key lime cake recipe

Are you craving a tangy and refreshing dessert that will transport you to the tropics? Look no further than the delicious key lime cake recipe. This mouthwatering dessert combines the zesty flavor of key limes with a moist and fluffy cake. Perfect for any occasion, this treat is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

What is Key Lime Cake 

key lime cake recipe is a dessert that originated in the Florida Keys, where the unique and aromatic key limes grow abundantly. These small and round limes are known for their distinct flavor, which is more tart and aromatic than regular limes. The cake is typically made with key lime juice, zest, and sometimes even key lime pie filling, giving it a delightful citrusy tang. you might also enjoy our Banana Bread Cookies.

key lime cake recipe Ingredients and Tools needed

To make a delicious key lime cake recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

In addition to the ingredients, you will also need the following tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester or grater
• Citrus juicer or reamer
• Cake pans (typically 8 or 9-inch round pans)
• Wire rack for cooling

Now that you have all the ingredients and tools ready, it's time to start baking your key lime cake recipe. Follow the simple steps below:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and key lime juice.
6. Stir in the key lime zest.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
10. Transfer the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cakes have cooled, you can frost them with your favorite key lime frosting or indulge in a slice of plain key lime cake recipe. Enjoy this tropical treat with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a truly delightful dessert.

if you're in the mood for another classic dessert, check out our Bob Evans Recipe for Banana Bread.

Baking the key lime cake recipe

Preparing the Key Lime Cake Batter

For all the dessert lovers out there, get ready to indulge in the tangy and sweet flavors of a delicious key lime cake recipe. This tropical-inspired treat is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to summer parties.

To start, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon grated key lime zest

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Next, combine the key lime juice, milk, and lime zest in a small bowl. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the key lime mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix.

Baking and Cooling the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and tap the pans gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once the cakes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now that your Key Lime Cake is baked and cooled, it's time to frost and decorate! You can opt for a classic cream cheese frosting, a tangy lime glaze, or get creative with your own twist. Garnish with additional lime zest or slices for an extra burst of flavor and presentation.

Serve and enjoy this refreshing and tropical Key Lime Cake with your friends and family. It's a perfect dessert that will transport you to a sunny beach paradise with every bite!

Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

To make the deliciously tangy key lime cream cheese frosting for your key lime cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
• 1 teaspoon grated key lime zest

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. This will ensure you have a smooth frosting without any lumps.

Next, add the freshly squeezed key lime juice and grated key lime zest to the cream cheese mixture. Continue to beat until the frosting is well combined, light, and fluffy. The tangy flavor of the key lime will give the frosting a refreshing twist.

Frosting the Key Lime Cake

Once you have prepared the key lime cream cheese frosting, it's time to frost your key lime cake. Here's how:

1. Start with a cooled key lime cake that has been removed from its baking pan or pans. Ensure that the cake is completely cooled; otherwise, the frosting may melt and become messy.
2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the key lime cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake layer using an offset spatula or a butter knife.
3. If your key lime cake consists of multiple layers, repeat Step 2 for each additional layer, ensuring that you level off the frosting between each layer.
4. Once all the layers have been frosted, use the remaining key lime cream cheese frosting to frost the sides of the cake. Gently spread the frosting around the sides of the cake, ensuring complete coverage and a smooth finish.
5. If desired, you can decorate the top of the cake with additional grated key lime zest or slices of fresh key lime for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Now, your key lime cake is ready to be enjoyed! The tangy key lime cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the moist and citrusy cake, making it a delicious treat for any occasion.

Key Lime Cake Decoration and Presentation

Decorating the Key Lime Cake

Decorating a key lime cake can add a touch of beauty and enhance the overall appeal of this delicious dessert. Here are some ideas to make your key lime cake look as tempting as it tastes:

1. Zesty Lemon Frosting: Spread a layer of tangy lemon-flavored frosting on top of the cake. The combination of key lime and lemon creates a refreshing flavor profile.
2. Sliced Key Limes: Thinly slice key limes and arrange them in an attractive pattern on top of the cake. This not only adds a pop of vibrant green color but also gives a visual cue to the cake's key lime flavor.
3. Whipped Cream: Dollop some fluffy whipped cream on each slice of key lime cake before serving. The light and creamy texture of the whipped cream complements the richness of the cake.
4. Crushed Graham Crackers: Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers around the edges of the cake. This adds a hint of sweetness and a textural contrast to the smoothness of the cake.

Tips for Presentation

Presentation is key when it comes to making your key lime cake look as appetizing as possible. Here are some tips to ensure your cake is beautifully presented:

1. Use a Cake Stand: Place the key lime cake on a decorative cake stand to elevate its visual appeal. Opt for a stand that complements the colors and theme of your dessert.
2. Garnish with Lime Wedges: Place a few lime wedges on the serving platter next to the key lime cake. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also gives a visual cue to the cake's flavor.
3. Sift Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, dust the top of the cake with a light layer of powdered sugar. This adds a delicate and professional touch to the presentation.
4. Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish the cake with fresh herbs like mint or basil to add a pop of color and a hint of fragrance. This simple addition can take the presentation to the next level.

Remember, presentation matters, and with these decoration and presentation tips, your key lime cake will look irresistible to all who lay eyes on it. So, put your creativity to work and make your key lime cake a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes!

Serving and Enjoying Key Lime Cake

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a refreshing dessert, a Key Lime Cake is the perfect treat. This tangy and zesty cake is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Here are some tips for serving and enjoying this delicious dessert.

Tips for Serving Key Lime Cake

1. Chill before serving: Key Lime Cake is best enjoyed when it has been chilled in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to blend together and the cake to set properly. Plus, the coolness adds to the refreshing experience.
2. Garnish with lime zest: Before serving, garnish your Key Lime Cake with fresh lime zest. This not only adds a pop of vibrant color, but it also enhances the citrusy aroma and flavor.
3. Serve with whipped cream: To complement the tanginess of the cake, serve it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of the whipped cream perfectly balance out the tartness of the lime.
4. Pair with a cup of tea or coffee: Enjoy a slice of Key Lime Cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The contrast between the refreshing cake and the warm beverage creates a delightful combination of flavors.

Variations and Modifications

1. Key Lime Cupcakes: If you prefer individual servings, you can bake Key Lime Cupcakes instead of a whole cake. Simply pour the batter into cupcake liners and adjust the baking time accordingly. Top them with a tangy lime frosting for a burst of flavor.
2. Key Lime Cheesecake: Take your Key Lime Cake to the next level by turning it into a decadent Key Lime Cheesecake. Combine the tangy lime filling with a creamy, rich cheesecake base and a buttery graham cracker crust. This indulgent dessert is sure to impress.
3. Gluten-free or Vegan Options: If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily modify the recipe to make it gluten-free or vegan. Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or use plant-based ingredients like almond milk and coconut oil.

For those interested in the origins of this tropical treat, the history of Key Lime Pie provides fascinating insights into how this dessert evolved over time.

No matter how you choose to serve and enjoy your Key Lime Cake, one thing is certain – it is a dessert that will leave a lasting impression. The tangy and refreshing flavors will transport you to a tropical paradise with each bite. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this delightful delicacy.

Conclusion

The key lime cake recipe is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its tangy lime flavor and moist texture, it is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. So go ahead and try it out, and enjoy the taste of summer all year round!

Summary of Key Lime Cake Recipe

The key lime cake recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of fresh lime with the sweetness of cake. Here is a quick summary of the recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a cake pan.
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by lime zest and juice.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool completely before frosting with a lime-infused cream cheese frosting.
8. Garnish with lime zest or slices for a beautiful presentation.

Serve and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?
A: While fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lime juice if that's what you have on hand. Just make sure it is 100% lime juice without any added sweeteners.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this key lime cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors may even intensify overnight, making it even more delicious!

Q: Can I freeze this cake?A: Yes, you can freeze this key lime cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to get baking and enjoy this zesty and delectable key lime cake!

 

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