How to make Key Lime Cake with cake mix
As the warm sun touches my skin and the air fills with tropical scents, I yearn for key lime cake. This citrusy treat was a summer favorite in Florida, reminding me of carefree days by the ocean. Now, I’m eager to teach you how to make this delicious cake at home.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Key Lime Cake
What is Key Lime Cake?
Key lime cake is a sweet treat that mixes the zesty taste of key limes with a soft cake. It comes from the Florida Keys and is a hit in summer. The cake layers soak up the key lime juice and zest. A creamy key lime cream cheese frosting adds to the joy.
This cake is a mix of sweet and tart, loved by all at parties or any time. The key lime used is a special lime from the Florida Keys. It gives the cake a unique tropical flavor unlike regular lime or lemon cakes.
The cake’s softness and the tangy frosting make it a great summer cake. It’s sure to make your taste buds happy.
“Key lime cake is a delightful balance of sweet and tart, making it a perfect summertime treat.”
Key Ingredients
To make a delicious key lime cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These include:
- Key lime juice – For the perfect tangy flavor that defines this cake.
- Lime zest – Adding a bright, aromatic touch to the cake batter.
- All-purpose flour – The foundation for the cake’s structure and texture.
- Butter – Providing richness and a tender crumb.
- Oil – Helping to keep the cake moist and fluffy.
- Vanilla – Enhancing the sweet, floral notes in the cake.
- Cream cheese – For a luxuriously creamy frosting.
- Eggs – Binding the cake batter together.
- Graham cracker crumbs – Adding a delightful crunchy texture to the cake.
These ingredients work together to create the signature flavors and textures of a delectable key lime cake. Let’s dive into the details of how to use them to bake this irresistible dessert.
“The key to a great key lime cake is the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors, with a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.”
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Key Lime Juice | 63 grams (1/4 cup) plus 2 tablespoons |
| Lime Zest | 1 teaspoon |
| All-Purpose Flour | 384 grams (3 cups) |
| Unsalted Butter | 173 grams (3/4 cup) |
| Vegetable Oil | 100 grams (1/2 cup) |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Cream Cheese | 170 grams (3/4 cup) |
| Eggs | 6 large |
| Graham Cracker Crumbs | 126 grams (1 1/2 cups) |
Making the Cake Batter
To make the delicious key lime cake batter, you need to mix dry and wet ingredients separately. This method, called reverse creaming, makes the cake light and fluffy.
Dry Ingredients
First, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Keep this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Wet Ingredients
In a big bowl, mix the 3/4 cup of softened butter and 1 2/3 cups of granulated white sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Next, add the 3 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1/4 cup of fresh key lime juice or regular lime juice, and 2 teaspoons of fresh key lime zest or regular lime zest.
After mixing the wet ingredients well, slowly add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing. This will give you a batter that’s smooth and creamy, ready to bake.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose Flour | 2 3/4 cups |
| Baking Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Softened Butter | 3/4 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 2/3 cups |
| Large Eggs | 3 |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Key Lime Juice (or Regular Lime Juice) | 1/4 cup |
| Key Lime Zest (or Regular Lime Zest) | 2 teaspoons |
Baking the Cake
Now that the batter is ready, it’s time to bake the cakes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the sides of three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for about 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, showing the cake doneness. The bake time can vary slightly based on your oven.
After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key to keeping the cakes in shape and easy to handle when assembling the dessert.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Recipe Rating | 4.89 out of 5 from 209 votes |
| Servings | 20 |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Calories per Serving | 464kcal |
“The key to a perfectly baked key lime cake is to pay close attention to the cake doneness and not over-bake the layers. This ensures a moist and flavorful final product.”
Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
Making the perfect key lime frosting starts with homemade key lime curd. Mix egg yolks, fresh key lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Heat it over medium until it thickens. Strain it to remove lumps and cool it completely before adding it to your frosting.
The key ingredients for this luscious frosting are:
- Cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- Unsalted butter, also at room temperature
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh key lime juice
- Key lime zest
- Vanilla extract
Begin by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar slowly, scraping the bowl as needed. Keep adding until the frosting is sweet and smooth. Then, mix in the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla.
This cream cheese frosting is a perfect mix of key lime curd and frosting texture. It’s the ideal topping for your homemade key lime cake. The lime’s tanginess balances the cream cheese’s richness, creating a refreshing taste.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 16 oz |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 4 cups |
| Fresh key lime juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Key lime zest | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
This key lime cream cheese frosting recipe gives you a rich and tasty topping for your homemade key lime cake. The creamy, tangy, and sweet mix will have everyone wanting more.
Assembling and Decorating
After baking the moist key lime cake layers and making the silky frosting, it’s time to put it all together. This step-by-step guide will help you make your key lime cake not only delicious but also beautiful.
Frosting the Layers
Start by leveling the tops of your cooled cake layers with a serrated knife. This makes them flat for stacking and frosting. Place one layer on a cake board or plate, then spread a generous amount of frosting on top with an offset spatula. Do the same with the other layers, stacking them neatly.
Decorating with Whipped Cream and Graham Cracker Crumbs
To finish, use the leftover frosting to cover the sides and top of the cake evenly. For a special touch, top it with whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs. The tart key lime, creamy frosting, and crunchy crumbs make a great mix of flavors and textures.
Remember to chill the cake in the fridge for at least two hours before serving. This lets the layers set and the frosting firm up. It makes the cake easier to slice and look neat and professional.
| Recommended Freezing Time | Frosting Technique | Cake Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| At least 2 hours | Swiss Meringue Buttercream | 12 slices |
By using these cake assembly and decoration tips, you’ll make a stunning key lime cake. It will impress your guests with its tart and sweet flavors in every bite!
Serving and Storing
Key lime cake tastes best when it’s chilled. This is because the cream cheese frosting and whipped cream topping don’t stay fresh at room temperature. If you’ve added whipped cream, make sure to keep the cake in the fridge in a sealed container. It stays good for up to 5 days.
The cake is great for many serving options. You can have it as a triple-layered cake, a double-layered cake, a sheet cake, or even cupcakes. Its moist, fluffy texture and sweet-tart flavors make it perfect for any celebration.
For cake storage, keeping the key lime cake in the fridge is key. Store the frosting and whipped cream in a sealed container in the fridge. The cake can stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, it can last up to 3 months.
When it comes to refrigeration, use an airtight container or plastic wrap to keep it moist. The frosting can sit at room temperature for a day before being refrigerated for up to 3 days. Following these tips will help your cake stay fresh and tasty.
“The key to enjoying a delectable key lime cake is to serve it chilled and store it properly. By keeping it refrigerated and in an airtight container, you can savor the tangy and creamy flavors for up to 5 days.”
key lime cake
Key lime cake is a refreshing dessert perfect for summer. It combines the zesty taste of key limes with a soft cake. This cake comes from the Florida Keys and tastes like a classic key lime pie.
The recipe makes enough batter for a 9″ x 9″ cake, two 8″ layers, or three 7″ layers. It also works for a standard loaf pan. Round cake pans bake in about 20 minutes, while a loaf pan takes around 40 minutes.
For more, the recipe can make up to 24 cupcakes. They bake in about 18 minutes. The cake with Cream Cheese Icing stays fresh at room temperature for 3 days. Wrap the layers loosely and refrigerate for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the layers for up to 1 month.
One serving of this key lime cake has 350 kcal. It has 48g of carbs, 3g of protein, and 16g of fat. The cake also has 9g of saturated fat, 69mg of cholesterol, and 247mg of sodium. It’s rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron. The sugar in the cake is 32g.
To make the Cream Cheese Icing, you need 4 oz of cream cheese. Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes in a 9″ x 13″ pan. The Fresh Lime Frosting needs 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar and 4 tablespoons of fresh key lime juice. You can also use pre-made vanilla frosting for a simpler option.
“This key lime cake is a delightful summertime treat that transports you to the tropics with its bright, tangy flavors.”
Variations and Substitutions
There are many ways to make the classic key lime cake your own. You can try different citrus flavors or make it fit special diets. These changes can give your cake a unique taste.
Citrus Cake Alternatives
Want a zesty twist? Use regular or Persian limes instead of key limes. Persian limes have a similar tartness but fewer seeds. You can also try lemons or oranges for a refreshing taste.
Dietary Variations
Need a cake that fits your diet? Try dairy-free or gluten-free options. Use coconut oil or vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free cake. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Key Limes | Regular Limes, Persian Limes, Lemons, Oranges |
| Butter | Coconut Oil, Vegan Butter |
| Cream Cheese | Vegan Cream Cheese |
| All-Purpose Flour | Gluten-Free Flour Blend, Almond Flour |
By trying these variations, you can make a key lime cake that’s just right for you. It keeps the classic taste but fits your needs.
Conclusion
Key lime cake is a stunning dessert that brings summer vibes with its bright, tangy flavors. This guide helps you make a moist and tasty cake that will wow everyone. The cake batter and the creamy frosting are all about balance and taste.
Perfect for a summer party or just a craving for something tropical, this cake is a hit. Its bright color and amazing taste will make you feel like you’re at the beach. Try this recipe and enjoy the refreshing taste of key lime cake this summer.
With a 4.35 out of 5 rating from 89 votes, key lime cake is a favorite. The detailed recipe makes it easy to make this masterpiece. Dive into tropical flavors and baking, and let this cake be the highlight of your summer.