Meal Prep Lemon Cake with Lime Cream Topping

Makes: 1 medium cake (8–10 slices)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert

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Why This Cake Works for Meal Prep

• Keeps fresh for 4–5 days: Moist from yogurt and oil, it holds well in the fridge.

• Dual purpose: Perfect as a light morning cake with tea or coffee and equally satisfying as an afternoon treat.

• Freezer-friendly: Freeze slices (without cream) and thaw as needed.

• Balanced flavors: Tangy lime cuts through the sweetness for a refreshing profile.

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 200g (7 oz / approx. ¾ cup) plain yogurt (whole milk or Greek-style for richness)

• Juice of 1 lime (approx. 2 tbsp)

• 3 large eggs

• 70ml (2.4 fl oz / just under ⅓ cup) vegetable oil (canola or sunflower preferred)

• 300g (1½ cups) granulated sugar

• 300g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp lime zest (zest before juicing)

• 1 tbsp (12g) baking powder

• Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavor balance)

For the Lime Cream Topping:

• 395g (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• Juice of 3 small limes (about 6 tbsp)

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‍ Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

• Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan (or loaf pan) with butter or oil, then dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients

• In a blender or food processor, combine:

  • 200g yogurt

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • 3 eggs

  • 70ml vegetable oil

• Blend on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until smooth and slightly frothy.

Culinary Tip: Blending incorporates air and ensures uniformity, giving a lighter texture to the cake.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, sift together:

  • 300g flour

  • 300g sugar

  • Pinch of salt (if using)

Why sift? It helps avoid lumps and ensures the flour and sugar are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

• Gradually pour the blended liquid into the bowl with dry ingredients.

• Mix using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.

• Add the lime zest and baking powder last, folding gently to incorporate.

⚠️ Baking powder should always be added last to preserve its leavening action until the moment of baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into your prepared pan and level the top.

• Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until:

  • The top is golden

  • A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Prepare the Lime Cream Topping

While the cake cools, prepare the simple, tangy topping.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • 395g sweetened condensed milk

  • Juice of 3 small limes (about 6 tbsp)

• Stir for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens naturally into a pudding-like consistency.

How it works: The acid from the lime juice reacts with the milk proteins in the condensed milk, thickening it without cooking.

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Assemble and Serve

• Once the cake is completely cool, spread the lime cream evenly on top using an offset spatula or spoon.

• Optionally, garnish with:

  • Extra lime zest

  • Thin lime slices or candied citrus peels

Cut into squares or slices and serve.

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Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze plain cake slices (without topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

• Make ahead: Bake the cake the day before and store it in the fridge. Add the topping just before serving for best texture.

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️ Serving Suggestions

• Morning Pairing: With plain yogurt or a hot cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea.

• Afternoon Treat: Pair with espresso or serve with a few fresh berries for a quick snack.

• For guests: Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of crushed pistachios or toasted coconut.

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‍ Variations to Explore

• Lemon Version: Swap all lime ingredients for lemon juice and zest for a classic twist.

• Add-ins: Fold in poppy seeds or a handful of blueberries into the batter for texture.

• Glaze Finish: Instead of the lime cream, drizzle with a lemon-sugar glaze (lemon juice + powdered sugar).