Dive into a world of zesty flavors and tender crumb with this Lemon, Lime & Almond Loaf Cake, a delightful treat inspired by the creativity and passion of The Great British Bake Off. This cake combines the tanginess of lemon and lime with the nutty richness of almonds, all wrapped up in a sweet and zesty glaze. Perfect for tea time or as a refreshing dessert, this loaf cake is sure to impress. Here’s how to bake this citrusy delight.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 175g (6oz) butter or margarine, softened
- 175g (6oz) caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 60g (2oz) ground almonds
- 120g (4oz) self-raising flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 5 tbsp milk (almond milk for a nuttier flavor, but any milk will do)
- Zest of one lemon
- Zest of one lime
For the Drizzle:
- 45g (3oz) caster sugar
- Juice of one lemon
For the Icing:
- Juice and zest of half a lime
- 5 tbsp icing sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas 4). Grease and line a loaf tin with baking parchment.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, adding a little flour with each to prevent curdling.
- Fold in the ground almonds, the remaining flour, baking powder, and the milk until the batter is smooth.
- Stir in the zest of one lemon and one lime.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Drizzle:
- While the cake is baking, mix the 45g caster sugar with the lemon juice.
- Once the cake is out of the oven and still hot, prick it all over with a skewer and evenly pour the lemon drizzle over it. Let it soak in as the cake cools.
- Make the Icing:
- Mix the lime juice and zest with the icing sugar to create a smooth, runny icing. If it’s too thick, add a bit more juice; if too runny, add more icing sugar.
- Decorate:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lime icing over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve the Lemon, Lime & Almond Loaf Cake as a delightful accompaniment to your afternoon tea or as a refreshing dessert option.
This Lemon, Lime & Almond Loaf Cake is not just a cake; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors that brings a slice of The Great British Bake Off into your kitchen. The combination of lemon, lime, and almond offers a refreshing twist on the classic loaf cake, making it a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
