Zesty Courgette and Lime Cake Recipe: Summer’s Hidden Gem

Baking a delightful courgette and lime cake sparks unexpected culinary magic in your kitchen.

Zesty aromas will dance through your home as green vegetables blend with bright citrus notes.

Soft, moist textures promise a surprising dessert that challenges traditional expectations.

Summer’s garden bounty transforms into something extraordinary with simple ingredients and clever mixing.

Each slice carries a delicate balance between earthy vegetable undertones and sharp lime brightness.

Curious bakers can craft this delectable treat that turns humble ingredients into a conversation-starting masterpiece.

You’ll want to slice into this cake and savor every remarkable bite.

Why You’ll Crave Nigella Courgette And Lime Cake

• Sneak in Veggies: Courgette adds moisture and hidden nutrition, making this cake a clever way to incorporate vegetables into a delightful dessert.
• Zesty Flavor Explosion: Lime juice and zest bring a bright, tangy twist that perfectly complements the rich, moist cake base.
• Quick and Simple Baking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The combination of cream cheese frosting, lemon curd, and crunchy pistachios creates a sophisticated yet crowd-pleasing treat for any gathering.

What To Gather For Nigella Courgette And Lime Cake

• Courgettes: Fresh green vegetables that add moisture and subtle flavor to the cake.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cake ingredients together.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.

• Plain Flour: The primary structure for the cake's foundation.
• Bicarbonate of Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.

• Cream Cheese, Sugar, Lime Juice: Creamy, tangy frosting that complements the cake's flavor.
• Lemon Curd: A sweet and zesty filling between cake layers.
• Pistachios: Crunchy nuts that provide a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor.

Nigella Courgette And Lime Cake In Easy Steps

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab two 8-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper. Set your oven to a cozy 160°C fan setting. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and doesn’t get too crispy on the edges.

Step 2: Shred the Green Veggie

Take your fresh courgettes and grate them using a box grater. Don’t worry about squeezing out moisture – the extra liquid will keep your cake super moist and tender.

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, crack open your eggs and pour in vegetable oil. Sprinkle in sugar and whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and slightly frothy. This creates the perfect base for your cake’s texture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Grated courgettes

Fold everything gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Remove cakes from oven and let them cool entirely on a wire rack. Patience is key here – rushing will make your frosting melt.

Step 7: Whip Up Lime Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat cream cheese until soft. Add powdered sugar and fresh lime juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Assemble and Decorate

Spread a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers. Cover the top with lime cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle chopped pistachios for a delightful crunch and beautiful green accent.

Best Tips For Nigella Courgette And Lime Cake

• Drain Courgettes Thoroughly: Squeeze out excess moisture from grated courgettes using a clean kitchen towel to prevent a soggy cake texture.
• Boost Lime Flavor: Add lime zest to the cream cheese frosting for an extra zingy citrus punch.
• Toast Pistachios Perfectly: Lightly toast pistachios in a dry pan before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
• Store Smart: Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent frosting from melting.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.

Creative Takes On Nigella Courgette And Lime Cake

• Vegan Zucchini Lime Cake: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil, swap cream cheese for cashew frosting, and almond milk for added moisture.
• Gluten-Free Garden Cake: Substitute wheat flour with almond or coconut flour, ensure baking powder is gluten-free, use xanthan gum for binding.
• Reduced Sugar Veggie Delight: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, replace sugar with applesauce, incorporate Greek yogurt for creamy texture.
• Nutty Courgette Alternative: Switch pistachios with toasted almonds or walnuts, add orange zest instead of lime for different citrus profile.

Good Pairings With Nigella Courgette And Lime Cake

• Zesty Lime Mojito Pairing: Mix a refreshing lime mojito with white rum, mint leaves, and a splash of soda to complement the cake's citrusy notes.
• Creamy Pistachio Gelato Match: Serve a scoop of rich pistachio gelato alongside the cake to enhance the nutty pistachio topping and provide a cool contrast.
• Earl Grey Tea Companion: Brew a hot cup of Earl Grey tea with its bergamot hints to balance the sweetness and add a sophisticated touch to the dessert experience.
• Fresh Berry Sorbet Accent: Add a small scoop of raspberry or strawberry sorbet to cut through the cake's richness and introduce a bright, fruity element.

Simple Storage For Nigella Courgette And Lime Cake

• Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Carefully wrap entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap and place in freezer bag. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frozen slices, thaw completely before gently warming to maintain moisture and texture.

Answering Questions On Nigella Courgette And Lime Cake

• Why use courgettes in a cake?

Courgettes add moisture and subtle sweetness while keeping the cake light and tender without making it taste like vegetables.

• Can I use zucchini instead of courgettes?

Yes, courgettes and zucchini are the same vegetable, so they can be used interchangeably in this recipe.

• Is the lime flavor strong in the cake?

The lime is subtle and provides a gentle citrusy background note that complements the cream cheese frosting without overpowering the cake.

• Do I need to squeeze out moisture from the grated courgettes?

No, keep the natural moisture of the grated courgettes as it helps create a soft, moist cake texture.

Courgette And Lime Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zesty courgette and lime cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to classic baking, offering a refreshing twist on traditional desserts. Moist crumb and tangy notes make this treat perfect for afternoon tea or casual gatherings you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) courgettes
• 225 grams (7.9 ounces) self-raising flour
• 2 large eggs
• 125 milliliters (4.2 fluid ounces) vegetable oil
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) caster sugar

Wet and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) lemon curd
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) cream cheese

Finishing and Garnish Ingredients:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) icing sugar
• 12 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
• 12 teaspoons baking powder
• 25 grams (0.9 ounces) chopped pistachios

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking equipment by setting the oven to 160°C fan and lining two 8-inch cake tins with parchment paper.
2. Finely grate the courgettes, ensuring excess moisture is removed by gently pressing with a clean kitchen towel.
3. In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.
4. Gradually incorporate flour, bicarbonate of soda, and baking powder into the wet ingredients, folding gently to maintain air bubbles.
5. Carefully mix the grated courgettes into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
6. Evenly divide the cake batter between the prepared cake tins, smoothing the surfaces with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a skewer which should come out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents soggy bottoms and ensures structural integrity.
9. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, and fresh lime juice until smooth and creamy.
10. Spread lemon curd between the cooled cake layers as a tangy filling.
11. Generously ice the top of the cake with the lime cream cheese frosting, creating a rustic, elegant finish.
12. Garnish the cake by sprinkling chopped pistachios over the top for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Drain grated courgettes thoroughly to prevent excess moisture making the cake soggy.
• Toasting pistachios beforehand enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the cake.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a good quality gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg