This was a really cool cake recipe from I Am Baker, a site where I’ve always had great luck – and that’s saying something, since I’m not much of a baker! I loved this cake, cherry and lime being one of my favorite flavor combos! This cake was a little dense, but that could easily be because I did sub gluten free one-for-one flour. I’ve made this a couple of times now, both in cake and cupcake formats, and it’s always a hit! It is a very festive summer dessert.

• 1 1/2 c all-purpose flour sifted
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. coarse salt
• 1/2 c 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 c sugar
• 3 large eggs room temperature
• 1/2 c whole milk room temperature
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 4 tbsp. lime juice divided
• 1 tbsp. lime zest

Frosting:

• 3 c powdered sugar confectioners sugar
• 1/2 c 1 stick butter
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 1/4 c maraschino cherry juice

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In stand mixer with paddle attachment, cream together room temperature butter and sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and add in eggs, one at a time and mix until just blended.

Add in vanilla, 2 tablespoons of lime juice and milk and mix for about 30 seconds on low. Slowly add in dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Remove from mixer and fold in lime zest with a spatula.

Divide batter evenly between two cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20-22 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick is removed clean. Transfer to a wire rack.

Use a pastry brush to brush remaining lime juice over the top of each cake – about 1 tablespoon. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting:

In a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, mix together sugar and butter. Mix on low speed until well blended and then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes.

Add almond flavoring and cherry juice continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more, adding more juice if needed for consistency.