Description
This vibrant and moist Green Cake, also known as Lime Cake, combines zesty lime juice and zest with a tender crumb for a refreshing citrus dessert. Perfect for celebrations or a delightful everyday treat, its subtle tang and optional green food coloring make it especially festive for occasions like St. Patrick’s Day.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- â…” cup whole milk
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- Green food coloring (optional, to desired vibrancy)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air to create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth and emulsified batter.
- Add Lime Flavor: Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice and lime zest to infuse the cake with a bright citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This helps keep the batter smooth and prevents overmixing.
- Add Food Coloring: If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed, giving the cake its vibrant green appearance.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before serving or frosting, allowing it to set and ensuring clean slices.
Notes
- For an extra lime kick, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple lime glaze made from powdered sugar and lime juice.
- You can also bake this batter in two 8-inch round pans to create a layered lime cake.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for a smoother batter and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
