There’s something delightful about bringing a cake to life in your own kitchen. This Key Lime Cake offers a refreshing burst of citrus flavor that’s perfect for a variety of occasions, whether shared with loved ones during gatherings or enjoyed quietly with a cup of tea. Its bright taste and comforting texture make it a flexible dessert for weeknights or weekend celebrations. This recipe embraces simplicity and dependable results, inviting you into the comforting rhythms of homemade baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This key lime cake is a comforting blend of flavors and textures that hit the sweet spot on any table. The ease and reliability of the recipe make it accessible for everyday baking while offering a delicious balance of flavor that’s sure to please. With its fresh citrus essence and satisfying moistness, it’s an indulgent treat that fits right into practical meal plans.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A 9×13 inch baking pan
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
- Butter, for greasing pan
- Flour, for dusting pan
- 3-ounce package lime flavored gelatin (adds a vibrant lime flavor and a bit of moisture)
- 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar (provides sweetness and contributes to texture)
- 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour (gives structure to the cake)
- ½ teaspoon salt (balances sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps the cake rise)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (boosts leavening)
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil (adds moisture and richness)
- ¾ cup orange juice (enhances flavor and moisture)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adds tartness)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (offers depth of flavor)
- 5 large eggs, slightly beaten (binds ingredients and adds structure)
- ½ cup key lime juice (provides a distinct, tangy flavor)
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (sweetness for frosting)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature (richness for frosting)
- One 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature (adds creaminess to frosting)
- One 1-pound box confectioners’ sugar (sweetens the frosting)
How to Make Key Lime Cake
Step 1. Begin by greasing your baking pan with butter, ensuring it’s well covered so the cake will easily release later. Dust the pan with flour, tapping out any excess. This step prevents sticking and helps develop a nice outer texture on the cake.
Step 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the lime-flavored gelatin with granulated sugar. This mixture provides a fruity base and extra sweetness. Use an electric mixer to blend it thoroughly, ensuring all the sugar and gelatin are evenly distributed.
Step 3. In the same bowl, add sifted all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix just until combined, taking care not to overmix. The goal is to create a uniform dry mixture that will later blend with the wet ingredients.
Step 4. Now, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Pour in vegetable oil, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and the slightly beaten eggs. Mix until everything is fully incorporated. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
Step 5. Gently fold in the key lime juice, allowing its distinct flavor to infuse throughout the batter. This addition is key for achieving that refreshing, zesty taste characteristic of a key lime cake.
Step 6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the surface. Watch for any air bubbles as you pour, giving the pan a gentle shake to flatten the batter for an even bake.
Step 7. Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, usually about 30 to 35 minutes. The top should have a light golden color and bounce back gently when touched. Once baked, cool the cake in the pan for a few minutes.
Step 8. Carefully remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is essential for preventing a soggy texture and ensuring the frosting adheres well.
Step 9. For the frosting, start by beating together the room temperature butter and cream cheese in a clean mixing bowl until it’s creamy and thoroughly blended. This forms a strong base for your frosting.
Step 10. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar. Mix until fully combined and fluffy in texture. Taste the frosting to check for sweetness and creaminess, allowing adjustments as needed.
Step 11. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top. Consider creating decorative swirls or simply smoothing it out for a classic finish.
Step 12. Finally, serve the key lime cake to friends and family, or savor it solo. Its enticing flavor and moist texture are bound to make it a favorite.
Serving Suggestions
This key lime cake makes for a versatile addition to your meal planning. Enjoy it as a refreshing breakfast treat alongside coffee or tea. It also fits well as a mid-afternoon snack, providing a sweet pick-me-up. During family meals, it can serve as a delightful dessert to end the day. Given its moisture, leftovers can be stored easily and are just as enjoyable a day or two later.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, as this helps create a smoother batter and promotes even baking.
- Sifting flour helps achieve a lighter cake, so don’t skip this step.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, which can lead to a denser cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to maintain the frosting’s texture and prevent it from melting.
- Use a sharp knife to cut slices cleanly, preserving the cake’s layers.
- Consider chilling the frosted cake for a bit before serving for a firmer texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not greasing the pan properly: This can lead to the cake sticking, making it difficult to remove. Always ensure the entire surface is covered.
- Overmixing the batter: This can create a tough cake. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can cause the batter to curdle and not blend well. Let them come to room temperature before starting.
- Undercooking the cake: This can result in a wet center. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Frosting while the cake is warm: This can cause the frosting to melt. Ensure the cake is at room temperature before adding frosting.
- Neglecting to taste the frosting: Not tasting the frosting can lead to it being too sweet or not balanced. Adjust to your liking as you mix.
Variations & Substitutions
Consider adding a bit of zest from an orange or lime to the frosting for an extra citrus hit. If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to replace some of the butter in the frosting with Greek yogurt, which will alter the texture slightly but can add a nice tang.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake at room temperature, covered, for up to two days to retain freshness. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for about a week. For longer storage, freezing is an option; just wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To enjoy again, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature until you are ready to frost and serve. This can actually enhance its flavor as it sits.
How long does it last in the fridge?
The key lime cake can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Just make sure it’s covered well to maintain its moisture and freshness.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! The cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last for about three months.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you need to substitute the lime-flavored gelatin, you could use lime zest or additional key lime juice for added intensity, though it will slightly change the cake’s texture and sweetness balance.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
Common reasons can include ingredient temperature mismanagement, incorrect baking times, or not measuring ingredients accurately. Always double-check your measurements and ensure ingredients are at the right temperature.
Final Thoughts
Making Trisha Yearwood’s Key Lime Cake is a truly enjoyable process, filled with simple steps that lead to a satisfying result. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed quietly, this cake brings a little brightness to the day. Embrace the comfort of baking at home and delight in the fresh flavors of citrus with every bite.
Key Lime Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 tbsp Butter, for greasing pan
- 1 tbsp Flour, for dusting pan
- 3 oz Lime flavored gelatin Adds vibrant lime flavor and moisture
- 1 ⅓ cups Granulated sugar Provides sweetness and contributes to texture
- 2 cups Sifted all-purpose flour Gives structure to the cake
- ½ tsp Salt Balances sweetness
- 1 tsp Baking powder Helps the cake rise
- 1 tsp Baking soda Boosts leavening
- 1 ½ cups Vegetable oil Adds moisture and richness
- ¾ cup Orange juice Enhances flavor and moisture
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice Adds tartness
- ½ tsp Vanilla extract Offers depth of flavor
- 5 Large eggs, slightly beaten Binds ingredients and adds structure
- ½ cup Key lime juice Provides a distinct, tangy flavor
For the Frosting
- ½ cup Confectioners' sugar Sweetness for frosting
- 1 cup Butter, room temperature Richness for frosting
- 1 8-ounce package Cream cheese, room temperature Adds creaminess to frosting
- 1 pound box Confectioners' sugar Sweetens the frosting
Instructions
Preparation
- Grease your baking pan with butter, ensuring it's well covered, then dust the pan with flour and tap out any excess.
- Combine the lime-flavored gelatin with granulated sugar in a mixing bowl and blend with an electric mixer.
- Add sifted all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the mixture; mix until just combined.
- Add vegetable oil, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and slightly beaten eggs to the bowl. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the key lime juice gently.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for a few minutes.
- Remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting
- Beat together room temperature butter and cream cheese until creamy and thoroughly blended.
- Gradually add in the confectioners' sugar and mix until fluffy.
- Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake.
Serving
- Serve the key lime cake to friends and family or enjoy it individually.