1/4 tsp baking soda
2 3/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 egg whites
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup tequila
2 tbsp lime zest
Lime Frosting:
1 1/2 cups butter
1 1/2 cups shortening
12 cups (1380g) powdered sugar
1 tbsp finely grated lime zest
6 tbsp fresh lime juice
Lime slices, for decor
Sugar sprinkles, for decor
Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside. Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl on medium speed about 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the egg whites and vanilla and beat on medium speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, as needed, to make sure everything is combined. Add about one-third of the flour mixture to the batter and beat on medium speed until mixed. Add the milk and beat on medium speed until incorporated. Add another third of the flour mixture to the batter and beat on medium speed until combined. Add the lime juice, tequila and lime zest and beat on medium speed until blended. Add the remaining dry ingredients and beat on medium speed until well combined and smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and spread evenly. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cakes comes out clean. Don’t be alarmed if the tops are a little browned, that is normal. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool for 1-2 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to cool completely. To make the frosting, add the butter and shortening to a large mixer bowl and beat until smooth. Slowly add about half of the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined and smooth. Add the lime zest and lime juice and mix until well combined. Slowly add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until evenly blended. Add a little additional lime juice, if needed, to thin out the frosting. To put the cake together, trim the tops of the cakes so they are flat. The cake layers should be pretty flat, but if there’s a dome, trim it off. Place the first layer of cake on a serving platter, then top it with about 1 cup of frosting and spread into an even layer. Add the second layer of cake and another layer of frosting. Top the cake with the remaining cake layer and frost the outside of the cake. Finish off the cake with some swirls of the remaining frosting and lime slices.