Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or bottled key lime juice)
- 1 tbsp key lime zest (or regular lime zest)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: a few drops of green food coloring for a lime hue
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tbsp key lime juice
- 1 tsp key lime zest
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: a drop of green food coloring for tint
- Lime zest or slices
- Crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
- Combine milk, key lime juice, zest, and vanilla in a measuring cup.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just combined.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire racks.
- For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together; gradually mix in powdered sugar, lime juice, zest, and salt until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cake layers and garnish as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Use fresh key limes for the best flavor. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing. Adjust sweetness of frosting by adding more lime juice to balance flavors.