Key Lime Layered Cake Recipe

Bake the Tropics into This Dessert of Key Lime Layered Cake.

Indulge in a nostalgic journey back to the sun-kissed streets of Miami, Florida, where palm trees swayed in the gentle breeze and the scent of the ocean lingered in the air. In those days, nestled in the heart of Goulds, stood a humble yet eye-catching building, whose neon lime green facade seemed to beckon all dessert enthusiasts. Despite its less-than-desirable neighborhood, this unassuming cement structure held a hidden treasure that would forever captivate my taste buds – the divine Key Lime pie.

With every passing Sunday, anticipation would build as I eagerly made my way to Sunday’s worship, secretly yearning for that magical moment when a simple hand-written sign would be turned to proudly proclaim “OPEN.” It was a sweet revelation that dessert heaven was about to unfold before me, and a heavenly slice of Key Lime pie would be mine to savor.

Now, imagine the essence of those vibrant, tropical flavors perfectly captured in an exquisite creation known as the Key Lime Layered Cake. This delightful masterpiece ingeniously weaves the essence of the tropics into every layer of its delectable sponge, transporting you to a paradise of taste with each heavenly bite.

The cake itself boasts a harmonious blend of zesty, tangy Key Lime that sings on your palate, harmonizing flawlessly with a rich, velvety frosting that takes indulgence to a whole new level. As you savor each mouthful, the lusciousness of the tropics unfolds before you, leaving you enchanted by its irresistible allure.

Intricately crafted with love and passion, this Key Lime Layered Cake pays homage to the vibrant city that once embraced me. It’s a celebration of not only the cherished memories of those Miami days but also a tribute to the tropical haven that inspired the creation of this dessert marvel.

So, whether you’re a connoisseur of Key Lime delicacies or an adventurous food enthusiast seeking an extraordinary experience, this cake promises to be a journey through the tropics – an escape to paradise with every slice. Join us on this tantalizing expedition and let the Key Lime Layered Cake enchant your taste buds with its irresistible charm and tropical allure.

 

 

Tropical Delights: Key Lime Layered Cake

Servings: 10-12 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus cooling time)

Cake Ingredients:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice (or use Rose’s brand)
• ¾ cup Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest
• 14 oz sweetened flaked coconut, toasted (approximately 1/2 bag)

Key Lime Frosting Ingredients:

• 2 packages (16 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest
• ¼ cup key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2½ lbs powdered sugar

Toasted Coconut (Optional) Ingredients:

• 7 oz sweetened coconut flakes

How to Make Key Lime Layered Cake

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and lightly flour them.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Pour in the oil and mix until well combined.
5. Slowly pour in the key lime juice while mixing on medium speed until the batter becomes creamy, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
6. Fold in the Greek Yogurt (or Sour Cream) and key lime zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
9. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans on a wire rack for 5-7 minutes.
10. Run a knife around the edge of each cake and carefully turn them out onto the wire rack to cool completely, which takes about an hour.
11. Once cooled, slice each cake horizontally into two even layers, creating a total of four layers.

 

For the Key Lime Frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add the key lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
4. Fold in the key lime zest to enhance the lime flavor.

 

Optional: For Toasted Coconut:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (95 degrees Celsius).
2. Spread the sweetened coconut flakes evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Place the baking sheet in the oven and watch carefully, turning the coconut with a spatula every few minutes until it achieves an even golden brown color.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand.
2. Spread a layer of the Key Lime Frosting on top of the cake layer, reaching the outer edge.
3. Repeat the process with the remaining cake layers and frosting, building up the cake.
4. Optionally, sprinkle toasted coconut around the outer edge of the cake for added texture and flavor.
5. Garnish the top of the cake with fresh lime slices.

Enjoy! Serve this tropical delight, the Key Lime Layered Cake, and transport your taste buds to the sunny paradise of the tropics with each heavenly bite! This divine dessert is perfect for any occasion or just as a delightful treat to brighten your day. Share the joy with family and friends and relish the taste of the tropics right at home.