๐๐ Refreshing Lemon-Lime Cake: A Zesty Delight ๐ฐโจ
This Lemon-Lime Cake is a refreshing and tangy dessert perfect for any occasion. The combination of citrusy zest and a sweet, tart glaze makes every bite a burst of summer flavors. ๐๐
๐ Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ๐พ
- 1 tsp baking powder ๐
- 1/2 tsp baking soda ๐ฅ
- 1/4 tsp salt ๐ง
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened ๐ง
- 1 cup granulated sugar ๐ฌ
- 2 large eggs ๐ฅ
- 1 tsp vanilla extract โจ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk ๐ฅ
- Zest of 1 lemon ๐
- Zest of 1 lime ๐
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice ๐
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice ๐
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar ๐ฌ
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice ๐
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice ๐
๐ฉโ๐ณ Instructions
1๏ธโฃ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2๏ธโฃ Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3๏ธโฃ Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4๏ธโฃ Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix just until combined. Fold in the lemon and lime zests, as well as their freshly squeezed juices.
5๏ธโฃ Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6๏ธโฃ Cool the Cake:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7๏ธโฃ Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lime juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
8๏ธโฃ Garnish and Serve:
Optional: Decorate with additional lemon and lime zest for an extra pop of color and flavor. Slice and serve for a delicious citrus treat!
โจ Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Citrus: Freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice provide the best flavorโavoid bottled juice for this recipe.
- Donโt Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Glaze Thickness: Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more juice for a thinner drizzle.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
- Yes! Add 1 tsp of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
2. How do I store the cake?
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze this cake?
- Absolutely! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. What other citrus can I use?
- You can substitute orange or grapefruit zest and juice for a different citrus twist.
๐ ๏ธ Common Mistakes and Fixes
1. Cake too dry:
- Measure flour correctly (spoon and level, donโt scoop) and avoid overbaking.
2. Uneven glaze:
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting.
3. Cake sticks to the pan:
- Grease and flour the pan thoroughly or use parchment paper for easy removal.
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