If sunshine had a flavor, this would be it. This Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is bright, tangy, and irresistibly moist. Each bite delivers a pop of citrusy freshness wrapped in sweet, buttery richness, and that creamy frosting? It’s like a cloud of key lime cheesecake got swirled on top. Whether you’re a citrus lover or just craving something that feels like a mini tropical getaway, trust me this cake is the zesty, feel-good dessert you didn’t know you needed.

Why You’ll Love Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Ideal for spring and summer celebrations, birthdays, or anytime you want a fresh twist on classic layer cake.

Budget-Friendly: Made with basic ingredients and a handful of fresh key limes or bottled juice big flavor without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: Don’t let the layers fool you this cake is totally doable, even for beginners. The steps are simple and the payoff is huge.

Customizable: Use regular limes or lemons, bake it as cupcakes, or go wild and add coconut or white chocolate chips.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

Here’s the beauty of this cake it looks and tastes like something from a bakery, but the ingredients are delightfully simple.

All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that gives structure while still keeping the crumb soft and tender.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and balances the tang of the key lime.

Butter: Brings moisture, richness, and that signature pound cake texture.

Eggs: Help bind the batter and contribute to the cake’s light, fluffy structure.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Work together to help the cake rise beautifully.

Salt: A little goes a long way in enhancing the lime and balancing the sweetness.

Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a touch of tang that complements the lime perfectly.

Key Lime Juice and Zest: The stars of the show. Fresh key limes bring bold, tart flavor and aromatic oils from the zest.

Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the citrus and adds warm undertones to the cake.

Cream Cheese: For that ultra-creamy, tangy frosting that pairs like a dream with the cake’s citrus notes.

Powdered Sugar: Gives the frosting its smooth, fluffy texture and sweetness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line and grease two 8-inch round cake pans, or three if you want thinner layers. Proper prep means your cake releases cleanly and looks picture perfect.

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla, lime juice, and zest.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and tap the pans on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Assemble the Dish

Pop the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges pull slightly from the pan.

Cook to Perfection

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is key before frosting to avoid melting that beautiful cream cheese layer.

Finishing Touches

To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then stir in the key lime juice and zest. Beat until light, fluffy, and irresistible.

Frost the completely cooled cake, layering it generously between layers and all around the sides. Decorate with extra zest, lime slices, or even toasted coconut if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice into this beauty and savor every tangy, sweet, creamy bite. It’s like a tropical breeze in dessert form and yes, it’s every bit as good as it sounds.

Notes

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 480

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve chilled for an extra-refreshing treat or at room temp for the softest texture. It pairs beautifully with iced tea, sparkling water, or a citrus cocktail. You can also garnish each slice with whipped cream and a wedge of lime for a little extra flair.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use fresh key lime juice if possible bottled works, but fresh gives the brightest flavor.
Zest the limes before juicing it’s way easier.
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour it can toughen the cake.
Chill the cake slightly before slicing for cleaner layers.
Use a cake leveler or serrated knife if stacking multiple layers.
Add a drop of green food coloring if you want a hint of lime color.
Make the cake a day in advance the lime flavor deepens overnight.
Store leftovers in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 4 days.
The frosting also works as a dip for fruit or graham crackers!
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to a month.

FAQ’s

1 Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely. Key limes are more tart and aromatic, but regular limes work great too.

2 Can I make this cake as cupcakes?
Yes! Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes.

3 Is there a dairy-free option?
Try using dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and milk alternatives. The texture may vary slightly but will still be tasty.

4 Can I freeze this cake?
You can freeze the unfrosted layers. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil and thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.

5 What’s the best way to zest limes?
Use a microplane or fine grater and avoid the bitter white pith beneath the green skin.

6 Do I need to refrigerate the frosted cake?
Yes—because of the cream cheese frosting, store the cake in the fridge. Let slices sit out a bit before serving for best texture.

7 Can I add coconut to the batter?
Absolutely. Shredded sweetened coconut makes a lovely tropical twist.

8 How do I get smooth frosting?
Beat your frosting ingredients until creamy, and sift the powdered sugar before adding to avoid lumps.

9 Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

10 Why did my cake sink in the middle?
It could be underbaked or the oven door was opened too soon. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.

Conclusion

Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is the kind of dessert that instantly lifts your mood. It’s light yet indulgent, tangy but sweet, and totally unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to bring a little citrus sunshine into your day, this cake delivers all the brightness you crave with a creamy finish that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.

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