Key lime buttercream cake: A zesty delight recipe!
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A zesty and refreshing key lime buttercream cake with layers of creamy lime flavor, perfect for summer celebrations.
- Author: Caroline Jones
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting), softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed)
- Green food coloring (optional, for decorative swirls)
- Fresh lime slices for garnish
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly into pans and bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then lime zest and juice. Add cream as needed for smooth consistency.
- Frost cake generously, pipe decorative swirls on top, and add subtle green accents if desired.
- Garnish with fresh lime slices before serving.
Notes
- Chill slightly before slicing for clean layers.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with iced tea or sparkling lemonade.
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor.
- Do not overmix batter to keep cake tender.
- Add extra zest for a stronger citrus punch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g