key lime cake
We had a big birthday party for my daddy when he turned seventy. He was a pretty humble guy and was embarrassed that so much attention was being focused on him, but he ultimately loved visiting with all of his friends, some he hadn’t seen in a long time. Over two hundred friends and family signed the guest book that night; that’s a testament to the man. I think of him when I make this cake because we served it that night. I miss my daddy, but there are always things to remind me of how much fun we had as a family.
Servings
12
Servings
12
Ingredients
Cake
Cream Cheese Icing
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mix the gelatin, sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir to mix well. Add the eggs, oil, orange juice, lemon juice, and vanilla. Divide the batter evenly among the 3 pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Test for doneness by lightly touching the tops of the layers or inserting a toothpick. Cool the layers in the pans for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto racks.
  3. While the layers are still hot, mix the lime juice and confectioners’ sugar and pour it over the layers on the racks. You can pierce the layers with a fork to allow the glaze to soak in better. Allow the layers to cool completely as you prepare the icing.
  4. Cream the butter and cream cheese. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is smooth and easy to spread. Spread the icing between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.
Recipe Notes

The cream cheese icing is optional. This cake is beautiful and tastes great with just the glaze poured over it.
Key limes can be hard to find. Substitute regular lime juice for Key lime juice without sacrificing flavor.
This is a very moist cake. It can also be baked in a 9 x 12 x 2-inch pan to be easily served in squares.