Key Lime Zest Layered Cake

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-19 · Updated 2026-06-19

A tangy and sweet key lime cake featuring layers of lime zest-infused cake and smooth lime cream cheese frosting. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt 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 320 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 salt
• 1 cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
• 2 tbsp key lime zest
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 2 tbsp key lime zest.
5. Step 5: Add the flour mixture alternately with 3/4 cup whole milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Mix in 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice gently until batter is smooth.
7. Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
8. Step 8: For the frosting, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 3 cups sifted powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
9. Step 9: Once cakes are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on the first cake layer, top with the second layer, then frost the outside evenly. Chill for 1 hour before serving to set.