Key Lime Cake Recipe

This moist and tangy Key Lime Cake transforms the beloved flavors of Florida's favorite citrus into an elegant layer cake. Three layers of tender lime-infused cake are stacked with creamy citrus-kissed cream cheese frosting, creating the perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite. Ready in about an hour, this refreshing dessert serves 12-14 and makes any occasion special.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: dessert recipes, key lime, Key Lime Cake Recipe, lime cakes

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 55

Servings: slices

Calories: 587kcal

Cost: $28

Equipment

Three 9-inch round cake pans
Stand mixer or hand mixer
Microplane or zester
Citrus juicer
Parchment paper
Cake leveler or serrated knife
Offset spatula for frosting

Ingredients

the Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs room temperature
1 cup whole milk
½ cup fresh key lime juice
2 tablespoons key lime zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

the Frosting:

16 ounces cream cheese softened
1 cup unsalted butter softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons key lime juice
1 tablespoon key lime zest
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Cake:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 9-inch cake pans.
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy (5 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
Stir in lime juice, zest, and vanilla.
Divide batter between pans.
Bake 25-30 minutes until done.
Cool completely.

Frosting:

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar gradually.
Mix in lime juice, zest, and salt.
Beat until fluffy.

Assembly:

Layer cakes with frosting between each layer.
Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.
Garnish with lime slices and zest.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients
Fresh key limes preferred
Can substitute regular limes if needed

Nutrition