Serves 1
Directions
- 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper circles for easy release.
- 3In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 4In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
- 5Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- 6Add the lime zest and mix until combined.
- 7On low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk and lime juice. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
- 8Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth, being careful not to overmix.
- 9Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- 10Smooth the tops and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 11Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 12In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- 13Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fluffy.
- 14Add lime juice, zest, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until silky smooth.
- 15Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate.
- 16Spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
- 17Place the second cake layer over it, then frost the entire cake with a smooth coat.
- 18Use a piping bag for decorative swirls on top if desired.
- 19Sprinkle with extra lime zest for garnish.
- 20Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before slicing to help the frosting set.
- 21Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the refreshing lime flavor in every bite!
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp lime zest (preferably from key limes)
- 0.5 cup fresh key lime juice (or bottled if fresh isn’t available)
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 Tbsp fresh key lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Equipment
oven8-inch round cake pansparchment paper circlesmedium bowllarge mixing bowlelectric mixerwire rackpiping bag (optional)
Tips
- Ensure butter and granulated sugar are beaten until light and fluffy for a tender crumb.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before slicing to help the frosting set.
Related recipes
Authentic NY Bagels
American · Baked Goods
Sammy Davis Jr.'s Favorite Sandwich
American · Baked Goods
Spring Lemon Loaf
American · Baked Goods35m
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
American · Baked Goods40m
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
American · Baked Goods
Homemade burger buns
American · Baked Goods12m
High protein Lava Cake
American · Baked Goods
Healthy Banana Bread
American · Baked Goods35m
Healthy Low Cal Banana Bread
American · Baked Goods40m
Gooey Butter Cake
American · Baked Goods1h 45m
Homemade Dinner Rolls
American · Baked Goods1h 45m
Fry Bread
American · Baked Goods