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Key Lime Cake

Key Lime Cake

Key Lime Cake is a refreshing dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This delightful cake features three layers of light, fluffy white cake infused with zesty key lime juice and complemented by a buttery graham cracker crumble between each layer. Topped with a sweet yet tangy key lime buttercream frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, barbecues, or simply indulging yourself on a warm day. Its vibrant flavor profile and stunning presentation make it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cake flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 ¾ cups sugar
  • ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup milk, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 8 tablespoons key lime juice (about 8–10 key limes)
  • 5 egg whites, room temperature
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1.5 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6–8 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons key lime juice (about 3–4 key limes)
  • ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1–2 tablespoons hot water
  • Green food coloring gel
  • Lime slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl; cream butter and sugar in another until fluffy.
  3. Mix sour cream, vanilla extract, milk, vegetable oil, key lime juice, and egg whites into the butter mixture.
  4. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended.
  5. Divide batter among pans and bake for about 20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean; cool on racks.
  6. Prepare graham cracker crumble by mixing crumbs with sugar and melted butter.
  7. For frosting, beat softened butter with shortening; gradually add powdered sugar and remaining ingredients until smooth.
  8. Assemble the cake with frosting and graham cracker crumble between layers; frost the top and sides.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances flavor significantly. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.

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