Get ready to embark on a citrusy adventure that will transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary culinary journey! This Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting isn't just another cake – it's a vibrant, tangy masterpiece that promises to tantalize your senses and leave you craving more. Imagine a perfectly moist cake bursting with bright lime flavor, crowned with a luxuriously smooth cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a slice of sunshine, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easier removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This can be done using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Once the batter is smooth and well combined, divide it evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula if necessary.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Once combined, increase the speed to medium and add the 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of the first layer.
- Carefully place the second layer on top of the frosted layer. Use the remaining cream cheese frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired, perhaps with additional lime zest or slices.
- Slice the cake into 8 servings and enjoy your delicious Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Tips
- Room Temperature is Key: Ensure all ingredients like butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Zest Like a Pro: When zesting limes, only scrape the green outer layer – the white pith underneath can make your cake bitter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test – if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is perfect!
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
- Frosting Technique: For a professional look, use an offset spatula and rotate your cake stand while frosting.
- Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, so don't be afraid to prepare it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 68g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 110mg
