Lime Cake

Lime Cake - a refreshing and flavorful dessert! This simple yet delicious recipe will bring a fresh and vibrant touch to any meal. With an intense lime flavor and a soft texture, this cake is perfect for a relaxing afternoon or to impress guests at a special dinner.

The history of lime cake is fascinating, rooted in culinary traditions for centuries. Since ancient times, citrus fruits have been valued not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits. Lime, with its distinct aroma and pleasant acidity, is a versatile ingredient that adds a note of freshness, transforming simple desserts into masterpieces of flavor.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 1 cup (about 130 g) of flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup (about 100 g) of sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime zest, grated
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons of melted margarine
- ½ cup (about 120 ml) of milk

For the sauce:
- ⅓ cup (about 67 g) of sugar (you can adjust the amount to your taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest, grated
- 1 cup (about 240 ml) of boiling water
- ½ cup (about 120 ml) of freshly squeezed lime juice

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. It's essential to have the oven well-heated to achieve an evenly baked cake.

2. Prepare the pan: Use a round pan with a diameter of 20 cm and a depth of 4 cm. Make sure the pan is deep enough, as the mixture will produce a delicious sauce during baking. Grease the pan with butter or margarine to prevent the cake from sticking.

3. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, sugar, and grated lime zest. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.

4. Adding wet ingredients: Add the melted margarine, milk, and vanilla sugar to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or whisk to mix everything until there are no traces of flour. It's important not to overmix, as the cake may become dense.

5. Transferring the mixture to the pan: Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

6. Preparing the sauce: Sprinkle the sugar and grated lime zest over the mixture in the pan. In another container, combine the boiling water with the lime juice. Use a spoon to gently pour the water and lime mixture over the composition in the pan. This step is crucial to create the delicious sauce that will accompany the cake.

7. Baking the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The cake is ready when it turns golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

8. Cooling: After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. This step will allow the sauce to thicken slightly, giving it a wonderful texture.

9. Serving: The lime cake can be served warm or cold. It is delicious on its own, but you can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a perfect contrast of temperatures and textures.

Helpful tips:
- If you like a more intense flavor, you can add more lime zest or replace some of the sugar with honey for a more complex taste.
- For an extra touch of elegance, you can decorate the cake with thin slices of lime or fresh mint leaves.
- If you have leftover lime, use the remaining juice to make a refreshing lemonade or to add a fresh note to cocktails.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use preserved lime instead of fresh juice? It is recommended to use fresh lime for a more authentic taste, but you can also use the preserved version if necessary.
2. How can I adapt the recipe for vegan diets? You can replace the milk with a plant-based alternative and the margarine with coconut oil or another vegetable fat.
3. What other fruits can I use? This recipe is versatile; you can experiment with lemons, oranges, or even berries to create a different cake.

Nutritional benefits:
Lime cake is a healthier option for a dessert, having a lower fat content due to the use of margarine and skim milk. Lime provides a boost of vitamin C, essential for the immune system, and the sugar can be adjusted according to personal preferences.

In conclusion, lime cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring joy and freshness into everyday life. So, get ready to enjoy every bite of this delightful cake!