This Key Lime Layer Cake is a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors, featuring soft, moist cake layers infused with fresh key lime juice and zest. Topped with a creamy key lime frosting, this cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a refreshing citrus dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with fresh key lime flavor
Moist and tender cake layers
Perfect balance of tart and sweet
Ideal for special occasions and celebrations
Pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream or toasted coconut

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Key lime juice
Key lime zest
Buttermilk
Vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

Cream cheese
Unsalted butter
Powdered sugar
Key lime juice
Key lime zest
Vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Incorporate the Lime Flavor: Mix in the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Decorate with additional key lime zest or thin slices of key lime if desired. Slice and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 slices
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

Coconut Key Lime Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
Graham Cracker Crunch: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers between the layers for added texture.
Meringue Topping: Swap out the frosting for a light meringue for a key lime pie-inspired cake.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Extra Citrus Flavor: Add a touch of lemon or orange zest for a more complex citrus taste.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Room Temperature: If consuming within 24 hours, the cake can be kept at room temperature in a covered container.

FAQs

How can I make this cake more moist?

Adding an extra tablespoon of buttermilk or using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour can enhance the cake’s moisture.

Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh key lime juice provides the best flavor. Bottled juice may be more tart or slightly bitter.

What is the difference between key limes and regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and have a sweeter-tart flavor compared to Persian limes.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped at room temperature or in the refrigerator before frosting.

What frosting pairs best with key lime cake?

Cream cheese frosting is the most popular choice, but a Swiss meringue buttercream or whipped cream frosting also works well.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

How do I prevent my cake from being too dense?

Make sure not to overmix the batter and use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?

Yes, divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.

How can I decorate this cake for a special occasion?

Garnish with key lime slices, zest, whipped cream, or white chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.

What can I serve with this cake?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of raspberry sauce complements the tangy flavor beautifully.

Conclusion

Key Lime Layer Cake is a refreshing and flavorful dessert that combines the zesty tartness of key limes with the sweet creaminess of frosting. Perfect for warm-weather celebrations or whenever you crave a citrusy treat, this cake is sure to be a hit. With easy variations and make-ahead options, it is a versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste. Enjoy!

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Key Lime Layer Cake is a citrus lover’s dream! Featuring layers of fluffy lime cake, tangy lime curd, and smooth cream cheese frosting, this refreshing dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, mixing until combined.
- Divide batter into pans and bake for 22-25 minutes. Let cool.
Make the Lime Curd:
- In a saucepan, whisk lime juice, sugar, and eggs over low heat.
- Stir constantly until thickened, about 7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter. Cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.

Assemble the Cake:
- Spread a layer of lime curd between cake layers.
- Frost the entire cake with cream cheese frosting.
- Garnish with lime slices and zest.

Notes

For extra moisture, brush cake layers with a simple syrup made of sugar and lime juice.

Chill the cake for an hour before serving for best texture.