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Zesty Key Lime Cake Recipe

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  • Author: Lidia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A moist and zesty key lime cake with a bright citrus flavor, tender crumb, and a sweet-tangy glaze that makes it refreshing and perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest
  • 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 23 tablespoons key lime juice (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract.
  6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, mixing gently until combined.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  8. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool completely.
  10. Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lime juice until smooth.
  11. Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle with lime zest.

Notes

  • Use fresh key lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
  • Ensure the cake is fully cooled before glazing.
  • You can substitute regular limes if key limes are unavailable.
  • Buttermilk can be made by mixing milk with lemon juice or vinegar.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg