If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s bursting with bright citrus flavor and a tender crumb, this Key Lime Cake will absolutely hit the spot. Inspired by warm southern kitchens and the classic appeal of tropical lime desserts, this cake blends the tanginess of lime with the sweetness of a moist lemon cake base. It’s incredibly simple to make, thanks to the use of a boxed cake mix and lime gelatin powder, but tastes like something you’d find in a charming coastal bakery. The addition of orange juice gives it extra depth, while the luscious cream cheese frosting with a hint of fresh lime pulls everything together beautifully. Whether you’re baking for a spring celebration, a summer party, or just need a mood-boosting dessert any time of year, this cake brings sunshine to any table. Plus, with helpful tips included for adjusting your cake mix quantity (since box sizes keep shrinking), this recipe is both practical and foolproof. The result is a moist, flavorful treat that’s easy enough for a beginner and delicious enough to impress a crowd.
Ingredients (Serves 10–12):
Cake:
- 18.25 oz lemon cake mix (you may need to combine two boxes to reach this amount)
- 1⅓ cups vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (3 oz) package lime-flavored gelatin mix
- ¾ cup orange juice
Frosting:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven and prepare three 8-inch cake pans by greasing and flouring them or lining with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, gelatin powder, oil, eggs, and orange juice. Beat until the batter is smooth and well-blended.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake according to the time and temperature recommended on your cake mix box.
- Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until creamy and fluffy. Add in lime juice, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust lime juice to taste.
- Frost the cooled cake layers and decorate as desired.
Cake Mix Adjustment Notes:
If your cake mix is smaller than 18.25 oz (e.g., 15.25 or 16.25 oz), you can either keep extra mix in a mason jar and measure out what you need, or supplement with all-purpose flour and baking powder. For example, to bring a 15.25 oz box up to 18.25 oz, add 11 tablespoons of flour and ¼ teaspoon baking powder.
Nutritional Insights & Dietary Considerations:
This cake is rich, sweet, and indulgent—perfect for special occasions. It provides energy from carbohydrates and fats and a small amount of protein from eggs and cream cheese. However, due to the sugar and fat content, it’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially by those monitoring sugar intake or following low-fat or low-carb diets. Not suitable for dairy-free or vegan diets unless you use plant-based substitutes for the butter, cream cheese, and eggs.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring:
Did you make this cake and love it as much as we do? Snap a photo and share it with your baking crew or tag a friend who needs a slice of sunshine. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your personal twist—you just might inspire someone else to try it too!