The Nigella Courgette and Lime Cake is a wonderfully moist and refreshing cake that brings together the delicate flavor of courgettes with the zesty tang of lime. This light and airy cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a fresh twist on traditional cakes. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor and makes a delicious treat that can be enjoyed with friends and family.
What is Nigella Courgette and Lime Cake?
Nigella’s Courgette and Lime Cake is a delightful combination of grated courgettes and lime zest, creating a soft and moist cake with a hint of citrus. The courgettes add a lovely texture and moisture, while the lime gives the cake a refreshing and slightly tangy flavor. Typically, the cake is topped with a lime-infused cream cheese frosting, enhancing its flavor and adding a touch of richness.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Moist and Tender: The courgettes keep the cake moist without overpowering the flavor.
- Bright and Zesty: Lime adds a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the delicate courgette.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether for a casual tea time or a special event, this cake is versatile and crowd-pleasing.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Unique Twist: Offers a fresh alternative to more traditional cakes.
Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella Courgette and Lime Cake
- Self-raising flour (225g): Provides structure and helps the cake rise.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cake is light and fluffy.
- Courgettes (2 medium, grated): Adds moisture and a subtle flavor.
- Lime zest (2 limes): Adds a fresh, zesty flavor to the cake.
- Caster sugar (200g): Sweetens the cake without overpowering the lime.
- Eggs (3 large): Binds the ingredients together and provides structure.
- Sunflower oil (150ml): Keeps the cake moist and light.
- Lime juice (from 1 lime): Adds extra citrus flavor to the cake.
For the Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese (150g): Creates a rich and creamy frosting.
- Icing sugar (100g): Sweetens the frosting while keeping it light.
- Lime zest and juice (from 1 lime): Enhances the frosting with a tangy flavor.
Equipment
- Grater: For grating the courgettes and lime zest.
- Mixing bowls: To combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer: Helps create a smooth batter and frosting.
- Round cake tins (2 x 20cm): For baking the cake layers.
- Spatula: For folding and spreading the frosting.
Instructions to Make Nigella Courgette and Lime Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tins
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake.
Step 2: Grate the Courgettes
- Grate the courgettes finely and gently squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean cloth or paper towel. This helps prevent the cake from becoming too wet.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and baking powder. Stir in the caster sugar and lime zest, mixing well.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sunflower oil, and lime juice. Add the grated courgettes to the wet mixture and stir to combine.
Step 5: Fold the Batter Together
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake tins. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar and beat until fully combined.
- Stir in the lime zest and juice to add flavor to the frosting.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with extra lime zest for a vibrant finish.
What Goes Well With Nigella Courgette and Lime Cake
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a handful of raspberries or strawberries for a burst of sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: A light dollop of whipped cream complements the tangy lime frosting.
- Lime Curd: Add a spoonful of lime curd for an extra hit of citrus flavor.
- Tea or Coffee: A cup of tea or coffee balances the cake’s sweetness and zest.
- Greek Yogurt: A side of unsweetened Greek yogurt offers a creamy, tangy contrast.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Nigella Courgette and Lime Cake
- Remove Excess Moisture: Squeeze out as much moisture from the courgettes as possible to prevent a soggy cake.
- Use Fresh Limes: Fresh lime juice and zest provide the best flavor, so avoid bottled lime juice.
- Cool Before Frosting: Ensure the cakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
- Fold Gently: Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Double the Frosting: If you love extra frosting, double the recipe to generously cover the cake and sides.
Easy Variations of Nigella Courgette and Lime Cake
- Add Poppy Seeds: Stir in a tablespoon of poppy seeds for added texture and a nutty flavor.
- Use Lemon Instead of Lime: Swap lime for lemon for a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free alternative.
- Nuts for Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter for extra crunch.
- Yogurt Frosting: Replace the cream cheese frosting with a lighter yogurt-based frosting.
Best Practices to Store Nigella Courgette and Lime Cake
- Store in the Fridge: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness.
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them tightly in cling film and freezing them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before frosting.
- Serve at Room Temperature: For the best texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Nigella Courgette and Lime Cake
- Reheat in the Microwave: If you want to warm individual slices, microwave for 10-15 seconds on medium heat.
- Oven Warming: Alternatively, wrap slices in foil and warm in the oven at 160°C for about 5-10 minutes.
How Can I Make Nigella Courgette and Lime Cake Healthier?
- Reduce the Sugar: Use 150g of caster sugar instead of 200g to lower the overall sweetness.
- Swap for Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the self-raising flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Opt for low-fat cream cheese in the frosting to reduce the calorie content.
- Add More Veggies: You can add grated carrots along with the courgettes for a nutrient boost.
- Olive Oil Instead of Sunflower Oil: Swap sunflower oil with olive oil for a healthier fat option.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
Final Words
The Nigella Courgette and Lime Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the moist texture of courgettes with the refreshing zest of lime. This cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness, with a rich cream cheese frosting that brings everything together.
More By British Baking Recipes
Print
Nigella Courgette And Lime Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Nigella’s Courgette and Lime Cake is a delightful combination of grated courgettes and lime zest, creating a soft and moist cake with a hint of citrus. The courgettes add a lovely texture and moisture, while the lime gives the cake a refreshing and slightly tangy flavor. Typically, the cake is topped with a lime-infused cream cheese frosting, enhancing its flavor and adding a touch of richness.
Ingredients
- Self-raising flour (225g): Provides structure and helps the cake rise.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cake is light and fluffy.
- Courgettes (2 medium, grated): Adds moisture and a subtle flavor.
- Lime zest (2 limes): Adds a fresh, zesty flavor to the cake.
- Caster sugar (200g): Sweetens the cake without overpowering the lime.
- Eggs (3 large): Binds the ingredients together and provides structure.
- Sunflower oil (150ml): Keeps the cake moist and light.
- Lime juice (from 1 lime): Adds extra citrus flavor to the cake.
For the Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese (150g): Creates a rich and creamy frosting.
- Icing sugar (100g): Sweetens the frosting while keeping it light.
- Lime zest and juice (from 1 lime): Enhances the frosting with a tangy flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tins
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake.
Step 2: Grate the Courgettes
- Grate the courgettes finely and gently squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean cloth or paper towel. This helps prevent the cake from becoming too wet.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and baking powder. Stir in the caster sugar and lime zest, mixing well.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sunflower oil, and lime juice. Add the grated courgettes to the wet mixture and stir to combine.
Step 5: Fold the Batter Together
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake tins. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar and beat until fully combined.
- Stir in the lime zest and juice to add flavor to the frosting.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with extra lime zest for a vibrant finish.
