Description

A vibrant, farmhouse-style sheet cake that pairs the zesty brightness of fresh key limes with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. This moist and tender bake is perfect for summer gatherings, offering a refreshing citrus punch in every bite.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons key lime zest
1/4 cup key lime juice
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lime extract
1 drop green gel food coloring (optional)
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 pinch salt
1/2 teaspoon lime extract (for frosting)
4 cups confectioner’s sugar
2 tablespoons key lime juice (for frosting)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly coat a 13×9 inch pan with non-stick baking spray.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well distributed.
In another bowl, combine the sour cream, vegetable oil, lime zest, lime juice, milk, vanilla, and lime extract, adding a drop of green food coloring if a vibrant color is desired.
In a large bowl, cream the room temperature butter and sugar with an electric mixer for about two minutes until light and fluffy.
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating for 20 seconds after each addition to create a stable base.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and liquid mixture to the butter base, starting and ending with the flour mixture, mixing only until streaks disappear.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then adding salt, lime extract, and gradually mixing in the confectioner’s sugar and lime juice until thick and spreadable.
Generously spread the frosting over the cooled cake, creating rustic swirls and ridges with a spatula.

Notes

To ensure the best juice yield, roll your key limes firmly on the counter before slicing them. If you prefer a more natural look, you can omit the green food coloring; the fresh zest will still provide beautiful tiny green flecks throughout the tender crumb of the cake.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American