A delightful lime and yogurt bundt cake provides a burst of citrus flavor complemented by a tender crumb, thanks to a blend of butter and yogurt. This cake gets its vibrant finish from a fresh lime syrup, and with the help of a homemade cake-release mixture, it effortlessly slides out of the bundt tin. The cake, which can also be made as a 20cm round cake, takes between two to three hours to prepare and bake.
To begin, a cake-release mixture is made by combining equal parts of plain flour, vegetable oil, and softened unsalted butter to form a smooth paste. Using a pastry brush, this mixture is applied to every groove and edge of the bundt tin, ensuring an easy release after baking. The batter starts with six juicy limes, whose zest is combined with caster sugar, and then mixed with softened butter until light and fluffy. Warmed eggs are added gradually, followed by a combination of sifted flour, baking powder, and salt, alternating with plain yogurt to create a smooth batter.
Once the batter is ready, it is poured into the prepared bundt tin and baked at 170C/150C fan for around 60 to 70 minutes, until a skewer inserted comes out clean or the internal temperature reaches 95C. As the cake bakes, a lime syrup is prepared by whisking together fresh lime juice and icing sugar until smooth. This syrup is used to soak the cake after baking, enhancing its moistness and flavor.
To soak the cake, small holes are made on its surface with a skewer, allowing the syrup to penetrate deeply into the crumb. After soaking for about 10 minutes in the tin, the cake is carefully inverted onto a serving plate for further soaking with the lime syrup. This process can be repeated to achieve the desired intensity of flavor. Once cooled, the cake is ready to be served, offering a refreshing and tangy treat.
For those looking to enjoy this cake later, it can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to three days, or frozen for up to three months. This lime and yogurt bundt cake, with its bright citrus punch and soft texture, is a delightful addition to any dessert table.