Description
Citrus lovers rejoice with this zesty lemon and lime cake, a tantalizing dessert that blends bright, refreshing flavors. Each slice promises a delightful journey through sweet-tart notes, inviting you to savor a perfect balance of sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 6 tablespoons lime zest
- Juice of 2 limes
- 8–10 tablespoons milk
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 7/8 cups confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and preparing two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and flour coating.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine all dry flour-based ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, then blend in fresh lemon juice until ingredients are smoothly integrated.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk to maintain a smooth, consistent batter without overmixing.
- Evenly distribute the cake batter between the prepared pans, gently smoothing the tops to ensure uniform baking.
- Place pans in preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove cakes from oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents moisture accumulation and maintains texture.
- Prepare frosting by whipping butter until creamy, then gradually adding powdered sugar, fresh lemon and lime juice, zest, and a splash of milk.
- Once cakes are fully cooled, stack layers and generously spread frosting between and around the cake, creating a smooth finish.
- Optional: Garnish with additional citrus zest for enhanced flavor and visual appeal before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh citrus fruits for the most vibrant, zesty flavor that will make your cake pop with brightness.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly and create a more consistent cake texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough, dense cake – mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
- Customize the cake by swapping lemon and lime for other citrus like orange or grapefruit for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg