Silver Cake with Lime
This Silver Cake with Lime is a vintage-inspired dessert that’s all about light textures and bright flavor. With its fluffy vanilla cake, tangy lime custard filling, and dreamy boiled frosting, this cake is perfect for spring parties, showers, or when you want something elegant but nostalgic.
It’s made with egg whites for a snowy-white crumb, layered with lime-scented custard, and topped with a glossy, marshmallow-like frosting that’s absolutely worth the arm workout—or the stand mixer.
🌟 Why I Love This Recipe
This cake is beautiful and refined, with layers of:
- Soft, tender white cake made with whipped egg whites
- Zesty lime filling that’s creamy and sweet-tart
- A cloud-like boiled frosting that looks and tastes like a meringue dream
It’s old-fashioned in the best way, and has just enough citrus zing to cut through the sweetness and keep every bite refreshing.
🛒 Ingredients
🧁 For the Cake:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ⅔ cup milk
- ⅔ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 egg whites, beaten stiff
🍈 For the Lime Filling:
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ½ cup flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups scalded milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- (Optional: green food coloring)
🍥 For the Boiled Frosting:
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1½ tsp light corn syrup
- ½ cup boiling water
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
🧑🍳 Instructions
STEP 1: Make the Cake
- Preheat Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. - Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with milk and vanilla, beating just until combined. - Fold in Egg Whites
Gently fold the stiffly beaten egg whites into the batter. - Bake
Divide batter evenly into the pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
STEP 2: Make the Lime Filling
- Cook Base
In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
Slowly whisk in the scalded milk over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, until thickened. - Temper Eggs
In a bowl, beat eggs. Gradually whisk in half of the hot milk mixture to temper, then return to saucepan. - Finish and Cool
Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring continuously.
Remove from heat, stir in lime juice and zest.
Optional: Add a drop of green food coloring for color.
Let cool, then refrigerate until needed.
STEP 3: Make the Boiled Frosting
- Boil Syrup
In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and boiling water.
Stir until dissolved, then boil without stirring until it reaches soft-ball stage (238°F/114°C). - Whip Egg Whites
While syrup boils, beat egg whites to stiff peaks in a stand mixer. - Combine
Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites while mixing.
Add vanilla and continue beating for 10–15 minutes, until cool, glossy, and spreadable.
🎂 Assemble the Cake
- Layer It
Place one cake layer on a plate.
Spread with lime filling, leaving a 1-inch border.
Add second cake layer on top. - Frost It
Immediately spread the boiled frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
Work quickly—it sets fast! - Chill It
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Store any leftovers covered in the fridge.
💡 Tips for Success
- Sift flour before measuring for accurate texture.
- Scalded milk = heat until steaming but not boiling.
- For easier frosting, use a stand mixer for the boiled icing.
- Add lime slices or zest curls on top for extra flair.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This cake shines at:
- Spring and summer celebrations
- Bridal or baby showers
- Easter dessert tables
Pair it with:
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Peanut Butter Brownies for a sweet contrast
- Caramel Frosting as an alternative topping idea
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store refrigerated due to the filling and frosting.
- Best enjoyed within 2–3 days.
- Cake layers can be baked a day ahead and stored at room temperature, tightly wrapped.
🍈 More Cakes to Try
🥄 Final Thoughts
This Silver Cake with Lime is a sweet nod to vintage baking—light, bright, and delightfully old-fashioned in the best way. With its moist white cake layers, citrusy filling, and airy meringue-style frosting, it’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and refreshing.
Try it for your next special occasion, and tag @chefmaniac on Instagram to show us your masterpiece! Don’t forget to subscribe for more timeless bakes and crowd-pleasing desserts.
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