Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
A vibrant Key Lime Cake with a rich cream cheese frosting that captures the essence of summer in every delicious bite.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Light and airy, creating a tender texture.
- 1 cup sugar Sweet and velvety, perfectly balancing the tangy lime.
- 0.5 tsp baking powder A necessity for that fluffy rise.
- 0.5 tsp baking soda Adds an extra lift, ensuring a tender crumb.
- 0.25 tsp salt Enhances the sweetness and lime flavors.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened Rich and creamy, for a moist cake.
- 2 large eggs Provides structure with a touch of silkiness.
- 0.5 cup sour cream Adds moisture and richness, making the cake incredibly tender.
- 0.25 cup key lime juice The star ingredient, delivering that unmistakable tang.
- 1 tsp key lime zest The aromatic oils add vibrant flavor.
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract A warm, comforting note that ties everything together.
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Creamy and rich, perfect for a luscious frosting.
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensures a smooth texture.
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar Sweetness that melts in your mouth.
- 2 tbsp key lime juice Brightens the flavors, making it irresistibly tangy.
- 1 tsp key lime zest Brings that zesty aroma into the frosting, enhancing the cake experience.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and dust them with flour.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and eggs until creamy.
- Add the sour cream, key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract to the butter and egg mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Baking
- Bake the cakes for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, then stir in the key lime juice and zest.
- Spread a generous layer of frosting between the layers and on top of the cooled cake.
Notes
Keep all ingredients at room temperature for a smooth batter. Do not overmix the batter for an airy texture. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.