Description
This Key Lime Cake is a moist, light, and fluffy citrus-flavored dessert featuring a tender cake infused with fresh lime zest and juice. It’s topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and tang. Ideal for lime lovers seeking a refreshing and decadent cake.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cake
- 1 cup Canola or Olive Oil
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 1/3 cup 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
Frosting
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 4 - 4 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Lime Zest
- Fresh Limes (sliced for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare your pans by spraying two 9-inch or three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canola or olive oil, eggs, whole milk, 2 tablespoons of fresh lime zest, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Cream these ingredients together for 2 minutes until they are fully incorporated and slightly aerated.
- Combine dry ingredients and fold: In a separate large bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly stir this dry mixture into the wet mixture and fold gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain cake tenderness.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. If using three 8-inch pans, bake for 20 to 26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For two 9-inch pans, bake for 30 to 36 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined, then mix in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and 1/2 teaspoon lime zest to enhance the lime flavor.
- Frost and garnish: Once the cake layers have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly between layers, on the sides, and on top of the cake. Garnish with fresh lime slices for an elegant touch.
Notes
- This Key Lime Cake is wonderfully moist with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- The cream cheese frosting complements the lime cake with a rich, smooth texture and citrus brightness.
- You can adjust the amount of lime zest and juice in the frosting to your liking for a more pronounced lime flavor.
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and dairy, are at room temperature for a better texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 535 kcal
- Sugar: 60 g
- Sodium: 292 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 73 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 67 mg
