Description
This Key Lime Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting is a bright, zesty dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Moist, citrus-infused layers are topped with a luscious, tangy frosting that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 package (3 oz) lime gelatin (like Jell-O)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tbsp key lime zest
- 4 large eggs
- For the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp key lime juice
- 1 tsp key lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix and lime gelatin powder.
- Add oil, orange juice, key lime juice, zest, and eggs. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then beat in key lime juice and zest until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost the cooled cakes, stacking the layers and spreading frosting evenly on top and sides.
- Chill for 20–30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Notes
- Fresh key limes provide the best flavor, but bottled key lime juice is a convenient alternative.
- For a more vibrant green color, you can add a drop or two of green food coloring to the batter.
- This cake can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the fridge.
- Pairs perfectly with a cold glass of sweet tea or lemonade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: key lime cake, citrus cake, cream cheese frosting, tropical dessert, summer cake