Key Lime Cake

🍋 Key Lime Cake

Bright, moist, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, this Key Lime Cake is the perfect dessert for spring, summer, or any time you’re craving something refreshing. Made with a simple cake mix and a few fresh ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to prepare while tasting like it came from a bakery.

Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or weekend treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress!

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

30–35 minutes

Cooling Time

1 hour

Total Time

About 2 hours

Servings

12

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) white or vanilla cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ⅓ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated key lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons key lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon key lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes

  • Thin slices of key lime
  • Extra lime zest
  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed graham crackers
  • Mint leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Cake mix
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Buttermilk
  • Key lime juice
  • Key lime zest
  • Vanilla extract

Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until smooth and well combined.

3. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.

Mix in:

  • Key lime juice
  • Key lime zest
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

5. Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

If making a layer cake, frost between the layers before covering the top and sides.

6. Garnish

Decorate with:

  • Fresh key lime slices
  • Additional lime zest
  • Crushed graham crackers
  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh mint leaves

Tips for Success

  • Fresh key lime juice provides the brightest flavor, but bottled key lime juice also works well.
  • Don’t overmix the batter.
  • Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting.
  • Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.

Storage

Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

The unfrosted cake can also be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months.

Delicious Variations

Try adding:

  • Toasted coconut flakes
  • White chocolate chips
  • A layer of lime curd
  • Fresh berries
  • A graham cracker crumble topping

The Perfect Citrus Dessert

This Key Lime Cake is wonderfully moist, light, and packed with refreshing citrus flavor. The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the sweet, tender cake, making every bite irresistible.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this easy Key Lime Cake is sure to become a favorite recipe you’ll make again and again!

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