Key Lime Cake 

Introduction:

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with our mouthwatering Key Lime Cake recipe! This dessert masterpiece combines the tangy zest of fresh key limes with the sweetness of cake and frosting, resulting in a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a taste of summer, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this irresistible confection!

Ingredients:

– 2 ¼ cups cake flour

– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– ½ teaspoon baking soda

– ½ teaspoon salt

– 1 cup buttermilk

– ¼ cup fresh lime juice

– 2 tablespoons lime zest

– 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract

– ½ cup vegetable oil

– 4 egg whites

– Lime wedges (for garnish)

– Graham crackers (for garnish)

– 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

– ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

– 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract

– 2 teaspoons lime zest

– ½ teaspoon salt

– 4 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk, lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Beat with a paddle attachment of a stand mixer or a hand mixer until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until they form medium stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
6. Once cooled, wrap each cake in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
7. Frost the chilled cakes with lime cream cheese frosting and decorate with fresh lime wedges and crushed graham crackers. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In the bowl of a mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat again briefly to ensure they are well combined.
2. Add vanilla extract, lime zest, salt, and powdered sugar to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the powdered sugar is moistened, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Use the frosting immediately to frost the cake, or store it in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before using.
4. Prep Time: 45 minutes
5. Cooking Time: 40 minutes
6. Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
7. Servings: 10

Serving:

1. Serve the Key Lime Cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
2. Use a sharp knife to slice the cake cleanly, ensuring each slice is neat and uniform.
3. Garnish each slice with a twist of fresh lime zest or a slice of lime for a decorative touch and an extra burst of citrus flavor.
4. Pair the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.
5. Serve the cake on festive dessert plates or cake stands to elevate the presentation and create an inviting display.

Storage:

1. Store any leftover Key Lime Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. If the cake is frosted, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
3. Alternatively, store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to prolong its freshness.
4. Before serving refrigerated cake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly and enhance its flavor.
5. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices of unfrosted Key Lime Cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs:

1. How long will the Key Lime Cake stay fresh? The cake will stay fresh for up to 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. If refrigerated, it can last up to 5 days.
2. Can I freeze the Key Lime Cake? Yes, you can freeze the Key Lime Cake for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
3. Can I make the Key Lime Cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them until needed. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before assembling and frosting the cake.
4. How do I prevent the cake layers from sticking to the pans? To prevent sticking, grease and flour the cake pans generously or line them with parchment paper before pouring in the batter. You can also use baking spray with flour for easy release.
5. Can I substitute regular limes for key limes in this recipe? While key limes have a distinct flavor, you can use regular limes if key limes are not available. However, keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different from traditional key lime cake. Adjust the amount of lime juice and zest to taste.

Conclusion:

With its vibrant green hue and refreshing citrus flavor, our Key Lime Cake is a true celebration of summer in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, gathering with friends, or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Follow our easy recipe and bring a taste of the tropics to your dessert table today!