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.
Key Lime Cake
Introduction
Photo taken by: Home_Cooking_with_Trisha_Yearwood
- Cooking time
- 35 mins
- Preparation time
- 25 mins
- Portions
- 12
- Partner
Ingredients
- CAKE:
- 1 package (3-ounces) lime-flavored gelatin
- 1-1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 5 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 1-1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Key lime juice (from about 25 small Key limes or 4 large regular limes)
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- CREAM CHEESE ICING:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 box (1-pound) confectioners' sugar
Steps
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
-
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. -
While the layers are still hot, mix the lime juice and confection¬ers’ 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.
-
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.
-
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.
Excerpted from Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood by Trisha Yearwood Copyright © 2010 by Trisha Yearwood. Excerpted by permission of Clarkson Potter. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
