Description
This technically-driven Key Lime Cake 2 achieves a perfect balance between tart citrus notes and a sophisticated, tender crumb. Utilizing professional creaming methods and room-temperature ingredients, it results in a reliable, bakery-quality dessert finished with a velvety lime cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ tablespoons lime zest
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ teaspoons lime extract
- Optional green gel food coloring
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, for frosting
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice, for thinning frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 13×9 inch glass pan with non-stick baking spray.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate container, whisk together the sour cream, vegetable oil, lime zest, lime juice, milk, vanilla, lime extract, and optional green gel coloring.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl on high speed for 2 minutes using an electric mixer, then add eggs one at a time, mixing on medium for 20 seconds after each.
- Gradually integrate the dry and wet ingredients in five alternating additions, starting and ending with the dry mixture, mixing only until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely before applying frosting.
- Beat the room temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in lime extract, salt, and confectioner’s sugar until a spreadable consistency is reached.
Notes
To prevent the frosting from thinning, ensure your cream cheese is slightly cooler than room temperature and the cake is entirely cold before application. For the most accurate crumb development, always weigh your flour or use the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly with a measuring cup.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American