If you adore the bright and zesty flavors of key lime pie, you’re in for a treat with this delightful Key Lime Pie Cake. It captures all the essence of the classic dessert in a moist cake form that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress, this cake is sure to be a hit.
This recipe combines the tartness of fresh key lime juice with a soft, fluffy cake base, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making each bite a refreshing experience. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to achieve that bakery-style masterpiece.
With a crumb that is both tender and flavorful, this Key Lime Pie Cake is a delightful way to showcase the vibrant citrus notes of key limes. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging yourself, this cake is a delicious way to bring a taste of the tropics to your table.
A Refreshing Twist on Key Lime Pie
This Key Lime Pie Cake brings a delightful change to the classic dessert. Layers of light, fluffy cake infused with fresh key lime juice and zest promise a tantalizing experience for your palate.
Each slice of this cake is a burst of citrus flavor, balanced perfectly with a creamy frosting that highlights the tangy notes of the key lime. It’s a dessert that not only tastes vibrant but also looks stunning on any table.
Layered Cake Delight
The structure of this cake is key to its enjoyment. With its soft and moist crumb, it provides a beautiful contrast to the smooth cream cheese frosting that envelops it.
As the cake is sliced, the layers reveal the inviting green and yellow hues, showcasing the zesty filling within. This layered approach enhances not just the presentation but also the texture, making each bite a satisfying experience.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavors. Freshly squeezed key lime juice and zest are essential for capturing the true essence of key limes, which can elevate your cake to new heights.
Additionally, the choice of cream cheese in the frosting adds a richness that balances the tartness of the key lime. Opt for high-quality ingredients to ensure that each element of the cake shines through.
Perfecting the Frosting
The cream cheese frosting is a star in this recipe, providing a smooth and rich layer that complements the tangy cake underneath. It’s essential to beat the cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth before adding the sugar and lime juice for the best texture.
Achieving the right consistency is key— you want the frosting to be spreadable yet firm enough to hold its shape when decorating. This frosting not only enhances the flavor but also adds to the visual appeal of the cake.
Creative Garnishing Ideas
Garnishing your Key Lime Pie Cake can elevate its presentation even further. Fresh lime slices and zest not only add a pop of color but also hint at the refreshing flavors inside.
Consider arranging the lime slices in a decorative manner or sprinkling zest on top for an added touch of brightness. These elements create an inviting visual that beckons guests to grab a slice.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is a versatile dessert that can be served on various occasions. From summer barbecues to festive gatherings, its bright flavors make it a fitting choice for any celebration.
For an added touch, consider serving it chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat that complements the cake’s tanginess.
A Refreshing Twist on Key Lime Pie
This Key Lime Pie Cake features layers of light cake infused with key lime juice and zest, complemented by a creamy frosting that enhances the cake’s tangy flavor. Each slice delivers a delightful burst of citrus, making it a refreshing dessert option.
The cake is not only visually appealing with its bright color but also offers a unique texture that’s soft and moist, paired beautifully with a smooth and rich cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 2 key limes
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon key lime juice (for frosting)
- Lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the buttermilk, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and key lime juice, mixing until creamy and well combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate with lime slices or zest if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
