Are you dreaming of a vibrant, refreshing dessert that's as easy to make as it is delicious? Look no further! This lime cake recipe with lime Jell-O is the perfect combination of tangy and sweet, guaranteed to impress your friends and family. It's a simple recipe, ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a quick and satisfying homemade treat. This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional cake, showcasing the zesty brightness of limes. Get ready to dive into a world of citrusy goodness!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup lime juice
For the Lime Jell-O Layer:
- 1 (3 ounce) package lime-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake will slide out easily.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is a crucial step for even baking.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best here.
- Add Eggs & Zest: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lime zest. The zest adds a wonderful aromatic dimension.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and lime juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
- Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Lime Jell-O Topping
- Dissolve Gelatin: In a medium bowl, sprinkle the lime gelatin over the boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. This is important to ensure a smooth and even Jell-O layer.
- Add Cold Water: Stir in the cold water. The cold water helps to set the gelatin.
- Cool Slightly: Let the gelatin cool slightly until it begins to thicken (about 10-15 minutes). This is important to prevent it from melting the cake.
Assembling the Delicious Dessert
- Pour Over Cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the thickened lime Jell-O evenly over the top.
- Chill & Set: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the Jell-O is completely set. This ensures a firm and delightful final product.
- Slice & Serve: Once set, slice the cake and serve chilled.
Tips for the Best Lime Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs will create a lighter and fluffier cake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
Variations:
- Lemon Twist: Substitute lemon juice and zest for lime for a zesty lemon version.
- Berry Blast: Top with fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Coconut Cream: Add a layer of coconut cream between the cake and Jell-O for a tropical twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-45g Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This zesty lime cake with lime Jell-O is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Its vibrant color, refreshing taste, and simple preparation make it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this easy recipe and share the deliciousness!