Ingredients:
For the Crust:
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cake:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Zest of 3 limes
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup key lime juice
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Green food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tbsp key lime juice
• 1 tbsp lime zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
• Additional lime zest
• Thinly sliced lime rounds
• Crushed graham cracker crumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. For the crust, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of each cake pan.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lime zest.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition.
5. Stir in key lime juice and vanilla extract.
6. Add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, alternating between them, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. If you’re feeling festive, add some green food coloring until you get your preferred shade.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. To make the frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
10. Once the cakes are cooled, assemble the cake by placing one layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add the second cake layer and more frosting. Finally, add the third layer and frost the outside of the cake.
11. Decorate your cake with swirls or dollops of frosting on top, and garnish with lime slices, additional lime zest, and crushed graham cracker crumbs. Voila! You’ve got yourself a delightful Key Lime Pie Cake. Enjoy!