key lime cake recipe

The Best key lime cake recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite key lime cake recipe that has been a staple in our household for years. This moist and flavorful cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a random Tuesday. The combination of the tangy key lime juice, the sweetness of the sugar, and the richness of the butter is absolute perfection.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen to make this cake, and they always get so excited when it comes out of the oven. As for me, I love that this cake is not only delicious but also relatively healthy compared to other desserts. The key lime juice adds a nice burst of citrus flavor, and the Greek yogurt helps keep the cake moist without adding too much extra fat.

Plus, it’s just so easy to make! I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert at a dinner party or just enjoying it with your family on a lazy Sunday afternoon, this key lime cake is sure to be a hit.

And let’s be real, who doesn’t love the smell of key limes baking in the oven? It’s like a warm hug for your senses. I could go on and on about how much I adore this recipe, but I think it’s time to get started with the actual recipe itself!

So grab your ingredients and let’s get baking!

Key Lime Cake Recipe

Key Lime Cake Recipe

4.8 from 1443 votes

A tangy and sweet key lime cake with a creamy frosting, perfect for a refreshing dessert. This recipe combines the zesty flavor of key limes with a moist cake and a smooth lime glaze.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 400 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1/4 cup key lime juice
1 tsp lime zest
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup key lime juice
1 tsp lime zest
1/8 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, then line it with parchment paper.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
4In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
5Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6Stir in the key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
8The batter may appear thick.
9Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
10Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
11While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter in a stand mixer until creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
12Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
13Add the key lime juice, lime zest, and salt, and beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
14Once the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
15Remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
16Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
17Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
9×13 inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Wire rack
Stand mixer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 400 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 300mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 40g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: For a more intense lime flavor, use key limes instead of regular limes. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Watch Video Of How Key Lime Cake Recipe Works

This key lime cake recipe is truly one of my favorites because it’s not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any occasion or mealtime. Not only can you enjoy it as an afternoon treat or evening dessert but also serve it at family gatherings or holiday parties when you want something special yet easy to prepare.

Plus, its moist texture makes it perfect for packing in lunchboxes or serving at potlucks without worrying about drying out during transportation. As an added bonus, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days before reheating them in either the microwave or oven when needed – making this recipe ideal even for busy households where meal prep time is limited.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Key Lime Cake

Q: What is key lime cake?

A: Key lime cake is a type of dessert that originated in the Florida Keys and features key lime juice as its main ingredient. The tartness of the key lime juice is balanced by the sweetness of sugar and other ingredients to create a unique flavor profile.

Q: Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?

A: While bottled key lime juice will give you a similar flavor profile, using fresh key limes will yield a more complex and nuanced taste experience. If you do decide to use bottled juice, make sure to check the label for any added preservatives or artificial flavorings.

Q: Can I substitute other types of citrus juice for key lime?

A: While other citrus juices can be used as substitutes, they will change the overall flavor profile of the cake significantly. For example, using lemon juice will give you a more acidic taste, while orange juice will add a sweeter and more subtle flavor.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can easily modify this recipe to be gluten-free by substituting gluten-free flours for all-purpose flour. Additionally, make sure to choose gluten-free Greek yogurt or replace it with another type of yogurt altogether.

Q: How long does this cake take to bake?

A: This cake typically takes around 45-50 minutes to bake in an average-sized oven at 350°F (175°C). However, keep an eye on it after 40 minutes as every oven is different.

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