If you are searching for a dessert that beautifully balances tart and sweet with a fresh, vibrant twist, this Blackberry Lime Cake Recipe will become your new favorite. Perfectly moist and tender, this cake marries the zing of lime zest and juice with the rich, juicy burst of blackberries, all crowned with a luscious blackberry buttercream frosting. Whether it’s a family celebration or a weekend treat, this recipe offers a stunningly flavorful experience that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two round golden yellow cakes with a soft and slightly porous texture rest in silver cake pans on small metal cooling racks. The cakes have a smooth, slightly browned top layer showing light and darker yellow shades. The pans and racks sit on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Blackberry Lime Cake Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients you likely have in your pantry, but each is essential to create the perfect symphony of flavors and textures. From the tangy lime zest that brightens the batter to the fresh blackberries that infuse the frosting with natural sweetness, every component plays a crucial role.

Unbleached all-purpose flour (2-3/4 cups): Provides the structure and light crumb of the cake.
Granulated sugar (multiple amounts): Sweetens the cake and enhances the blackberry sauce and buttercream.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons) and baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): These leaveners ensure your cake rises beautifully and stays tender.
Unsalted butter (16 tablespoons + 2 1/2 cups): Adds richness and a creamy texture both in the cake and the frosting.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Contributes to moistness and a slight tang that complements the lime flavors.
Large eggs (5 for the cake, 6 egg whites for buttercream): Essential for binding ingredients and creating a light, airy texture in the buttercream.
Kosher salt (3/4 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavors and balances sweetness.
Lime zest (2 tablespoons) and fresh lime juice (1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons): The star citrus elements that bring a refreshing brightness to the cake and blackberry sauce.
Fresh or frozen blackberries (12 ounces + 4 ounces for garnish): Provide intense color, slight tartness, and natural sweetness, both inside the cake and on top.
Edible flowers (optional): For a beautiful, elegant decorative touch.

How to Make Blackberry Lime Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Lime Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing two 9-inch cake pans with butter, flour, and parchment paper. Whisk eggs with some buttermilk to bring them to room temperature—this ensures an even batter. Next, zest the limes directly into the sugar and rub to release that citrus fragrance. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps to evenly distribute leavening agents and salt, which results in a perfectly textured cake.

Step 2: Combine and Beat the Batter

Add softened butter and part of the buttermilk to your dry mix and beat on medium speed until creamy—this creates a silky base. Then, gradually incorporate the egg mixture in three parts, scraping the bowl to make sure everything is combined thoroughly. Finish the batter with fresh lime juice to add that signature tang that defines this Blackberry Lime Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth the tops for even baking. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean and the cake edges begin to pull away from the pans. Once baked, let the cakes cool slightly in the pans before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely. The cooling step is key for perfect layering later.

Step 4: Make the Blackberry Sauce

In a saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and lime juice, bringing it to a boil to soften the fruit. Then simmer until the berries are tender enough to mash before straining to remove seeds. Reducing this purée intensifies the flavors and creates a beautifully rich sauce that will infuse the buttercream with natural berry goodness.

Step 5: Prepare the Blackberry Buttercream

Using a double boiler setup, warm egg whites and sugar until they reach 165°F, then whip into a glossy meringue. Gradually add soft butter while continuing to whip; though it will look curdled at first, patience pays off as the mixture smooths into a luxurious buttercream. Fold in the blackberry sauce for gorgeous color and flavor that perfectly marry the tart blackberries with the light lime cake.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

Reserve some buttercream for decoration, then spread a generous layer between the two cake layers. Apply a thin crumb coat around the cake before finishing with a smooth outer frosting. Top your masterpiece with fresh blackberries and edible flowers for that wow factor. This final presentation embodies the vibrancy and joy of this Blackberry Lime Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Blackberry Lime Cake Recipe

This image shows a two-layer yellow cake with pink frosting between the layers and all over the outside. The top of the cake is decorated with blackberries, small lime wedges, and pink frosting swirls. One slice is on a small white plate in front of the full cake, with a blackberry on the plate near the slice’s base. The cake sits on a white cake stand with a wooden pedestal. Around the cake are purple flowers, half and whole limes, a small plate of blackberries, and a stack of white plates with another slice of cake. The background and surface are white marble, and there is a maroon cloth near the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your cake with fresh blackberries scattered on top and delicate edible flowers for a stunning, natural look. A light dusting of lime zest or a drizzle of extra blackberry sauce adds extra zest and shine, making each slice a feast for the eyes and taste buds.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A side of citrus-infused berries or a mint garnish can also brighten the plate, complementing the cake’s fresh, zesty profile for an elegant dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual mini versions of this Blackberry Lime Cake Recipe in clear dessert cups, layering cake crumbs, blackberry sauce, and buttercream for a delightful parfait. Alternatively, slice it into petite squares and serve alongside a sparkling lime soda or festive cocktails for a playful party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Blackberry Lime Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the buttercream from melting. When you’re ready to enjoy again, allow it to come to room temperature for about 90 minutes to bring back the cake’s soft, luscious texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. For best results, freeze fully assembled cakes for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving and then bring to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, avoid microwaving it which may melt the frosting. Instead, simply leave slices out for a bit to warm gently—or pair with a warm beverage to balance the cool, creamy frosting sensations.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries for this Blackberry Lime Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen blackberries work great, especially when fresh are out of season. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much extra moisture to the batter or sauce.

Is buttermilk necessary? Can I substitute it?

Buttermilk adds a pleasant tang and helps keep the cake tender, but you can substitute with whole milk plus a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar left to sit for 5-10 minutes to mimic the acidity.

How do I get the buttercream so smooth and creamy?

The key is patience when adding butter to your meringue; it may look curdled initially, but keep whipping and it will eventually come together into a silky, light frosting. Room temperature butter is essential here.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

While this recipe is formulated with all-purpose flour, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be mindful that texture and rise can vary, so adjustments may be needed.

How long does the cake keep once frosted?

Once assembled and frosted, the Blackberry Lime Cake stays fresh for about 2-3 days when refrigerated. For best taste and texture, enjoy within this timeframe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyous about biting into a slice of this Blackberry Lime Cake Recipe – the harmonious dance of tart lime and sweet blackberry wrapped in fluffy cake and silky buttercream is unforgettable. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try, especially when you want to impress loved ones or simply treat yourself to a special, homemade delight. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious moment!