Are you ready to elevate your dessert game with a tantalizing treat that combines zesty key lime flavors with a luscious cream cheese icing? Look no further! In this blog post, we bring you the mouthwatering recipe for a 3-layer Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Icing that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is perfect for anyone who appreciates a tangy and sweet dessert masterpiece.
Ingredients
For the Key Lime Cake:
- 2 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup key lime juice
- 2 tablespoons key lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Now that you have all the ingredients at hand, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delightful dessert:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans. Dust them with flour, tapping out any excess.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be easily done using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition.
- Divide the batter equally among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the icing is light and fluffy.
- Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese icing evenly over the top. Repeat this process with the remaining layers.
- Finally, frost the sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese icing. For an added touch, garnish the cake with fresh lime slices or zest.
- Your 3-layer Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is now ready to be enjoyed!
Indulge in the irresistible charm of the 3-layer Key Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Icing. This delightful dessert combines the vibrant flavors of key lime with a velvety cream cheese icing, creating a treat that will impress your guests and leave them craving more. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is a must-try. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering creations. Happy baking!