Last Updated on March 25, 2022
Fresh and full of flavor, this amazing key lime cake from scratch is a must-try. The combination of vanilla cake with fresh lime juice makes for the perfect summer dessert. This is a wonderful cake for serving at BBQs or dinner parties, as it is refreshing and delicious.
Though this cake has a lot of ingredients, it is fairly simple to make. By carefully following the instructions, you will have a truly tasty cake. This key lime cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
What You Wil Need
Ingredients For the Cake
- One package lime-flavored gelatin (3-ounce)
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 large eggs, slightly beaten
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (about 25 small key limes or 4 regular limes)
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup (1 stick butter), room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (one package)
- 1-pound box confectioners’ sugar
Equipment
- 9 x 12-inch baking pan
- Cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Wire rack
Aucma Stand Mixer,6.5-QT 660W 6-Speed Tilt-Head Food Mixer, Dough Hook, Wire Whip & Beater
Step by Step Instructions
Step One: Prepare the 9 x 12-inch Pan and Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Farenheit. Spray the 9 x 12-inch baking tray with cooking spray.
Step Two: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gelatin, granulated sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
Step Three: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the dry ingredients, add the oil, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla, and eggs. Mix until the key lime batter is well combined.
Step Four: Bake the Cake
Carefully pour the cake batter into your 9 x 12-inch baking tray. Bake the cake for 35-40,using a toothpick to check for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, your key lime cake is done.
Cool the cake in the pan for nearly five minutes. Then, allow the key lime cake to cool on a wire rack.
Step Five: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the lime juice and confectioners’ sugar using a fork. Pour over the cake while it is still warm.
Step Six: Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer. Slowly add in the confectioners’ sugar and beat until the frosting is well combined.
Step Seven: Decorate the Cake
Once the cake is fully cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Slice and serve your cake.
Servings and Preparation Time
Tips and Tricks
Store this key lime cake in the fridge in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for three to five days when properly stored.
This cake can also be frozen as well for three to six months. First, place the cake in the freezer uncovered to allow the frosting to set. Then, take it out and cover it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it back in the freezer.
When you are ready to serve the cake, let it sit on your counter for one to two hours at room temperature. In addition, you can also let it thaw in your fridge overnight.
You can also make this cake in three 9-inch round cake pans if you want a layer of cake. Bake for about 20-25 minutes.
When making this cake, it is best to use fresh limes, either key limes or regular ones. However, if you don’t have any fresh limes, you can also use storebought lime juice as well. For more lime flavor, you can also add lime zest into the glaze.
Be certain when making the frosting to make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. When mixing cream cheese for the frosting, it can curdle if it is too cold.
Amazing Key Lime Cake From Scratch
Equipment
- 9 x 12-inch baking pan
- Cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cake
- One package lime-flavored gelatin 3-ounce
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 large eggs slightly beaten
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup key lime juice about 25 small key limes or 4 regular limes
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup 1 stick butter, room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature (one package)
- 1- pound box confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the 9 x 12-inch Pan and Preheat the Oven - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Farenheit. Spray the 9 x 12-inch baking tray with cooking spray.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the gelatin, granulated sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add the Wet Ingredients - To the dry ingredients, add the oil, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla, and eggs. Mix until the key lime batter is well combined.
- Bake the Cake - Carefully pour the cake batter into your 9 x 12-inch baking tray. Bake the cake for 35-40, using a toothpick to check for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, your key lime cake is done.
- Cool the cake in the pan for nearly five minutes. Then, allow the key lime cake to cool on a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze - In a small bowl, mix together the lime juice and confectioners' sugar using a fork. Pour over the cake while it is still warm.
- Make the Frosting - In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer. Slowly add in the confectioners' sugar and beat until the frosting is well combined.
- Decorate the Cake - Once the cake is fully cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Slice and serve your cake.
Notes
Tasty Homemade Keylime Cake
This refreshing lime cake recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and tart. The cake is great for serving at anysummer celebration. It is simple to make and is sure to be a favorite with your friends and family.
If you enjoyed making this key lime cake from scratch, please share what you think about it in the comments down below. In addition, please share this recipe with your friends and family so they can make this cake as well.
Ever since she was a young girl, Anna has been a lover of desserts. As an adult, she enjoys
baking a variety of desserts from cakes, cookies, brownies, bread, and more from scratch. She
enjoys sharing her passion for baking with others who also have a sweet tooth. From properly
measuring ingredients to making sure they are the correct temperature, Anna knows the
importance small details can make in baking. She wants to share her experience with others in
hopes they can make the most delicious baked goods. When she’s not busy blogging, Anna
enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen.
