumptious dessert that everyone will love. It’s also a great way to impress your friends and family with your baking skills, as this cake looks as good as it tastes.

Making this cake at home allows you to control the ingredients and make adjustments to fit your taste. For example, you can choose to add more lime zest for an extra kick or adjust the sweetness of the frosting. baking this cake not only fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas but also gives you a rewarding sense of achievement when you pull that perfect cake out of the oven.

How to Make Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

To create this delicious Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• Zest of 2 limes
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice for frosting

Directions

Here’s how you can make this Key Lime Cake step by step:

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

2. Prepare Your Cake Pans
   Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This step is important to prevent the cake from sticking to the pans.

3. Cream Together Butter and Sugar
   In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition. This method helps to fully incorporate the eggs into the mixture.

5. Add Lime Juice and Zest
   Stir in the fresh lime juice and lime zest. This will infuse the batter with that delicious, zesty flavor characteristic of key lime.

6. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the leavening agents.

7. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with the flour mixture, add some buttermilk, and continue to alternate, making sure to start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

8. Divide the Batter
   Once the batter is combined, divide it equally between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure they bake evenly.

9. Bake the Cakes
   Place the pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the toothpick has batter on it, allow the cakes to bake for a few more minutes.

10. Cool the Cakes
    Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

11. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
    While the cakes cool, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and the 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, mixing until combined and smooth.

12. Frost the Cake
    When the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting between the two layers. Then, frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

13. Garnish (Optional)
    If desired, you can garnish the cake with additional lime zest for a decorative touch. This not only looks nice but also enhances the lime flavor.

14. Enjoy Your Creation!
    Slice the cake and enjoy your delicious Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience. Here are a few tips for serving:

1. Chill Before Serving: For the best taste, consider chilling the cake in the refrigerator for a bit after frosting it. This will give the frosting time to set and will enhance the refreshing flavors of the lime.

2. Slice Evenly: Use a sharp knife to slice the cake evenly. This makes each piece appealing and ensures everyone gets a fair share.

3. Pair with Refreshing Beverages: Since the Key Lime Cake has a bright and zesty flavor, consider serving it with iced tea, lemonade, or a light herbal tea.

4. Add Fresh Fruits: You could serve the cake with fresh fruits like berries or slices of lime on the side. These add even more color and flavor, complementing the cake well.

How to Store Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Storing your Key Lime Cake properly will help to maintain its taste and texture. Here are some guidelines for storage:

1. Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, place the cake in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting should be kept chilled, so it’s best to cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

2. Leave Unfrosted for Longer Storage: If you plan to store the cake for a longer time, consider leaving it unfrosted. You can freeze the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, keeping them fresh for about 1-2 months.

3. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting it with cream cheese frosting.

4. Serving Leftovers: Bring the cake back to room temperature before serving leftovers for the best taste.

Tips to Make Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Key Lime Cake turns out perfectly:

1. Use Fresh Limes: For the best flavor, always use fresh limes instead of bottled lime juice. Fresh juice and zest will make a noticeable difference in taste.

2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting. This will help all the ingredients mix together smoothly.

3. Leveling the Cakes: If your cakes dome slightly while baking, you can level them off with a serrated knife for a more even stacking. This makes for a prettier presentation.

4. Piping the Frosting: If you want a more decorative effect with the frosting, consider using a piping bag to apply the frosting. This can create beautiful patterns and swirls.

5. Add a Zing: For an extra burst of lime flavor, consider mixing in some lime zest into the frosting as well.

Variations

If you want to mix it up a bit, there are several variations you can try with your Key Lime Cake:

1. Coconut Lime Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter or frosting for a coconut lime twist. This will give your cake a tropical flair.

2. Key Lime Cupcakes: Instead of making a cake, you can bake the batter in cupcake liners. Dress them with cream cheese frosting and a little lime zest on top.

3. Layering with Fruit: Add layers of fruits like strawberries or raspberries between the cake layers for added flavor and a pop of color.

4. Ginger Snap Crust: Use crushed ginger snap cookies as a crust for a different texture and a spicy kick that pairs well with the key lime flavor.

FAQs

What is key lime?

Key lime is a small, round lime that is yellow when ripe and has a stronger, sweeter flavor compared to regular limes. It is commonly used in desserts, particularly in Florida where it is a staple in many recipes.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to frost and serve.

How long does Key Lime Cake last in the fridge?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, Key Lime Cake should last for about 4-5 days. Just be sure to keep it covered to avoid drying out.

Can I freeze Key Lime Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. It is best to freeze the cake layers unfrosted. Wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable bag or airtight container. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.

How can I make the cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of Key Lime Cake, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure the blend contains a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to achieve the right texture.

This Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that is refreshing and delicious. With its zesty flavors and creamy texture, it is bound to be a hit among family and friends. So gather your ingredients and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful creation!

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