This normally isn’t my usual choice for dessert.
Fruit for dessert? That used to sound odd to me.
I generally reach for something much richer — the kind of dessert that’s indulgent and very sweet.
But after trying this cake, I’m converted. Fruit-based desserts can be bright and satisfying.
I finished the cake with fresh whipped cream.
Since it’s “fresh,” I like to pretend it’s at least a bit virtuous. It feels lighter — dairy, a hint of citrus — and that makes it easy to justify a second slice.
This cake leans toward the lighter side of decadence.
It’s sweet but not cloying, and the citrus gives it a refreshing quality that’s ideal for warmer weather. Because it’s not heavy, I don’t hesitate to call it breakfast-appropriate.
For a perfect morning, two slices are my recommendation. Three if you’re feeling bold.
Lemon Lime Cake
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons lemon and/or lime juice (I juiced the lemon and lime together and got 3 tbsp)
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream the butter and sugar together, then add the eggs and beat until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla, lemon zest, and lime zest until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until combined. Stir in the lemon and lime juice, then add the milk and beat until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into an 8×8 or 9×9 square cake pan and bake for 30–35 minutes at 350°F. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Lime Whipped Cream
1 pint cold heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lime zest
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
In the bowl of a mixer, combine the cold cream, vanilla, powdered sugar, and lime zest. Whip the mixture until stiff peaks form, about 5–6 minutes. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the cooled cake and refrigerate. I used a pastry bag and tip to pipe the frosting.
Bake one today so you’ll have a slice ready tomorrow morning. I’ll bring the coffee.