Key Lime Dream Cake A Taste of the Tropics

Key Lime Cake Taste the Tropics in Every Slice

By Thea RosewoodJuly 3, 2025

Escape to paradise with this Key Lime Dream Cake Zesty cake key lime tangy cream cheese frosting a slice of Florida sunshine even on a rainy day Get the recipe ... Quick & Easy

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Fancy a slice of sunshine? Honestly, who doesn't?

This Key Lime Dream Cake is my ode to the tropics. It's a slice of paradise. We are going to create cake key lime , and it tastes just as amazing as it sounds.

So, let's dive in and bake our way to a little bit of Florida.

Quick Hook: Your Taste of Florida

Ever dream of Florida's beaches? This Key Lime Cake Recipe brings the sunshine to you. Each bite bursts with tangy key lime goodness. It is really just so so yum!

Brief Overview: Sunshine in a Slice

Originating from the Florida Keys, Florida Key Lime Cake is a classic. It is a perfect bake. It is a taste of sunshine.

It is moderately easy, taking around 1 hour and 35 minutes. The key lime layer cake can be served for 12.

Main Benefits: Why You'll Love This Cake

This Tangy Citrus Cake Recipe is a mood booster. Vitamin C and antioxidants! It’s the perfect dessert. It’s special because of the zesty flavors.

The flavor of Homemade Cream Cheese Icing is truly out of this world.

Ready to bake? First, let's get our ingredients.

Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment for Key Lime Dream Cake

Alright, darling! You know I love to keep things real, so let's chat about what you'll need for this Key Lime Dream Cake .

It’s basically sunshine in cake form, and honestly, who doesn't need a bit of that? This Key Lime Cake Recipe is easier than you think, but let's get our ducks in a row first, yeah?

Main Ingredients: Key to the Kingdom

For the Cake Itself:

All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g) , plus extra for dusting the pans. Get a good quality one, you know?
Baking powder: 1 tsp (5g) .
Baking soda: 1/2 tsp (3g) .
Salt: 1/4 tsp (1g) .
Unsalted butter: 1 cup (226g) , softened. Proper butter makes all the difference.
Granulated sugar: 1 3/4 cups (350g) .
Eggs: 3 large ones.
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp.
Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Full-fat is your friend here.
Key lime juice: 1/2 cup (120ml) , freshly squeezed if you can manage it. Bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is always always better.
Key lime zest: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Don't skip this!

For the Soak:

Key lime juice : 1/4 cup (60ml)
Granulated Sugar: 2 tbsp (30g)

For that Homemade Cream Cheese Icing :

Cream cheese: 8 oz (226g) , softened. Philadelphia is my go-to.
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113g) , softened.
Powdered sugar: 3 cups (360g) .
Key lime juice : 2 tbsp (30ml)
Key lime zest : 1 tsp .

If you are planning to bake this for a family event, the Best Key Lime Cake starts with the best ingredients! Quality over quantity!

Seasoning Notes: Zest is Best

Essential Spice Combinations ? Honestly, it's all about that Key lime! Don't skimp on the zest. Think of it as liquid sunshine.

Lime and Vanilla are the way to go. This is the secret for a Tangy Citrus Cake Recipe

Equipment: Keep it Simple, Sweetheart

Two 9-inch round cake pans.
Parchment paper.
Electric mixer (stand or hand-held). I have one, it’s a lifesaver.
Mixing bowls.
Rubber spatula.
Wire rack.
Zester.
Juicer.

Don't have a zester? A fine grater will do. This Easy Key Lime Cake Recipe is all about adapting to what you have.

Right, then! Now you know what to gather. Next, we get baking!

Key Lime Dream Cake A Taste of the Tropics presentation

Key Lime Dream Cake: Your Ticket to Paradise

Fancy a slice of sunshine? This Key Lime Dream Cake is exactly that. It's a tangy citrus cake recipe that brings the taste of Florida right to your kitchen.

Honestly, who needs a holiday when you've got this? This cake key lime flavor explosion is the bee's knees.

Prep Like a Pro, Bake Like a Boss

Before you even think about turning on the oven, let's get organized. This is your essential mise en place , darling.

Measure out all your ingredients. Seriously, do it.
Soften your butter and cream cheese. Room temperature is key , trust me.
Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. Parchment paper rounds are your best mate.
Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .

Let's Bake This Beauty: Step-by-Step

Right then, let's get down to business. This Easy Key Lime Cake Recipe is easier than you think!

Whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt.
Cream 1 cup softened butter and 1 3/4 cups sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in 3 eggs, one at a time. Then stir in 1 tsp vanilla.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and 1/2 cup sour cream to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry stuff. Mix until just combined.
Stir in 1/2 cup Key lime juice and 2 tbsp zest. This is where the magic happens.
Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 30- 35 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Now for the Key Lime Soak: Combine 1/4 cup Key lime juice and 2 tbsp sugar in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds . Stir until sugar is dissolved.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Cake Key Lime Every Time

Want to take your Florida Key Lime Cake to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tricks.

Don't overmix the batter! It leads to a tough cake.
Freshly squeezed lime juice is a game-changer . Go the extra mile.
After frosting, chill the cake for at least 30 minutes . This lets the flavors meld beautifully.

And for the frosting? Use Homemade Cream Cheese Icing . The flavor is unbeatable! This key lime layer cake is just asking to be the star of your next gathering.

You can experiment with key lime buttercream or sprinkle toasted coconut on top for a Coconut Key Lime Cake variation.

There's endless Key Lime Dessert Ideas ! This Best Key Lime Cake is worth every minute of effort.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Key Lime Dream Cake

So, you’re ready to tackle this Key Lime Cake Recipe . Awesome! Let's chat about some little things to keep in mind.

These tips will really elevate your Florida Key Lime Cake from "good" to "OMG, where has this cake been all my life?!" Honestly, it's all about the details, innit?.

Plating and Presentation

For plating, less is often more. A simple dusting of powdered sugar is class! Get a slice of this Tangy Citrus Cake Recipe on a plate.

Then, a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh lime slices? Bang on. Also, I find it's really tasty with some fresh mint! For drinks, pair with iced tea or margaritas.

Storing Your Sunshine

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Wrap this cake key lime creation tightly in cling film and pop it in the fridge.

It'll happily hang out there for up to 3 days. Freezing this is not recommended. The frosting might get a bit weird when it thaws.

Variations on a Theme

Fancy a little twist? If you are not a fan of gluten, try using the gluten free version, no biggie.

For a coconut twist, add shredded coconut to the batter. It's like a tropical holiday in every bite!

Nutrition Lowdown

Alright, let's keep it real. This cake key lime is a treat. Each slice is around 450 calories, so enjoy in moderation.

It is a good source of joy, innit?. Just remember balance is key, even with key lime cake .

This Easy Key Lime Cake Recipe is all about that tangy, sweet flavour. It's such a delicious cake!. Remember to read the entire recipe before you start, and be mindful.

Now go get baking! You’ve got this!

Delicious Key Lime Layer Cake The Ultimate CrowdPleaser

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My cake is dry – what went wrong?

Oh dear, a dry cake is a baker's worst nightmare! It could be a few things. First, make sure you didn't over-bake it – start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe suggests. Overmixing the batter can also develop the gluten too much, leading to a tougher, drier cake. Lastly, make sure your oven temperature is accurate – an oven thermometer is your best friend!

Can I use regular lime juice instead of Key lime juice for this cake key lime?

While Key lime juice is the star of the show, regular lime juice will work in a pinch! The flavor will be slightly different – Key limes are a bit more floral and less tart. If you're using regular lime juice for your key lime cake, you might want to add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the batter and frosting to compensate for the increased tartness.

How do I store leftover Key Lime Cake? Will it dry out?

To keep your Key Lime Cake tasting its best, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature helps to keep the cream cheese frosting stable and prevents the cake from drying out. It should keep for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage, just wrap them well in plastic wrap first. Like a good cuppa, it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later!

Can I make this Key Lime Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Baking the cake layers a day in advance is actually a great idea. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap after they've cooled completely and store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also make the frosting a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it soften slightly before frosting the cake. Assemble the cake just before serving for the freshest flavor and best presentation.

What's the secret to getting that perfect, tangy Key Lime flavor in this key lime cake recipe?

The key (lime!) is to use fresh Key lime zest and juice. Don't skimp on the zest – it really amplifies the citrusy aroma and flavor! Also, be sure to add the lime juice gradually to the batter and frosting, tasting as you go, so you can achieve the perfect balance of sweet and tart. It’s all about finding that “just right” Goldilocks zone!

I'm watching my sugar intake. Can I reduce the sugar in the cake key lime recipe?

You can certainly try reducing the sugar, but be aware it will affect the texture and flavor. Start by reducing the sugar in the cake batter by about 1/4 cup. You can also use a sugar substitute, but be mindful of how it bakes. For the frosting, you could try using a little less powdered sugar and adding more lime juice for tang. Remember, baking is a science, so changes can impact the outcome!