Key Lime Layered Sheet Cake

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-24 · Updated 2026-06-24

A zesty and moist key lime cake layered with tart lime frosting and topped with lime zest for a refreshing dessert. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup key lime juice
• 2 tbsp key lime zest
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup key lime juice (for frosting)
• 1 tsp key lime zest (for garnish)

The bakeware we’d bake this in → Best Bakeware Sets in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tbsp key lime zest.
4. Step 4: Alternately add the flour mixture and 1 cup buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup key lime juice gently. Divide batter evenly between two greased 9x13-inch cake pans.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes completely on wire racks.
7. Step 7: For the frosting, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 4 oz softened cream cheese until smooth.
8. Step 8: Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, then 1/4 cup key lime juice, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
9. Step 9: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread half the frosting evenly over it. Top with second cake layer and frost the top and sides with remaining frosting.
10. Step 10: Garnish with 1 tsp key lime zest over the top for a fresh citrus aroma. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.