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Key Lime Sheet Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 138 reviews

This Key Lime Sheet Cake is a delightful, moist dessert bursting with fresh lime flavor. Made with a combination of melted butter, vegetable oil, and fresh lime zest and juice, this tender cake is baked in a large sheet pan for easy serving. Topped with a tangy lime-infused frosting and garnished with lime zest, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart, ideal for summer gatherings or any time you crave a refreshing citrus treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • Zest of 3 fresh limes
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 3 limes)
  • 3/4 cup boiling water
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons lime juice (adjust to taste)
  • Lime zest (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and generously spray an 11×17-inch rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined.
  3. Add wet ingredients and lime: Stir into the dry mixture the melted butter, vegetable oil, lime zest, fresh lime juice, and boiling water. Mix until just combined to maintain moisture and flavor.
  4. Incorporate eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla: Whisk in the beaten eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract gently until the batter is smooth and uniform, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and bake for 11-13 minutes. The cake is done when the top springs back to the touch or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Make the frosting: While the cake is still warm, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Adjust the lime juice to achieve your desired frosting consistency and flavor.
  7. Frost and garnish: Spread the frosting evenly over the warm cake. Garnish with extra lime zest and lime slices for an attractive presentation and an extra burst of lime aroma.

Notes

  • Ensure the boiling water is added carefully to activate the baking soda and keep the batter smooth.
  • Do not overbake; the cake should be moist and springy when done.
  • Adjust the amount of lime juice in the frosting depending on how tangy you want it.
  • Using fresh lime zest and juice gives the cake the best citrus flavor.
  • This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature.

Keywords: Key lime, sheet cake, lime cake, citrus dessert, easy cake recipe, summer dessert

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/key-lime-sheet-cake-recipe/