Key Lime Cake Trisha Yearwood's Delicious Recipe

1 3-ounce package lime-flavored gelatin
1¹/3 cups granulated sugar
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
5 large eggs, slightly beaten
1½ cups vegetable oil
¾ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup Key lime juice (from about 25 small Key limes or 4 large
regular limes)
½ cup confectioners' sugar

CREAM CHEESE ICING
½ cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
1 1-pound box confectioners' sugar

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round
cake pans.
1. In a large mixing bowl, mix the gelatin, sugar, flour, salt,
baking powder, and baking soda. Stir to mix well.
2. Add the eggs, oil, orange juice, lemon juice, and vanilla.
3. Divide the batter evenly among the 3 pans and bake for 35 to 40
minutes. Test for doneness by lightly touching the tops of the
layers or inserting a toothpick.
Cool the layers in the pans for 5 minutes, then turn them out
onto racks.
While the layers are still hot, mix the lime juice and
confectioners' sugar and pour it over the layers on the racks.
You can pierce the layers with a fork to allow the glaze to soak
in better. Allow the layers to cool completely as you prepare the
icing.
Cream the butter and cream cheese. Beat in the confectioners'
sugar until the mixture is smooth and easy to spread. Spread the
icing between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.
The cream cheese icing is optional. This cake is beautiful and
tastes great with just the glaze poured over it.
Key limes can be hard to find. Substitute regular lime juice for
key lime juice without sacrificing flavor.