Craving the tangy sweetness of a classic key lime pie in cake form? My Key Lime Pie Sheet Cake recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional favorite. Baked on a buttery graham cracker crust and generously topped with zesty key lime buttercream, this cake is a true flavor explosion.
Ingredients
Creating a perfect Key Lime Sheet Cake involves gathering ingredients for the sheet cake itself, the key lime frosting, and optional garnishes. Let’s ensure we have everything we need for this delightful dessert.
For the Sheet Cake
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Key Lime Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 – 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- Lime slices
- Lime zest
- Graham cracker crumbs
Equipment Needed
For this Key Lime Pie Sheet Cake recipe, you will need the following equipment to ensure a smooth and successful baking experience:
Baking Essentials:
- 13×9-inch baking dish
- Nonstick baking spray
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
Baking Tools:
- Oven
- Mixer (hand or stand mixer)
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone spatula
- Refrigerator
Having these essential baking tools and equipment ready will help you efficiently prepare and bake this delicious Key Lime Pie Sheet Cake. Be sure to gather all the equipment before starting the baking process for a hassle-free experience.
Preparation Steps
Prepping the Ingredients
I start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for this scrumptious Key Lime Pie Sheet Cake. From the zesty key lime juice to the sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk, each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. As I measure out the sugar, flour, and other dry ingredients and zest the key limes, I can already envision the citrusy goodness coming together.
Setting Up Your Equipment
Before diving into the baking process, I ensure that all my equipment is ready and within reach. I grab my 13×9-inch baking dish, nonstick baking spray, mixing bowls, wooden spoon, and other essentials. My trusty mixer, whether hand or stand, is primed and waiting to whip up the creamy frosting. With everything in place, I’m set to embark on the journey of baking this delightful Key Lime Pie Sheet Cake.
Directions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delicious Key Lime Pie Sheet Cake, from making the sheet cake to crafting the zesty key lime frosting and assembling the final product.
Making the Sheet Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray and flour.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of sugar, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Add in 1 cup of melted butter, 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice, 3/4 cup of boiling water, 2 beaten large eggs, 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and the zest of one lime.
- Stir the mixture until well combined and pour it into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the cake according to the package directions and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Creating the Key Lime Frosting
- In a stand mixer, combine room temperature unsalted butter, a pinch of salt, pure vanilla extract, heavy cream, key lime juice, and key lime zest.
- Whip the ingredients on high speed until the buttercream reaches a light and fluffy consistency.
- Slowly add powdered sugar into the mixer, keeping the speed on low until fully incorporated.
- Once the buttercream is smooth and creamy, it’s ready to be spread onto the cooled sheet cake.
- Once the sheet cake has cooled, gently spread the prepared key lime frosting over the top, ensuring an even layer.
- For an extra touch, you can garnish the cake with lime slices, additional lime zest, and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Slice and enjoy this refreshing Key Lime Pie Sheet Cake with its tangy lime flavor and buttery graham cracker base.
Optional Variations
If you want to experiment with different flavors or ingredients, there are a couple of variations you can try to customize your Key Lime Sheet Cake recipe further.
Using Regular Limes
Regular limes can be used as a substitute for key limes in this recipe. While key limes offer a unique flavor profile, regular limes can also provide a delicious citrusy taste to your cake. Keep in mind that one regular lime yields about 2 tablespoons (1 fluid ounce) of juice, whereas you may need around 5 ounces of key lime juice for this recipe.
Adding Coconut Flavors
To enhance the tropical vibe of your Key Lime Sheet Cake, consider incorporating coconut flavors into the recipe. You can add shredded coconut to the cake batter for a subtle coconut taste or sprinkle sweetened flaked coconut on top of the frosting as a garnish. The addition of coconut can bring a delightful twist to the traditional tangy lime flavors of the cake.
Storing the Cake
Refrigerating
After enjoying a slice of the delightful Key Lime Sheet Cake, if there’s any left, simply cover it and store it in the refrigerator. The cake can stay fresh for up to a week when refrigerated, ensuring you savor the flavors for days to come.
Freezing
If you prefer to save the Key Lime Sheet Cake for a later indulgence, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap to keep it airtight before placing it in the freezer. By doing so, the cake will maintain its freshness for 2-3 months, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat even on a much later occasion.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning about these delightful Key Lime Sheet Cake recipes. Experimenting with different variations can add a personal touch to your baking experience. Remember to store your cake properly to savor its freshness for longer periods. Whether you choose to refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for future indulgence, these handy tips ensure you can enjoy the deliciousness of Key Lime Sheet Cake whenever you desire. Happy baking!