Lime Cake

Lime Cake - a quick and delicious dessert, perfect for a moment of indulgence!

Total preparation time: 60 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines sweet and tangy flavors? Lime cake is the ideal choice for those who appreciate light, fresh desserts with personality. With a fluffy texture and a sweet-tangy sauce that makes it irresistible, this recipe is sure to become your favorite!

The history of lime cakes is fascinating, as limes are a versatile ingredient used in various culinary cultures to add a note of freshness and acidity to dishes. This light cake, with a sauce that forms during baking, has its roots in the cooking traditions of citrus desserts, which have been cherished throughout the centuries.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup (approximately 200 ml) of flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ cup (approximately 100 g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon of grated lime zest
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons of melted margarine
- ½ cup (approximately 125 ml) milk

For the sauce:
- ⅓ cup (approximately 70 g) sugar (can be adjusted to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of grated lime zest
- 1 cup (approximately 250 ml) boiling water
- ½ cup (approximately 125 ml) fresh lime juice

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. It is important to have the oven well heated before placing the cake in, to ensure even baking.

2. Prepare the pan: Choose a round silicone mold with a diameter of 20 cm and a depth of about 4 cm. This is essential to allow the sauce to form without spilling. Grease the mold with butter or margarine to prevent the cake from sticking.

3. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, and grated lime zest. This combination will add a layer of flavor to your cake.

4. Adding wet ingredients: Pour the melted margarine and milk into the bowl, then add the vanilla sugar. Mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated and there are no lumps of flour. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth texture.

5. Pouring the mixture: Place the mixture into the prepared mold, ensuring it is evenly distributed. This will be the base of your cake.

6. Preparing the sauce: In another bowl, sprinkle the sugar and grated lime zest over the mixture in the mold. Then, mix the boiling water with the lime juice and carefully pour it over the mixture. Use a spoon to cover the cake well, ensuring the liquid is evenly distributed. This will form the sweet-tangy sauce that will transform your dessert.

7. Baking: Place the mold in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes. You will know it is done when the top turns golden and a stick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean.

8. Cooling: After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the mold for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken and absorb into the cake.

9. Serving: You can enjoy the cake warm or at room temperature, either plain or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which will add a creamy note and perfectly complement the citrus flavors.

Practical tips:
- Choosing limes: Choose fresh limes with shiny, firm skin. These will have a more intense and aromatic flavor.
- Variations: You can try adding other citrus fruits, such as oranges or lemons, to create a flavor combination. Additionally, you can replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a healthier option.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This lime cake contains approximately 200 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Limes are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can whole wheat flour be used? Yes, you can substitute white flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture of the cake will be slightly different, denser.
2. Can I add nuts or seeds? Sure! Adding chopped nuts or seeds can bring extra texture and nutrients.
3. How can I store the cake? Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a longer period.

This lime cake is not only easy to prepare but also very versatile! I invite you to try it and personalize it to your taste. Surely, every bite will bring a smile to your face and that of your loved ones! Enjoy!