Imagine a dessert that dances on your palate with bright, tangy lime and a delightful crunch of poppy seeds - this isn't just any cake, this is a culinary adventure waiting to happen! Our Lime Poppy Seed Cake is the perfect blend of refreshing citrus and subtle nuttiness, guaranteed to transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary flavor experience. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure the dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Incorporate the fresh lime juice and lime zest into the wet ingredients, mixing until thoroughly combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Gently fold in the poppy seeds using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a lime glaze for additional flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater for the lime zest to get maximum flavor without bitter white pith.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool entirely before glazing or dusting to prevent soggy results.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
