Green Cake (Lime Cake)

Green Cake, also known as Lime Cake, is a bright and tangy dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. With its vibrant color, refreshing citrus flavor, and a silky lime frosting made from sweetened condensed milk, this moist cake is a standout for parties, holidays, or any day you crave something playful and zesty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lime cake is incredibly easy to make and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The gelatin gives it a fun green hue and an extra punch of lime, while the frosting is creamy and luscious with just the right amount of tartness. It’s the perfect dessert for spring, summer, Halloween, or any festive occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:
2 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup (180g) milk, at room temperature
1/3 cup (75g) vegetable oil (flavorless like canola or sunflower)
1/4 cup (60g) freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
2 tablespoons (24g) lime-flavored gelatin powder
1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder
1/4 teaspoon (1g) salt

For the Lime Frosting:
1 1/3 cups (397g) sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup (80g) freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon (12g) lime-flavored gelatin powder
2 tablespoons (30g) hot water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs for about 1 minute. Add milk, oil, lime juice, lime zest, and gelatin powder. Whisk to combine.

3. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Gently whisk just until smooth—do not overmix.

4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.

5. For the frosting, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and lime juice until slightly thickened.

6. Dissolve the gelatin powder in hot water, then stir it into the condensed milk mixture.

7. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 to 12 servings and takes about 55 minutes total—20 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, plus chilling time for the frosting.

Variations

• Use lemon gelatin and juice for a yellow citrus twist.

• Top with whipped cream or crushed graham crackers for extra texture.

• Make it in a round cake pan for a more traditional cake presentation.

• Add a few drops of green food coloring for an even more vivid hue.

• Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical variation.

storage/reheating

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature. This cake is not ideal for freezing due to the gelatin-based frosting.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Yes, but fresh lime juice provides a brighter, more authentic flavor.

What does the gelatin do?

It adds flavor and color while helping the cake and frosting set with a slightly bouncy texture.

Is the cake very sweet?

It’s balanced—the lime juice and zest offset the sweetness of the condensed milk and sugar.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Can I skip the frosting?

You can, but it adds a rich, creamy layer that complements the tangy cake beautifully.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time as needed.

Can I make it in advance?

Absolutely. The cake actually tastes better after a day in the fridge.

Is this cake kid-friendly?

Definitely! The color and sweet lime flavor make it especially fun for kids.

Can I make cupcakes with this batter?

Yes, divide into lined muffin tins and bake for about 18–20 minutes.

Does it need to be refrigerated?

Yes, due to the frosting, store it in the fridge until serving.

Conclusion

Green Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that adds a pop of color and flavor to any table. With its moist crumb, citrusy zing, and silky frosting, it’s a playful and easy treat perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to for fun and festive baking.