EASY Lemon Key Lime Cake

This perfectly flavored lime cake topped with a creamy lime frosting is just the right combo of sweet and tart. Every bite bursts with fresh lime flavor that just feels like summertime!

I love indulging in baked goods year-round, but when the weather starts to get warmer, I crave desserts that are fresh and fruity. Strawberry Cake, Lemon Pound Cake, Cherry Hand Pies, etc. Today I’m going to share the most DELICIOUS lime cake recipe that is perfectly moist and so simple to make!

Lemon + Key Lime Cake

Who says key lime has to be a pie? This easy-to-make lemon key lime cake is sure to make your taste buds fall in love! If you’re looking for an easy dessert that is packed full of fresh lime flavor, this layered cake is it!

Not only does this cake taste amazing, but it is also super easy to make! You start with a box of lemon cake mix, a package of lime jello mix, and some fresh lime juice. You bake it according to package directions and once cooled, frost it with a creamy frosting that adds even more flavor!

What’s The Difference Between Key Limes and Regular Limes

Key limes have a slightly yellow color while regular limes are green in color. Key limes are also smaller, have more seeds, and have a more tart flavor than traditional limes.

Key limes (also called West Indian or Mexican limes) get their name because they were previously only grown in mass quantities in the Florida Keys until 1926 when a hurricane wiped out the majority of the crops and was subsequently replaced with regular limes (also called Tahitian or Persian limes).

While they are no longer grown in large quantities in the U.S., key limes are grown in many other places throughout the world.

How to Make Key Lime Cake

INGREDIENTS –

• 1 box lemon cake mix
• 1 box lime jello
• vegetable oil
• large eggs
• water
• lime juice: You can use freshly squeezed key lime juice, or store-bought lime juice.
• 1 container of vanilla frosting
• 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 c lime juice

INSTRUCTIONS –

MIX. This semi-homemade lime cake starts from a boxed mix, so you can whip it up in no time at all! First, add the dry cake mix and lime jello mix to a large bowl and stir until combined.

Next, add the ingredients listed on the back of the cake mix box, but cut the water amount in half and add the rest of the amount in lime juice. (ie. If your cake mix calls for 1 cup of water, use a half cup of water and a half cup of lime juice.)

Whisk until combined.

BAKE. Pour the batter mixture into your prepared 9-inch cake pans and bake according to package directions, until a toothpick comes out smooth. Set on wired backing racks to cool completely.

MAKE THE FROSTING. Mix together the frosting ingredients in a large mixing bowl, beating with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth.

FROST. Once your cake is cooled completely, pipe or spread the frosting on top with a knife or piping bag.

GARNISH. Add some lemon or lime zest, slices, or greenery to the top of the cake.

SERVE. Grab a fork and dig in!

Lemon Lime Cake Baking Tips

You can certainly make this lime cake into a sheet cake, or use a 9 x 13 pan, but I love the look of a double-layer round cake.

For a round cake, divide the batter equally into 2 9-inch round cake pans. Instead of spraying each pan with non-stick spray, line the bottoms with wax paper or parchment paper. This lets your cake come out of the pan super easily and in one piece. Here’s how to do it:

• Trace the bottom of the pan onto the wax paper, then cut out the circle with scissors.
• Before placing your wax paper on the bottom, spray the edges with cooking spray.
• Place your wax paper circles on the bottom, and pour your batter on top. Bake in the oven according to the recipe directions.
• Once the cake has cooled, you can peel off the wax paper and start frosting and decorating it!

How To Store Lime Cake

• Stove leftovers in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
• To store an unfrosted lime cake –
  • Wait until the cake has completely cooled.
  • Cover the entire cake (sides and all) in plastic wrap and place the wrapped cake inside a large Ziploc bag.
  • The cake can stay fresh on the counter at room temperature for about a week.
• If you don’t plan on using the cake within a week, then you’ll need to store this in the freezer. Follow the same instructions above but be sure to write the date on the outside of the bag so you can remember when you put the cake in the freezer. You can keep the lime cake frozen for about 2 months.

 More Easy Lime Recipes

• Key Lime Pie Sundae
• Honey Lime Fruit Salad
• Key Lime Cupcakes
• Honey Lime Chicken Tostadas
• Chili Lime Sauce

Lemon Key Lime Cake Recipe

Let us know how you like this Key Lime Cake by leaving us a comment below and tagging us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest! We love to see what you’re up to in the kitchen!