Key Lime Layered Sheet Cake
A zesty and moist key lime cake layered with tart lime frosting and topped with lime zest for a refreshing dessert. This american-inspired desserts 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup key lime juice gently. Divide batter evenly between two greased 9x13-inch cake pans.
- Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes completely on wire racks.
- Step 7: For the frosting, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 4 oz softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Step 8: Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, then 1/4 cup key lime juice, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Key Lime Layered Sheet Cake take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Key Lime Layered Sheet Cake?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Key Lime Layered Sheet Cake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Key Lime Layered Sheet Cake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Key Lime Layered Sheet Cake?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
