I ended up making this cake when I had a few fresh key limes on hand and wanted to use both the juice and zest in something more substantial than a small dessert. The combination of sour cream, fresh lime, and a simple cream cheese frosting makes this a nice option when you want a homemade cake with a bright citrus flavor. Baking it in a 9-inch cake pan also keeps the process straightforward.

The cake has a soft, tender crumb with a noticeable key lime flavor, while the cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, tangy sweetness. The fresh zest in both the cake and frosting keeps the lime flavor present without making it overly sharp. If you enjoy citrus desserts, Chocolate Orange Cake and Blueberry Lemon Muffin are also worth adding to your baking list.

Key Lime Cake Recipe

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This Key Lime Cake combines a soft sour cream cake with fresh key lime juice and zest, then finishes it with a creamy key lime cream cheese frosting. The result is a tender cake with a bright citrus flavor and a smooth, tangy topping.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12 Slices

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 585

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

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For the Cake

• 2½ cups 315 g all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups 300 g granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup 180 g sour cream
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 3 tbsp 45 ml fresh key lime juice
• 1 –2 tbsp fresh key lime zest

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz 226 g cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups 480 g powdered sugar
• 1 –2 tbsp fresh key lime zest
• 2 –3 tbsp fresh key lime juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9-inch cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Knife

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Add the softened butter to a mixing bowl and beat until smooth and creamy.
   
3. Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
   
4. Add the eggs and mix until well incorporated.
   
5. Add the fresh key lime zest.
   
6. Add the fresh key lime juice and mix until combined.
   
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   
8. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
   
9. Mix until the batter is smooth and evenly combined, without overmixing.
   
10. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
    
11. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before frosting.
    
13. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar, key lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and smooth.
14. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
    
15. Cut the cake into slices and serve.
    

Nutrition

Calories: 585kcalCarbohydrates: 87gProtein: 6gFat: 26gSodium: 360mgFiber: 1gSugar: 65g

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A simple 9-inch cake like this is useful when you want a homemade dessert without building a layered cake. The fresh key lime juice and zest give the cake its main character, while the cream cheese frosting adds enough sweetness and richness to balance the citrus. It is also a good recipe to keep around when you have fresh limes that need using, since both the cake and frosting make use of them rather than leaving the flavor to just one component.

Vamsi

I’ve always found joy in the kitchen. Since I was seven, cooking has been my favorite way to learn, create, and unwind. From baking sweet treats to exploring global flavors and brewing coffee, I’m always chasing my next delicious discovery.