Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a bright, refreshing dessert that combines sweet, tangy citrus flavor with rich, creamy indulgence. This three layer 8 inch cake is soft, moist, and perfectly balanced, making it ideal for birthdays, holidays, spring brunches, or summer gatherings. The fresh key lime zest infuses every bite with vibrant flavor, while the smooth cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish. With simple pantry ingredients and clear step by step instructions, this recipe delivers bakery quality results right from your kitchen. If you love citrus desserts that feel both elegant and comforting, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

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

This cake stands out for its incredible texture and flavor. The combination of butter and oil creates a tender crumb that stays moist for days. Sour cream adds richness and ensures the cake is never dry.

The citrus flavor is bold but balanced. Fresh key lime zest delivers natural brightness without overpowering sweetness. The cream cheese frosting provides a slight tang that perfectly complements the cake layers.

It is also visually stunning. Three fluffy layers stacked with creamy frosting make it a beautiful centerpiece dessert. Whether decorated with simple lime slices or served plain, it always looks impressive.

Finally, this recipe is reliable and straightforward. With proper preparation and room temperature ingredients, you will achieve consistent, delicious results every time.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• Cooking spray

• 2 3 4 cups cake flour

• 2 1 4 teaspoons baking powder

• 3 4 teaspoon baking soda

• 3 4 teaspoon kosher salt

• Zest of 1 large key lime

• 1 3 4 cups granulated sugar

• 1 2 cup sour cream

• 1 4 cup neutral oil such as canola

• 1 cup whole milk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened

• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened

• Zest of 1 large key lime

• 1 tablespoon fresh key lime juice

• 1 4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 pound powdered sugar, about 5 cups

Optional Garnish

• Thin slices of key lime

Step by Step How to Make Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Coat three 8 inch round cake pans with cooking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper circles and lightly spray again to prevent sticking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix briefly on low speed to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Add Butter, Sugar, and Lime Zest

Finely grate the zest of the key lime directly into the flour mixture. Add softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on low speed until the mixture resembles fine sand. This mixing method helps create a delicate crumb.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, and oil until smooth and fully blended.

Create the Batter

With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Gradually pour in the milk and continue mixing until the batter is smooth and uniform. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, approximately 1 3 4 cups per pan.

Bake the Cakes

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until creamy and smooth. Add lime zest and salt, mixing until incorporated. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed until fully combined. Pour in the lime juice and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops if needed. Place one layer on a cake stand and spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly over the surface. Add the second layer and repeat. Place the final layer on top with the flat side facing up.

Apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to set. Finish frosting the cake with the remaining frosting and decorate with lime slices if desired.

Helpful Tips

• Use room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese for smoother mixing.

• Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge instead of scooping directly from the container.

• Do not overmix once the milk is added to keep the cake light and tender.

• Chill the crumb coated cake before final frosting for a polished finish.

• If you prefer stronger citrus flavor, add a small extra pinch of zest to the frosting.

Substitutions And Variations

If key limes are difficult to find, regular limes work perfectly in this recipe. The flavor will still be bright and refreshing.

You can substitute full fat Greek yogurt for sour cream if needed. For a coconut twist, sprinkle shredded coconut between layers or on the outside of the cake.

To make cupcakes, divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. This recipe also works beautifully as a sheet cake baked in a 9 by 13 inch pan.

For a slightly lighter frosting, reduce the powdered sugar by half a cup and add a touch more lime juice for balance.

Storage Instructions

Because of the cream cheese frosting, store the cake in the refrigerator. Keep it loosely covered to prevent drying out. Press plastic wrap gently against exposed cut sides to maintain moisture.

The cake will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Unfrosted cake layers can be tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting.

Nutritional Information

Based on 16 servings, each slice contains approximately:

• Calories 520

• Fat 30 grams

• Carbohydrates 60 grams

• Sugar 45 grams

• Protein 6 grams

These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is best served slightly chilled or at cool room temperature. Pair it with fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries for added color and freshness.

For beverages, consider serving with iced tea, sparkling water with citrus, or freshly brewed coffee. It also pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for spring celebrations, summer parties, Easter gatherings, baby showers, and birthdays. Its bright flavor makes it especially appealing in warm weather.

Frequently Asked Questions About Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers one day ahead and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. The frosting can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Let the frosting soften at room temperature before spreading.

Can I freeze the finished cake?
It is best to freeze the unfrosted layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.

What makes key limes different from regular limes?
Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and slightly more tart. They provide a distinctive citrus flavor, but regular limes are a great substitute.

How do I prevent dense cake texture?
Measure flour correctly, avoid overmixing, and ensure ingredients are at room temperature.

Can I reduce the sweetness?
You can slightly reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting or add extra lime juice for a more tangy balance.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. It is one of those recipes that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. I truly love how the soft citrus layers blend with the creamy, tangy frosting to create a dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you are baking for a celebration or simply treating yourself, I hope this cake brings joy to your table. Wishing you happy baking, delicious slices, and wonderful memories shared with the people you love.

Print