The Zesty Lime Drizzle Cake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting a zesty lime drizzle cake brings pure sunshine to your kitchen table.

Sweet memories of tropical afternoons dance through this simple yet remarkable dessert.

Bright citrus notes weave magic into every delectable slice.

Light and airy textures promise a delightful experience that surprises and delights.

Whispers of tangy lime create a refreshing contrast against soft, tender crumbs.

Home bakers will adore how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal ingredients.

You can easily master this delightful treat in just a few simple steps.

Let’s transform an ordinary afternoon into an extraordinary culinary adventure!

Different Takes on Nigella Lime Drizzle Cake

• Lemon Swap Cake: Replace lime zest and juice with lemon for a classic citrus flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Zesty Cake: Use gluten-free flour blend and almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Citrus Drizzle: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
• Orange Sunshine Cake: Use orange zest and juice instead of lime for a sweeter, milder citrus experience.

Best Pairings for Nigella Lime Drizzle Cake

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that matches the cake's bright citrus notes, enhancing the lime's refreshing tang.
• Complement with Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a small side of mixed berries like raspberries or strawberries, which provide a sweet contrast to the tangy lime drizzle.
• Create a Creamy Counterpoint: Offer a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla mascarpone to balance the cake's sharp citrus flavor and add smooth texture.
• Brew Herbal Tea Pairing: Choose a light chamomile or mint tea that will harmonize with the cake's citrusy profile and provide a gentle, soothing accompaniment.

Keeping Nigella Lime Drizzle Cake Fresh

• Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep cake in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure the container is placed in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 150C for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and enhance flavor.

Questions About Nigella Lime Drizzle Cake

• What gives this lime drizzle cake its unique flavor?

The combination of fresh lime zest in the batter and the tangy lime juice drizzle creates a bright, citrusy taste that makes this cake incredibly refreshing and zesty.

• Is this cake difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and simple, requiring basic baking skills like creaming butter and sugar, adding eggs, and mixing dry ingredients. Even novice bakers can successfully make this delicious cake.

• Can I substitute lime with another citrus fruit?

Absolutely! You can easily swap lime for lemon or orange to create a different citrus version of this cake while maintaining the same basic recipe and technique.

Why Nigella Lime Drizzle Cake Is a Tangy Treat

• Boost Baking Skills: Perfect recipe for beginners wanting to level up their cake-making techniques with simple steps and minimal ingredients.
• Zesty Flavor Explosion: Bursting with citrus notes that create a refreshing and tangy taste profile, making this cake stand out from traditional desserts.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal preparation and straightforward method ensure you can create a delicious homemade cake without spending hours in the kitchen, ideal for unexpected guests or family gatherings.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Suitable for multiple occasions like afternoon tea, potlucks, or casual weekend treats, this cake delivers maximum impact with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Nigella Lime Drizzle Cake

• Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides moisture and flavor to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Flour: The main dry ingredient that forms the cake's foundation.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender crumb.

• Lime Zest: Provides intense citrus aroma and bright flavor to the cake.

• Lime Juice, Sugar: Creates a sweet and tangy syrup that soaks into the cake, adding moisture and intense citrus flavor.

Steps for Baking Nigella Lime Drizzle Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and get a loaf pan ready by greasing it and lining with parchment paper.

Step 2: Whip Up the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until they transform into a cloud-like, creamy mixture that looks light and fluffy.

Step 3: Introduce the Eggs

Crack the eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, well-combined batter.

Step 4: Blend in the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour and milk, being careful not to overmix. The goal is a silky, even batter that’s just combined.

Step 5: Add Citrus Zing

Sprinkle in the zest to give the cake a bright, tangy kick. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 7: Craft the Drizzle

While the cake bakes, whisk together the citrus juices and sugar to create a sweet and tangy drizzle.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch

Once the cake is out of the oven, use a skewer to poke holes across the top. Immediately pour the drizzle over the warm cake, letting it seep into every delicious nook and cranny.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. This helps it set and makes slicing a breeze. Cut into slices and enjoy the zesty, moist goodness!

Nigella Lime Drizzle Cake Tips to Try

• Zest Wisely: Grate citrus zests carefully to avoid bitter white pith, which can make your cake taste harsh.
• Drizzle Technique: Pour the syrup slowly and evenly, allowing cake to absorb maximum flavor without becoming soggy.
• Room Temperature Matters: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother, more consistent cake batter.
• Skewer Test Perfection: Check cake doneness by inserting a clean skewer into the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
• Storage Secret: Keep cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Lime Drizzle Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zesty lime drizzle cake promises a tantalizing journey through citrusy landscapes, blending sweet and tart notes. Delicate crumb and glossy lime glaze invite you to savor each refreshing slice, creating a delightful dessert experience.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) butter (softened)
• 3 large eggs
• 225 grams (8 ounces) self-raising flour (sifted)
• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) caster sugar
• 125 grams (4.4 ounces) caster sugar

Citrus Ingredients:

• Zest of 1 lime
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lime
• Juice of 1 lemon

Liquid Ingredient:

• 4 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare a loaf tin by greasing and lining with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy cake removal.
2. Whip butter and sugar together until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency with a smooth texture.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending each one into the creamy base before adding the next.
4. Gently sift flour into the mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a silky, lump-free batter.
5. Fold in vibrant citrus zest, distributing the aromatic essence evenly throughout the cake mixture.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the surface with a spatula for uniform baking.
7. Position the tin in a preheated oven at 180C (160C fan) and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes until a inserted skewer emerges completely clean.
8. During baking, craft a tangy drizzle by whisking together citrus juices and sugar until fully dissolved.
9. Immediately after removing from the oven, puncture multiple holes across the cake’s surface using a skewer.
10. Pour the zesty drizzle over the warm cake, allowing it to seep deeply into the perforations.
11. Allow the cake to cool completely within the tin, enabling the drizzle to set and intensify the citrusy flavor.
12. Carefully remove from the tin, slice, and serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Softening butter beforehand ensures smoother, more even mixing and prevents lumpy cake texture.
• Adding eggs gradually prevents curdling and helps create a silky, uniform batter consistency.
• Folding flour gently maintains cake’s light and airy structure, avoiding dense or tough results.
• Using fresh citrus zest maximizes flavor intensity and aromatic brightness in the final dessert.
• Poking holes allows drizzle to penetrate deeply, creating moisture-rich cake with concentrated citrus punch.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more seamlessly, guaranteeing a perfectly smooth cake mixture.
• Zesting only the outer colored layer prevents bitter white pith from affecting cake’s delicate taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 352 kcal
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg