Key Lime Cake

 A light, citrusy cake bursting with key lime flavor and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. It combines the ease of a boxed cake mix with fresh ingredients to create a homemade dessert that looks and tastes bakery-worthy.

Why You'll Fall in Love with This Recipe

This Key Lime Cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a soft, moist crumb and a refreshing citrus flavor. The lime gelatin gives it a vibrant color and extra zing, while the cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, luscious finish. It’s a bright and elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make—perfect for special occasions, spring gatherings, or any time you want a taste of the tropics.

Tools You’ll Need

• Two 9-inch round cake pans

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)

• Electric hand or stand mixer

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Rubber spatula

• Cooling rack

• Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 box white cake mix

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• ¾ cup orange juice

• 4 large eggs

• 1 package (3 oz) lime gelatin mix

• ¼ cup key lime juice

• 1 tablespoon lime zest (optional)

For the Frosting

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons key lime juice

• 1 teaspoon lime zest

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, orange juice, eggs, lime gelatin mix, key lime juice, and lime zest. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.

3. Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the key lime juice and lime zest, and beat until the frosting is fluffy.

5. Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the entire cake. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use freshly squeezed key lime juice for the best flavor.

• Make sure your cake layers are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

• For extra lime intensity, brush the cake layers with a little key lime juice before frosting.

• If you prefer a smooth finish, do a thin “crumb coat” of frosting first, chill for 15 minutes, then apply the final layer.

Customization Ideas

• Add a layer of lime curd between the cake layers for an extra burst of citrus.

• Top with thin lime slices, zest, or candied lime peel for decoration.

• Substitute lemon or regular lime juice if key lime juice isn’t available.

• Make it into cupcakes by adjusting the bake time to 18–20 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store the frosted cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.

• Serve Chilled or at Room Temp: This cake tastes great chilled but can be brought to room temperature before serving for a softer texture.

Approximate Nutrition (per slice, 1/12 of cake)

• Calories: 420

• Fat: 22g

• Carbohydrates: 52g

• Protein: 3g

• Sugars: 38g
  (Nutrition will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Cooling & Assembly: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime?
Yes. Regular lime juice works well, though the flavor will be slightly less floral and more tart.

Can I bake this in a 9x13-inch pan instead of round layers?
Yes, simply adjust the bake time to about 35–40 minutes and frost the top once cooled.

Does the cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, the cake should be stored in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Cake is a showstopping dessert that delivers bright citrus flavor and a creamy finish with minimal effort. Whether you're baking it for a party, holiday, or just to treat yourself, it’s guaranteed to impress and leave everyone reaching for a second slice.