Green Cake (Lime Cake) Recipe
Green Cake (Lime Cake) is the kind of showstopper that delivers both in looks and flavor. Imagine slicing into a soft, vibrant-green cake dotted with flecks of fresh lime zest, bursting with tangy citrus notes and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The best part? This cake is surprisingly easy to make, and with just a few drops of food coloring (or a sprinkle of matcha for the natural route), you get that signature, cheerful green hue. Whether you’re baking for a spring picnic, St. Patrick’s Day, or just because you need more sunshine on your dessert table, Green Cake (Lime Cake) guarantees big smiles and plenty of second helpings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to Green Cake (Lime Cake) is all about balance—each ingredient brings something special that ties everything together. From the creamy tang of the sour cream to the zesty punch of fresh lime juice, every element here works its magic for a moist, flavorful cake with eye-catching color.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the important structure for a tender, fluffy crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens every bite and helps create that lovely golden crust.
- Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
- Baking Soda: Works with the lime juice and sour cream to lift and tenderize the batter.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and heightens all the citrus flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and that soft, velvety texture when creamed properly.
- Large Eggs: Bind the batter and add essential structure and moisture.
- Sour Cream: The key to extra-moist cake with a creamy, subtle tang.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Infuses the cake with natural zesty lime flavor you can’t get from a bottle.
- Lime Zest: Delivers that pop of citrus aroma and deeper lime essence.
- Milk: Loosens the batter, making sure your cake bakes up light rather than dense.
- Green Food Coloring: Just a few drops, and your cake is instantly festive; try spinach or matcha for a natural effect.
- Powdered Sugar (optional): Adds a delicate, sweet finish or the perfect snow-like dusting for serving.
How to Make Green Cake (Lime Cake)
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
First things first—set yourself up for cake success! Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your Green Cake (Lime Cake) pops out easily with beautifully defined edges.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing them first helps evenly distribute all the leavening agents and salt, so your cake rises consistently and tastes perfectly seasoned in every slice.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and airy—about 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed. This key step traps air and guarantees Green Cake (Lime Cake) will be wonderfully tender and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs, One at a Time
Add the eggs to your butter-sugar mixture, beating in one at a time. This keeps your batter smooth and adds structure, ensuring each layer bakes up evenly without any dense spots.
Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients and Green Color
Mix in the sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, milk, and just a few drops of your chosen green food coloring. You’ll see the batter turn that magical green, infused with the lively aroma of fresh lime. Mix until everything is just combined—no overmixing!
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Take care not to overmix here; a light hand means a softer crumb for your Green Cake (Lime Cake).
Step 7: Pour and Bake
Divide the beautiful lime-green batter evenly between your prepared pans. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell incredible—resist the urge to open the oven door too often!
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. If you like, dust with a blanket of powdered sugar. Now step back and admire your work!
How to Serve Green Cake (Lime Cake)
Garnishes
Dress up your Green Cake (Lime Cake) with a flourish of lime zest, some extra powdered sugar, or thin slices of fresh lime along the edge. For a special touch, try a drizzle of lime glaze or a slathering of creamy lime-zest frosting—either way, it’s hard to go wrong.
Side Dishes
Pair this lively cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt. Each side brings out the bright lime flavor and balances the sweetness with just a bit of creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, you can bake Green Cake (Lime Cake) as cupcakes or slice it into playful shapes (think shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day or stars for a birthday). Layer with whipped cream and fruit for a fresh trifle, or pile edible flowers on top for a truly festive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten Green Cake (Lime Cake) super moist by wrapping slices in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The citrus keeps the cake tasting fresh, and you’ll find the flavor develops even more overnight.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some cake for later, wrap individual slices or whole layers tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw the slices at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
Reheating
Green Cake (Lime Cake) is delightful at room temperature, but if you love a little warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. It’ll taste bakery-fresh: just be cautious, since frosting or glaze can melt quickly.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lime juice is convenient, fresh lime juice delivers the best bright, tangy flavor. If you must substitute, look for a high-quality, 100% lime juice, but know the flavor may be less vibrant.
What if I don’t have green food coloring?
No problem! You can go au naturel by adding a teaspoon of matcha green tea or spinach powder for a lovely green hue, or skip it entirely if color isn’t a priority—the taste will still wow.
Can I bake Green Cake (Lime Cake) in a different pan size?
Absolutely! You can use a 9×13-inch rectangular pan or make cupcakes—just adjust baking times (check cupcakes at 18–20 minutes). The result will be just as moist and cheerful.
How do I make a lime glaze or icing for this cake?
Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with about 1–2 tablespoons fresh lime juice and a bit of lime zest until smooth. Drizzle over your cooled cake for a glossy, tangy finish that pairs perfectly.
Is Green Cake (Lime Cake) okay for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin—just butter, eggs, and dairy—so it’s suitable for vegetarians. Substitute dairy-free butter and sour cream to make it friendly for more dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
There’s something almost magical about baking a Green Cake (Lime Cake)—from the cheerful color to the burst of citrus in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with family, bring to celebrations, or whip up when you need a little extra joy in your day. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always smell just as bright and fresh!
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Green Cake (Lime Cake) Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Green Cake, infused with zesty lime flavor, is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. The soft, moist crumb and refreshing citrus notes make it a standout treat that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp lime zest
- 1/2 cup milk
- A few drops of green food coloring
Additional:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, milk, and green food coloring until combined.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide batter between pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- For extra lime flavor, consider adding a lime glaze or frosting with cream cheese and lime zest.
- Explore natural food coloring alternatives like spinach powder for a natural green hue.
- Store leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
