Q: Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

A: Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different as key limes are more aromatic and tangy.

Q: Can I make this Zesty Key Lime Cake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them before serving.

Q: How do I store Zesty Key Lime Cake?

A: Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Zesty Key Lime Cake?

A: Yes, wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost when ready.

Q: Can I use a different frosting?

A: Yes! Try a whipped cream frosting or a white chocolate glaze for a different take.

Zesty Key Lime Cake

Name: Zesty Key Lime Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp key lime zest; ½ cup fresh key lime juice; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp key lime juice; 1 tsp key lime zest

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

American

Servings

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Calories

410

A Key Lime Cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a refreshing and indulgent dessert.

This cake takes inspiration from the classic key lime pie, transforming its zesty citrus notes into a soft and fluffy cake.

With each bite, you’ll experience a burst of tangy lime flavor complemented by a rich and smooth cream cheese frosting.

Whether served at a summer gathering, birthday celebration, or just because you love citrus desserts, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

Key lime zest and juice infuse this cake with an unmistakable fresh flavor, while buttermilk ensures a moist, tender crumb. The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious contrast to the vibrant cake, balancing its citrusy punch with a hint of sweetness.

Garnish it with extra lime zest, whipped cream, or even graham cracker crumbs for a fun twist. If you’re a fan of bright, refreshing flavors, this Key Lime Cake is a must-try!

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp key lime zest
½ cup fresh key lime juice
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract

FOR THE FROSTING

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp key lime juice
1 tsp key lime zest

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Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in key lime zest, juice, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour.
Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in key lime juice and zest.
Frost the cooled cake layers and garnish with additional zest if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Slice
per serving: Calories; 410

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Fat: 18 grams; 23%
Saturated Fat: 10 grams; 50%
Cholesterol: 85 milligrams; 28%
Sodium: 220 milligrams; 10%
Carbs: 58 grams; 21%
Protein: 5 grams
Sugar: 42 grams
Fiber: 1 grams; 4%

10 tips for å bake nøkkel kalkkake

Bruk ferske nøkkellimes for den beste smaken - smeltet juice har ikke den samme lysstyrken.
Dy limene før du saftige dem for maksimal effektivitet.
Forsikre deg om at alle ingrediensene er ved romtemperatur før du blander for en jevn røren.
Kuttermilk tilfører fuktighet og ømhet, så ikke hopp over det.
Unngå å overmixere røren for å holde kaken lett og fluffy.
Bruk pergamentpapir i kakepannene for å forhindre klistring.
La kakene avkjøles helt før frosting for å unngå smelting.
Avkjøl frostingen litt før du sprer deg etter en enklere applikasjon.
For ekstra sitrusmak, børst kakelagene med kalksirup før frosting.
Oppbevar rester i en lufttett beholder i kjøleskapet i opptil 5 dager.

Serverer forslag

Server med pisket krem og friske kalkskiver.
Par med vanilje eller kokosnøttis for en ekstra godbit.
Pynt med knuste graham-kjeks for en nøkkel kalkpai-inspirert finish.
Drypp med hvit sjokolade for en dekadent vri.
Kos deg med en kopp varm te eller en islagt sitrusdrikk.

Vanlige spørsmål

Spørsmål: Kan jeg bruke vanlige lime i stedet for nøkkelkall?
EN: Ja, men smaken vil være litt annerledes ettersom nøkkellimene er mer aromatiske og tangy.

Spørsmål: Kan jeg lage denne zesty Key Lime Cake på forhånd?
EN: Absolutt! Du kan bake kakelagene om dagen i forveien og frost dem før servering.

Spørsmål: Hvordan lagrer jeg Zesty Key Lime Cake?
EN: Hold den i en lufttett beholder i kjøleskapet i opptil 5 dager. La den sitte ved romtemperatur før servering.

Spørsmål: Kan jeg fryse Zesty Key Lime Cake?
EN: Ja, pakk inn ufaget kakelag i plastfolie og frys i opptil 3 måneder. Tine og frost når du er klar.

Spørsmål: Kan jeg bruke en annen frosting?
EN: Ja! Prøv en pisket krem frosting eller en hvit sjokoladeglasur for en annen gang.

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Zesty Key Lime Cake