Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice in lime cake?

It’s best to use fresh lime juice and zest for lime cake because they provide a brighter, more natural lime flavor. Bottled lime juice often tastes processed and lacks the essential oils found in fresh zest, which contribute significantly to the cake’s aroma and taste. For the best results, plan to juice the limes yourself and zest before juicing.

What type of flour should I use to get a tender lime cake?

Cake flour is recommended for lime cake as it produces a finer, softer crumb compared to all-purpose flour. If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute by replacing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup, then sifting together. This helps reduce gluten formation and keeps the cake tender.

How should I store lime cake with lime curd or frosting?

Because lime curd and frosting contain dairy and eggs, it’s important to store the lime cake in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. Keep the cake tightly covered or in an airtight container to avoid drying out. Before serving, remove it 2-3 hours ahead to allow the cake and frosting to soften to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make a dairy-free or gluten-free version of lime cake?

Yes, to make a dairy-free lime cake, substitute butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream. For gluten-free options, you can try a gluten-free vanilla cake recipe and add fresh lime juice and zest for flavor. Keep in mind texture may vary slightly, so some experimentation may be needed for best results.

What’s the best way to add lime flavor to a boxed cake mix?

To boost lime flavor in a boxed vanilla or white cake mix, add 1/4 cup fresh lime juice in place of part of the liquid and stir in lime zest or a couple teaspoons of lime extract. This gives a fresh, tangy taste similar to homemade. Avoid bottled lime juice alone, as it can lack brightness, and balance the added liquid by reducing other liquids slightly.

Lime Cake Recipe from Scratch That’s Moist and Fluffy

Description

🍈 Indulge in the velvety texture and bright citrus flavor of this homemade Lime Cake, perfect for any spring or summer celebration.
🧁 With a delicate balance of creamy frosting and zesty lime curd, it’s a delightful indulgence for your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
1 ½ sticks (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
3 cups (375 g) cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh or bottled lime juice
¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
Zest of two limes
¾ cup (150 g) sugar
¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
¾ cup (180 ml) water
2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
Zest of one lime (optional)
¼ cup (60 ml) lime juice
16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
3 sticks (340 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ teaspoon salt
6 ½ to 7 cups (780–840 g) powdered sugar
2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice
⅔ cup (135 g) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (80 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, lining with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, lime juice, and lime zest.
4. Beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs one at a time.
5. Alternate adding dry flour mixture and wet buttermilk mixture to the batter, starting and ending with flour mix.
6. Divide batter among pans. Bake 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire racks.
7. For lime curd: Combine sugar, cornstarch, water, yolks, lime juice, zest, and butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Chill.
8. For frosting: Beat butter until smooth. Add cream cheese, lime juice, and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar.
9. Assemble: Layer one cake with frosting, pipe a dam, add lime curd, then another cake layer. Finish with frosting.
10. Optional lime soak: Heat sugar and lime juice to dissolve. Pour over cake layers after baking for added flavor.

Notes

🥄 Tip: Use softened cream cheese and butter for smoother frosting texture.
🍰 Tip: Ensure cake layers are completely cool before assembling to prevent melting.
🧊 Tip: Chill frosting if it becomes too soft before usage.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes per batch
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 40g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Lime Cake, Moist and Fluffy, Homemade Cake, Easy Lime Dessert