Name: Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Lime Icing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar; 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 3-ounce package lime flavored gelatin; 5 large eggs, slightly beaten; 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil; 3/4 cup orange juice; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 cup key lime juice (about 2-3 key limes or 4 regular limes); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, room temperature; 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature; 5 cups confectioner’s sugar; 1 tablespoon key lime juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 drops green food coloring; 2 tablespoons lime zest

Jump to Recipe

There is something utterly magical about a bright, tangy, and moist cake that feels like sunshine on a plate, and that is exactly what this Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Lime Icing Recipe delivers. Imagine tender layers infused with zesty citrus flavors, perfectly balanced by a rich and creamy lime-spiked cream cheese frosting that’s both luscious and light. Every bite will transport you to a tropical escape, making this cake an absolute showstopper for any occasion or just a delightful treat when you need a little burst of joy.

Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Lime Icing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Lime Icing Recipe ensures a delicate balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the tangy gelatin that boosts lime flavor to the blend of citrus juices giving freshness and moisture.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb texture.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and lightness when sifted.
Salt: Enhances the cake’s flavors and balances the sweetness.
Baking powder: Leavens the cake for perfect rise and softness.
Baking soda: Works with acids in citrus and gelatin to keep the cake airy.
Lime flavored gelatin: Intensifies lime flavor while adding a slight, irresistible tartness.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to richness and texture.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
Orange juice: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle complexity to the citrus profile.
Lemon juice: Elevates brightness, balancing the lime’s tanginess.
Key lime juice: The star ingredient for that distinct tropical lime punch.
Vanilla extract: Smooths and rounds out the bold citrus notes in the cake.
Butter (for icing): Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
Cream cheese (for icing): Delivers tangy depth and a silky texture to the icing.
Confectioner’s sugar (for icing): Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.
Green food coloring: Gives the frosting a playful, fresh lime-green hue.
Lime zest: Provides vibrant aroma and an extra citrus burst in the icing.

How to Make Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Lime Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

First things first: set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures those gorgeous layers come out easily and keep their perfect shape for assembling.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, sifted flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and the lime flavored gelatin. This combination makes sure every bite is bursting with balanced lime flavor while the cake bakes up nice and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, lemon juice, key lime juice, and vanilla extract until well blended. This zesty liquid base makes the cake irresistibly moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cake delightfully light and tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible—almost like a citrus grove in full bloom!

Step 6: Cool the Layers

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience now—cold cake layers are easier to frost and assemble without any mess.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Lime Icing

Beat the room temperature butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, then mix in key lime juice, vanilla, green food coloring, and lime zest until you get that perfect lemon-lime frosting consistency and flavor.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of the lime cream cheese icing on top. Repeat with the remaining layers, finishing with a beautiful topping of frosting that invites you to dive right in.

How to Serve Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Lime Icing Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes add a charming touch and enhance the vibrant flavors. A sprinkle of lime zest, thin slices of fresh key lime, or even candied lime peels can make each slice sparkle, visually and taste-wise. A few mint leaves on top also add a refreshing contrast to that zesty sweetness.

Side Dishes

This Key Lime Cake pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides. Think fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a cup of tart lemonade or mild green tea to balance the richness of the cream cheese icing. These sides keep the dessert experience refreshing and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel like elevating your presentation? Serve individual slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of passion fruit sauce or a dusting of toasted coconut flakes to add texture and tropical flair. You could even serve mini versions of this cake in mason jars for a fun picnic or party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them tightly wrapped or covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese lime icing keeps well chilled and stays fluffy, while the cake maintains its moist crumb for several days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped securely in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting. You can also freeze a fully assembled cake, but it’s best sliced first to make thawing and serving easier.

Reheating

Because this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary and may melt your beautiful cream cheese lime icing. Just allow refrigerated slices to sit out for about 15 minutes before enjoying to bring out the cake’s full flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Absolutely! While key limes have a distinct tartness and aroma, regular limes work perfectly well and maintain that lovely citrus flavor in this recipe.

What can I substitute for lime flavored gelatin?

If lime gelatin is hard to find, you can substitute with unflavored gelatin plus extra lime zest and juice to keep the citrus pop. Just remember the gelatin also aids the texture and moisture.

Is this cake suitable for a summer party?

Definitely! The bright citrus flavors and creamy frosting make it an excellent choice for warm weather gatherings, bringing a light and refreshing dessert option to the table.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking should work well, but be sure to check your baking powder and gelatin for gluten content too.

How do I get the frosting smooth and not too stiff?

Be sure to use room temperature butter and cream cheese and add lime juice gradually. If the frosting gets too stiff, a tiny splash of milk or more lime juice will help loosen it up for easy spreading.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Lime Icing Recipe is a true celebration of citrus bliss that’s simple enough to make for any gathering but special enough to impress. The balance of tangy lime and creamy frosting creates a dessert that’s both familiar and wonderfully refreshing. I can’t wait for you to try it and share those delighted “wow” moments with your friends and family!