Lime and pistachio tea cake with cream cheese frosting
“The value of lime juice and rind extends beyond Asian dishes.”
- 220g soft unsalted butter
- 180g caster sugar
- 3 eggs
- 200g self-raising flour
- 90g plain flour
- Rind of 1 lime, finely grated
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/3 cup shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
Frosting
- 200g cream cheese
- 110g caster sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsps lime juice
- 1/3 cup shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
Tangy, refreshing and at their peak right now, limes can substitute for other citrus in most recipes - just taste as you go to keep the flavours balanced. A splash of juice or a pinch of rind gives a cool contrast to the richness of meat, chicken and soups and compliments delicate fish and veal dishes.
Method
Pre-heat oven to 170C. Beat butter and sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in combined sifted flours, rind and juice and stir until combined.
Fold in pistachios and spoon mixture into a greased and base-lined 13x23cm loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes (test with a cake skewer). Cool then turn out onto serving plate.
For the frosting
Process cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract in a food processor until smooth. Add lime juice to taste and process until well combined. Spread frosting over cake and sprinkle with pistachios.
Serves 8.