Lime Pudding Cake Recipe

There is nothing quite like the bright and tangy delight of this Lime Pudding Cake Recipe to lift your spirits and satisfy your sweet tooth. This dessert is a charming combination of light, fluffy cake with a luscious, citrusy pudding layer beneath, creating an irresistible contrast of textures and flavors. The magic happens as the hot sugar water soaks through the batter during baking, forming a soft pudding-like layer that perfectly complements the zesty lime notes. Whether you’re looking for an easy treat to impress guests or a cozy family favorite, this Lime Pudding Cake Recipe is sure to become one of your go-to desserts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Lime Pudding Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each basic ingredient contributes to the overall experience. With pantry staples and fresh lime for brightness, you’ll achieve a delightful balance of textures and flavors that feels effortlessly elegant.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s tender crumb, providing structure without heaviness.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that also helps create that soft pudding layer beneath the cake.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully to a fluffy texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the lime flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping to create a delicate cake base.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings a subtle buttery flavor and enhances the cake’s tender texture.
• 1 egg: Binds ingredients together, giving the cake stability and structure.
• Zest of 2 limes: Delivers a bright, aromatic citrus punch that defines this cake.
• Juice of 2 limes: Adds tangy freshness and a hint of tartness that lifts the whole dessert.
• 1 cup boiling water: Essential for dissolving sugar and creating the pudding layer beneath the cake.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for soaking): Sweetens the boiling water and soaks into the cake to form the luscious pudding.
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional): A creamy, cool complement to the warm lime pudding cake.

How to Make Lime Pudding Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8-inch square baking dish. This simple step ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out easily when it’s perfectly baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Combining these ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agent evenly for a consistent rise.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the milk, melted butter, egg, lime zest, and lime juice. This bright and creamy mixture infuses the batter with moisture and citrus flavor, crucial for the signature tang of the Lime Pudding Cake Recipe.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined. Being careful not to overmix ensures your cake stays tender and light rather than dense.

Step 5: Spread the Batter

Evenly spread your batter into the prepared dish. This step is key for consistent baking and the perfect pudding texture to form underneath.

Step 6: Prepare the Sugar Water

In a separate bowl, dissolve the 1/2 cup sugar in 1 cup of boiling water. This hot sweetness will seep into the batter during baking to create the luscious pudding layer.

Step 7: Pour the Sugar Mixture

Carefully pour the sugar water over the batter without stirring. This layering is what makes the magic happen as the cake and pudding form simultaneously.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is a beautiful golden brown and firm to the touch. The pudding layer will be occurring beneath, soaking through the cake as it cooks.

Step 9: Cool Slightly

Remove your cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This brief wait allows the pudding layer to set nicely and makes serving easier.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate this already sensational dessert. The play of warm pudding cake against the cool creamy topping is simply irresistible!

How to Serve Lime Pudding Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance the citrusy brightness of your Lime Pudding Cake Recipe by topping it with fresh lime zest or thin lime slices for a pop of color and an extra burst of tang. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or a few mint leaves can add a surprising twist that makes each bite exciting and fresh.

Side Dishes

This dessert stands beautifully on its own but pairing it with lightly sweetened fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can balance its rich, sweet, and tangy notes. A cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee also complements the zesty flavors wonderfully, creating a perfect moment of indulgence and comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve individual portions in clear glass ramekins or small trifle dishes to show off the contrasting layers of cake and pudding. You can also drizzle a lime-infused syrup or a honey glaze over the top to add shine and an extra hint of sweetness that dazzles your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though unlikely!), cover the Lime Pudding Cake Recipe with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the pudding layer stays delightfully moist.

Freezing

This cake freezes best before baking if you want to prepare in advance — simply cover tightly and freeze for up to a month. After thawing, bake as directed for fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness. Freezing after baking might affect texture, so it’s better to enjoy fresh if possible.

Reheating

To bring back that warm, comforting vibe of your Lime Pudding Cake Recipe, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds. It’s just enough time to warm the cake and pudding without drying it out. Add a little whipped cream or ice cream after reheating for a heavenly dessert experience.

FAQs

Can I use lime juice concentrate instead of fresh limes?

While fresh lime juice offers the brightest, freshest flavor, you can substitute lime juice concentrate in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to taste since concentrates can be more potent or sweetened.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the milk for almond milk or oat milk and replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. The texture might vary slightly, but the cake will still taste delicious with that signature lime tang.

Why does the cake have a pudding layer?

The pudding layer forms because the boiling sugar water poured over the batter sinks down during baking, soaking the bottom into a soft, custard-like texture. It’s a beautiful textural contrast that makes this Lime Pudding Cake Recipe special.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, but baking times may need adjustment. Keep an eye on the top; when it turns golden brown and firm, it’s ready. You might want to add extra time to ensure the pudding layer sets.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Warm them slightly and add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The warmth reawakens the pudding texture, and the cool topping creates a perfect balance that tastes just as wonderful the next day.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet treated yourself to this Lime Pudding Cake Recipe, you are in for a real delight. It’s simple to make, wonderfully tangy with a dreamy pudding layer, and hard not to love. Sharing it with friends or family will surely bring smiles around the table, and once you taste it, it will quickly become a treasured favorite dessert in your kitchen. So go ahead, grab those limes, and start baking – you deserve it!

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