Mojito Cake with Buttercream Recipe

Quick & Joyful Mojito Cake with Buttercream Recipe

Bright, fresh, and ready in a flash – this mojito cake turns any day into a mini celebration.

with hints of lime and mint, it captures the cheerful spirit of the classic cocktail in every bite.

The soft sponge layers meet a smooth, buttery finish that brings everything together beautifully.

It’s not just fast – it’s full of flavor and fun.

Perfect for last-minute parties or just because.

Let’s bring joy to the table, one slice at a time.

Store and Chill Mojito Cake with Buttercream

  • Store the mojito cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
  • Carefully wrap the entire frosted cake in two layers of plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Place individual cake slices in sealed containers or wrap separately in plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Allow slices to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften buttercream.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the cake come to room temperature naturally to maintain its delicate texture and prevent buttercream from melting.

Pairings for Mojito Buttercream Cake

  • Pair with Mojito Cocktail: Serve a classic mojito alongside the cake to echo its refreshing lime and mint flavors, creating a harmonious and vibrant flavor experience.
  • Complement with Citrus Sorbet: Add a scoop of lime or lemon sorbet as a palate-cleansing side that intensifies the cake's bright, zesty undertones.
  • Match with Sparkling White Wine: Choose a crisp, light prosecco or champagne that cuts through the buttercream's richness and enhances the cake's tropical, refreshing notes.
  • Finish with Fresh Fruit Platter: Arrange a selection of tropical fruits like pineapple, passion fruit, and kiwi to provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the sweet cake.

Ways to Dress Up Mojito Cake

  • Gluten-Free Mojito Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder to ensure complete allergen safety.
  • Vegan Lime Mint Cake: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and heavy cream with coconut cream. Use plant-based milk and vegan powdered sugar for the buttercream.
  • Rum-Infused Adult Cake: Add dark rum to cake batter and buttercream for a sophisticated flavor profile. Reduce liquid ingredients slightly to maintain cake consistency.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories while maintaining moisture in the buttercream.

FAQs

  • Can I substitute the mint extract if I don't have it?

Yes, you can use fresh chopped mint leaves or skip it entirely. The cake will still have a delicious lime flavor, though the mint undertone will be less pronounced.

  • How do I get the best lime flavor in this cake?

Use fresh lime zest and fresh lime juice. Always zest the lime before juicing, and choose ripe, fragrant limes for the most intense citrus flavor.

  • What makes this buttercream different from regular frosting?

This buttercream incorporates lime juice and mint extract, giving it a unique, refreshing twist compared to traditional vanilla or plain buttercream. The citrus and mint add brightness and complexity to the frosting.

  • Is this cake good for summer gatherings?

Absolutely! The mojito-inspired flavors make this cake perfect for summer parties, barbecues, and outdoor events. Its light, refreshing taste appeals to adults and captures the essence of a classic mojito cocktail.

Mojito Cake with Buttercream Highlights

  • Experience a zesty twist on classic cake with vibrant lime and cool mint that dances on your taste buds.
  • Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques.
  • Versatile enough for summer parties, birthday celebrations, or casual family gatherings, this mojito cake brings unexpected excitement to any dessert table.
  • Easily adjust garnishes and decorations to match your event's theme or personal style, making it a flexible and impressive treat.

Ingredients for Refreshing Mojito Cake

Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and tender cake with a smooth consistency.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake's golden brown color.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
  • Lime Zest: Adds bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic notes to the cake.
  • Lime Juice: Provides tangy flavor and helps activate the baking powder.
  • Vanilla Extract: Offers a classic sweet undertone to the cake.
  • Mint Extract: Introduces a refreshing and cool flavor profile.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft cake texture.
Frosting Components:
  • Powdered Sugar, Butter: Create a smooth and creamy buttercream base.
  • Lime Juice: Adds a zesty tang to the frosting.
  • Mint Extract: Reinforces the mojito-inspired flavor in the frosting.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps achieve a light and fluffy buttercream consistency.
Garnish (Optional):
  • Lime Slices, Mint Leaves: Provide a fresh and decorative touch to the finished cake.

Steps to Make Mojito Cake at Home

Step 1: Whip Up the Cake Base

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and give two 8-inch round pans a quick grease.

Grab two mixing bowls – in one, blend:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until they transform into a dreamy, fluffy cloud.

Drop in eggs one by one, then dance in these flavor bombs:
  • Zesty lime zest
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Vanilla extract
  • Mint extract

Now alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry mix.

Your batter should look smooth and inviting.

Step 2: Bake to Perfection

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Slide into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let cakes cool completely before the frosting adventure begins.

Step 3: Craft Magical Buttercream

Beat butter until it reaches creamy nirvana.

Slowly introduce powdered sugar, then mix in:
  • Tangy lime juice
  • Refreshing mint extract
  • Silky heavy cream

Whip until the frosting is light, fluffy, and irresistible.

Adjust consistency as needed for spreadability.

Step 4: Build Your Mojito Masterpiece

Position first cake layer on a serving plate.

Spread a generous layer of buttercream.

Gently place second layer on top.

Frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream.

Optional: Garnish with delicate lime slices and fresh mint leaves for a stunning presentation.

Tips for Light and Zesty Mojito Cake

  • Zest extra limes and fold additional lime zest into the cake batter for a more pronounced citrus punch.
  • Use fresh mint leaves instead of extract to create a more authentic, vibrant mojito flavor profile.
  • Brush cake layers with simple syrup infused with rum before frosting to enhance moisture and add subtle cocktail-inspired depth.
  • Swap dairy milk with coconut milk and use vegan butter alternatives to create a delicious plant-based version of this refreshing cake.
  • Finely chop fresh mint leaves and sprinkle between cake layers to add unexpected bursts of herbal freshness and interesting texture.
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Mojito Cake with Buttercream Recipe

Mojito Cake with Buttercream Recipe


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4.9 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mojito cake delights senses with zesty lime and mint notes dancing through light, airy layers. Creamy buttercream frosting crowns this Cuban-inspired dessert, promising refreshing sweetness you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoons salt
  • 0.75 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 1.75 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 limes (zest and juice)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoons mint extract (optional)
  • 1 cup whole milk

Buttercream Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 0.66 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 0.5 teaspoons mint extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously prepare two 8-inch round cake pans with a light butter or cooking spray coating.
  2. In a pristine mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure a smooth, lump-free dry mixture.
  3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture transforms into a light, airy, and pale composition.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
  5. Fold in the vibrant lime zest, tangy lime juice, classic vanilla extract, and refreshing mint extract, creating a fragrant and complex flavor profile.
  6. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and concluding with the dry components to maintain optimal cake texture.
  7. Evenly distribute the cake batter between the prepared pans, smoothing the surfaces with a spatula for uniform baking.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and the cake edges slightly pull away from the pan.
  9. Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack, preventing moisture accumulation and ensuring structural integrity.
  10. For the buttercream, whip the butter until it reaches a creamy, smooth consistency.
  11. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, blending thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky texture.
  12. Incorporate lime juice, mint extract, and heavy cream, whipping until the buttercream becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable.
  13. Place the first cake layer on a dedicated serving plate, spreading a generous layer of buttercream.
  14. Carefully position the second cake layer atop the buttercream, creating a harmonious two-tier structure.
  15. Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream, using smooth, deliberate strokes for an elegant finish.
  16. Optionally, garnish with delicate lime slices and fresh mint leaves for a visually stunning presentation.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, high-quality mint and lime for the most vibrant flavor profile in your cake.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense, tough texture and ensure a light, tender crumb.
  • Chill the cake layers before frosting to create cleaner, more precise decoration edges and prevent crumbs from mixing into the buttercream.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, replace rum with extra lime juice or mint extract to maintain the mojito-inspired essence without alcohol.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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