Zesty Lime Cake with Creamy Frosting: A Refreshing Dessert

This zesty lime cake is a show-stopping dessert bursting with citrus flavor and topped with a creamy, tangy frosting. Perfect for any occasion, it’s light, moist, and has just the right balance of sweetness and zing. Follow this easy recipe to create a cake that will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons lime zest (from about 3 limes)
• ⅓ cup (80ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A few drops of green food coloring (optional, for a vibrant look)

For the Lime Frosting:

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)

For Garnish:

• Additional lime zest for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. If using food coloring, add a few drops to achieve a light green hue.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the lime juice and zest. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
2. Add the second layer and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
3. Sprinkle additional lime zest over the top for decoration.

Tips for Success

1. Fresh Lime Juice and Zest: For the best flavor, use fresh lime juice and zest instead of bottled juice.
2. Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
3. Chill Before Frosting: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Citrus Burst: The lime flavor is refreshing and perfectly balanced with the sweet frosting.
• Moist and Fluffy: The texture of this cake is light, yet rich.
• Beautiful Presentation: With its bright green hue and zesty garnish, it’s perfect for special occasions.

Try It Today!

This zesty lime cake is an easy way to bring a pop of flavor and color to your dessert table. Whether for a party, a holiday, or just because, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bake it today and share your feedback in the comments below. Happy baking!