Go Back
–+ servings
A beautifully sliced piece of layered Key Lime Cake Recipe topped with lime slices and creamy frosting, served on a decorative plate with fresh limes in the background.

Key Lime Cake Recipe

5 from 1 vote
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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 13 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 587
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

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

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

Method
 

Cake:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 9-inch cake pans.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy (5 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
  6. Stir in lime juice, zest, and vanilla.
  7. Divide batter between pans.
  8. Bake 25-30 minutes until done.
  9. Cool completely.
Frosting:
  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar gradually.
  3. Mix in lime juice, zest, and salt.
  4. Beat until fluffy.
Assembly:
  1. Layer cakes with frosting between each layer.
  2. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.
  3. Garnish with lime slices and zest.

Nutrition

Calories: 587kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 7gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 295mgPotassium: 145mgFiber: 1gSugar: 54gVitamin A: 1120IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 1.4mg

Notes

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

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!