If you love the tart, refreshing taste of key limes, then this Key Lime Cake is a must-try! With layers of zesty lime flavor baked into a moist, fluffy cake, this dessert is both light and indulgent. Topped with a tangy lime glaze, it’s a perfect treat for summer picnics, birthdays, or any time you want a burst of citrusy goodness. This recipe balances sweetness and tang, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
Key Lime Cake Recipe
12
servings20
minutes35
minutes356
kcal55
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
190 g 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon salt
115 g 1/2 cup unsalted butter
200 g 1 cup granulated sugar
2 2 eggs
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
120 ml 1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon lemon juice
60 ml 1/4 cup fresh key lime juice
2 2 key limes zest
G reen food coloring (optional)
- For the Key Lime Glaze:
120 g 1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
1 1 key lime zest
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon milk
Equipment
2 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Zester
- Spatula
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy release.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a small bowl, combine whole milk with 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This will create a simple buttermilk substitute, giving your cake the needed moisture and slight acidity.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk mixture to the butter mixture. Start with the dry ingredients, then half of the milk mixture, followed by the key lime juice and zest. Repeat until everything is combined. If desired, add a drop or two of green food coloring to give the cake a pale lime color.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, key lime juice, and zest. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit of milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cake layer. If layering, add some glaze between the layers as well. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes! While key limes have a slightly more intense, tart flavor, regular limes (Persian limes) will work perfectly in this recipe. You may need to adjust the quantity of lime juice slightly to taste, but the result will still be delicious.
How do I make this a three-layer cake?
To make a three-layer cake, divide the batter evenly among three 8-inch cake pans instead of two. Check the cakes for doneness around 22-25 minutes since they will be thinner. You can layer the cake with more glaze or use frosting between the layers for added texture and flavor.
Can I add frosting instead of glaze?
Yes! You can use a cream cheese frosting or a lime-flavored buttercream in place of the glaze. This will make the cake richer and give it a creamier texture. Spread frosting between the layers for extra indulgence.
How do I store the Key Lime Cake?
You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
How can I enhance the lime flavor?
To intensify the lime flavor, you can add extra lime zest to the batter or even a small amount of lime extract. You can also use the zest in the frosting or glaze for a more pronounced citrus kick.
What can I serve with Key Lime Cake?
This cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also garnish with lime slices or a sprinkle of lime zest for an elegant finish.
Is food coloring necessary for the cake?
No, food coloring is optional. It’s purely for visual appeal to give the cake a light green hue. If you prefer a more natural look, you can skip the coloring without affecting the flavor.
