Perfect Key Lime Cake

There's something magical about a perfectly moist Key Lime Cake that captures the essence of tropical paradise in every bite. This isn't just any ordinary dessert; it's a symphony of tart and sweet flavors that will transport you straight to the sunny Florida Keys with each forkful.

My grandmother's Key Lime Cake recipe has been the crown jewel of our family gatherings for decades. The combination of fresh key lime juice, zesty lime zest, and that signature tangy-sweet balance makes this Key Lime Cake absolutely irresistible. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or celebrating a special occasion, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every single time.

The Story Behind This Show-Stopping Key Lime Cake

This particular Key Lime Cake recipe stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and authenticity. Unlike many recipes that rely heavily on artificial flavors, this version celebrates the natural tartness of fresh key limes while maintaining that tender, moist crumb that makes every slice memorable.

What makes this Key Lime Cake truly special is its versatility and foolproof nature. The secret lies in the combination of buttermilk and cream cheese, which creates an incredibly moist texture that stays fresh for days. This recipe has been tested countless times in my kitchen, and I've refined every detail to ensure your Key Lime Cake turns out perfect, whether you're a beginner baker or a seasoned pro.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Key Lime Cake Cooking Tips
• Key Lime Cake Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Key Lime Cake Equipment Recommendations
• Key Lime Cake Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Key Lime Cake Secret Recipe Tips - Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Perfect Key Lime Cake Pairings for Your Dessert Adventure
• Related
• Pairing
• Key Lime Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Key Lime Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Fresh key lime juice
• Key lime zest
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder
• Salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh key lime juice
• Key lime zest
• Vanilla extract

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Preparing Your Baking Setup

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter.
2. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Lightly dust the pans with flour, tapping out any excess.

Creating the Perfect Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Bringing It All Together

1. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
2. Mix just until combined; don't overmix to ensure a tender crumb.
3. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Baking to Perfection

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
2. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Expert Key Lime Cake Cooking Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and best Key Lime Cake texture.
• Fresh Juice Priority: Always use fresh key lime juice rather than bottled for the most vibrant flavor.
• Zest Before Juicing: Zest your limes before juicing them for the easiest preparation.
• Don't Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cake; overbaking will result in a dry texture.

Key Lime Cake Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free Key Lime Cake.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes.
• Bundt Cake Style: Pour batter into a greased bundt pan and bake for 45-55 minutes.
• Cupcake Format: Divide batter among 24 cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes.
• Regular Lime Substitute: If key limes aren't available, regular lime juice works as a substitute.

Key Lime Cake Equipment Recommendations

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for properly creaming butter and sugar for your Key Lime Cake.
• Two 9-inch Round Cake Pans: For the classic layer cake presentation.
• Fine-Mesh Strainer: To strain lime juice and remove any pulp.
• Microplane Zester: For perfectly fine lime zest.
• Offset Spatula: Makes frosting application smooth and professional-looking.

Key Lime Cake Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Room Temperature Storage: Store your finished Key Lime Cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
• Freezing Instructions: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Cake layers can be made 2 days in advance and stored wrapped at room temperature.

FAQ

Perfect Key Lime Cake Pairings for Your Dessert Adventure

Now that you've mastered this incredible Key Lime Cake recipe, why not explore other delicious citrus treats? Key Lime Cookies offer the same bright, tangy flavor in a portable format that's perfect for lunch boxes or afternoon tea. These buttery cookies capture all the essence of key lime in a delightful bite-sized treat.

For those who love the convenience of bar desserts, Key Lime Pie Bars provide all the flavors of traditional key lime pie with the easy serving style of brownies. Both of these recipes complement your Key Lime Cake perfectly, giving you a complete arsenal of citrus desserts that will impress any crowd and satisfy every sweet tooth at your next gathering.

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Aubrey James

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Key Lime Cake recipe: