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## 👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
### Preparing the Key Lime Cake:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs**: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. **Incorporate Wet Ingredients**: Mix in the milk, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.([keyingredient.com][5])
6. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. **Bake the Cake**: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool the Cakes**: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
### Preparing the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. **Beat Cream Cheese and Butter**: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. **Add Powdered Sugar**: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.
3. **Incorporate Lime Juice and Zest**: Mix in the key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. **Adjust Consistency**: If the frosting is too thick, add a small amount of milk to reach the desired consistency.
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## 🎂 Assembling the Cake:
1. **Level the Cake Layers**: If the cakes have domed on top, use a serrated knife to level them for even stacking.
2. **Frost the First Layer**: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.([preppykitchen.com][6])
3. **Add the Second Layer**: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted first layer.
4. **Frost the Entire Cake**: Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
5. **Final Frosting Layer**: After the crumb coat has set, apply a final, smooth layer of frosting over the entire cake.
6. **Decorate**: Garnish the cake with additional key lime zest or thin slices of key lime for an elegant touch.
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## 🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
* **Chill Before Serving**: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
* **Pair with Beverages**: Serve with a chilled glass of iced tea or a light white wine to complement the cake’s citrusy notes.
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## 💡 Tips for Success:
* **Use Fresh Ingredients**: For the best flavor, use fresh key limes for the juice and zest.
* **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
* **Avoid Overmixing**: Mix the batter until just combined to prevent a dense cake texture.
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## 🧁 Variations to Explore:
### 1. **Key Lime Cupcakes**:
Transform the cake recipe into individual servings by baking the batter in a muffin tin.
[1]: https://www.southernliving.com/florida-mom-secret-to-key-lime-pie-11745517?utm_source=chatgpt.com “My Mom’s A Third-Generation Floridian, And She Just Spilled The Secret To Her Key Lime Pie”
[2]: https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-impress-everybody-jamie?utm_source=chatgpt.com “How to Impress Everybody: Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake Recipe”
[3]: https://delishably.com/desserts/Moist-Key-Lime-Cake-Recipe?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Key Lime Cake With Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe – Delishably”
[4]: https://www.thebakerchick.com/key-lime-pie-layer-cake/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Key Lime Pie Cake – The Baker Chick”
[5]: https://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/3141035033/key-lime-pound-cake-with-key-lime-cream-cheese-icing/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Key Lime Pound Cake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Icing Recipe – (3.7/5)”
[6]: https://preppykitchen.com/key-lime-cake/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Key Lime Cake – Preppy Kitchen”
