Name: Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: PT-492216H49S
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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; Thin slices of key lime

Description

Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a soft, moist three layer citrus cake bursting with fresh lime zest and topped with smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. This bright and refreshing dessert is perfect for birthdays, spring gatherings, and summer celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray three 8 inch round cake pans, line with parchment paper, and spray again.
In a stand mixer, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add lime zest, butter, and sugar. Mix on low speed until sandy in texture.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sour cream, and oil.
Slowly add wet ingredients to dry mixture. Mix until combined. Gradually add milk and mix until smooth. Do not overmix.
Divide batter evenly among pans.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add lime zest, salt, and powdered sugar. Mix until combined. Add lime juice and beat until fluffy.
Level cake layers. Spread frosting between each layer. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 15 to 20 minutes. Finish frosting and decorate as desired.

Notes

If key limes are not available, regular limes work well.

Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for best texture.

Cake layers can be made one day in advance and stored tightly wrapped.

Unfrosted layers can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 1 Hour
Cook Time: 20 to 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American