This cake’s tangy rhubarb and sweet strawberries blend harmoniously with the unique citrus notes of kaffir lime, creating an incredibly refreshing and flavorful dessert. The soft, buttery texture of the Louise cake is perfectly balanced by the vibrant, juicy fruits, making every bite a burst of seasonal goodness.
Perfect for any occasion, this cake will impress at gatherings or as an afternoon tea treat. With its delicate flavors and eye-catching presentation, it not only tastes delightful but also brings a touch of elegance to your dessert table. Dust it with a little icing sugar and serve with a cup of tea for a light and refreshing treat.
Full Recipe:
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200g rhubarb, chopped
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150g strawberries, hulled and halved
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1 tablespoon kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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200g unsalted butter, softened
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200g caster sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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250g self-raising flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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Pinch of salt
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Icing sugar, for dusting
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 23cm round cake tin.
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Place the rhubarb and strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar, set aside to macerate.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and remaining sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice.
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Fold in the flour, baking powder, salt, kaffir lime leaves, and lemon zest until well combined.
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Gently fold the macerated rhubarb and strawberries into the cake batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
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Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once cooled, dust with icing sugar and serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Rhubarb, Strawberry & Kaffir Lime Louise Cake
This Rhubarb, Strawberry, and Kaffir Lime Louise Cake is a vibrant, refreshing, and tropical dessert that brings together an exciting mix of tart rhubarb, sweet strawberries, and aromatic kaffir lime leaves. The cake is finished with a delightful cloud of meringue, adding a light and crispy texture to the rich, buttery base. Inspired by the classic New Zealand Louise cake, this modern twist is perfect for any occasion, particularly when looking to enjoy the bounty of fresh fruits in spring or summer. With its combination of flavors and textures, this cake is sure to impress at any gathering.
A Brief History of Louise Cake
The Louise cake is a beloved classic in New Zealand, often seen in cafes as a simple, buttery shortbread base topped with raspberry jam and a coconut meringue. It is a comfort food for many Kiwis, evoking feelings of nostalgia and homemade warmth. However, this version of the Louise cake takes the classic recipe to the next level by incorporating seasonal fruits like rhubarb and strawberries, and adding kaffir lime leaves for an extra layer of aromatic flavor. Kaffir lime is a fragrant and zesty citrus leaf that adds a fresh, almost floral note to the cake, making it an ideal complement to the tangy rhubarb and sweet strawberries.
Why Choose Rhubarb and Strawberry?
Rhubarb and strawberry are a timeless pairing that works beautifully together in both savory and sweet dishes. Rhubarb’s tartness balances the sweetness of strawberries, making them the perfect match for this cake. Rhubarb, a vegetable often mistaken for fruit, brings a natural acidity that cuts through the richness of the cake base. When combined with strawberries, the result is a complex and well-rounded flavor profile. Strawberries offer their signature juiciness and sweetness, which pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients, while the rhubarb’s slight bitterness provides a refreshing contrast.
The Role of Kaffir Lime in the Cake
Kaffir lime leaves are an essential ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, known for their intense, citrusy aroma and unique flavor. In this cake, the finely chopped kaffir lime leaves are added to the cake batter, giving it an unexpected but delightful fragrance. The leaves’ bright, zesty notes shine through, infusing the dessert with a tropical vibe that transports you to warm, sunny places. The addition of kaffir lime to the filling brings out the fruitiness of the rhubarb and strawberries, giving the entire cake a refreshing and light taste. Kaffir lime is a truly versatile ingredient that can elevate many dishes, and it’s perfect for desserts like this one, where its citrusy notes harmonize with the sweetness of fruit.
Crafting the Perfect Meringue
The meringue topping is what makes this cake stand out. Light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, it complements the dense, buttery cake and the juicy fruit. The meringue is made from egg whites, sugar, vinegar, corn flour, and vanilla, then topped with toasted flaked almonds for an added crunch. When baked, the meringue forms a crispy outer shell, which contrasts with the softness of the cake and fruit layers. The almonds give the meringue a bit of extra texture and a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste. The result is a beautiful, multi-layered dessert that combines different textures and flavors in each bite.
Tips for Making the Cake
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Baking Tin: Using a high-sided square baking tin is essential to ensure that the layers of cake, fruit, and meringue fit properly without overflowing. A removable base makes it much easier to remove the cake once it’s cooled. If you don’t have this, you can use acetate sheets or carefully line the sides of a standard tin with baking paper.
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Fruit Preparation: Make sure to chop the rhubarb and strawberries into small, even pieces to ensure even cooking and better integration with the meringue. Tossing the fruit with sugar and lime juice before layering it on top of the cake helps draw out the juices and enhances the flavors.
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Meringue Technique: To ensure your meringue turns out perfect, be sure your mixing bowl is spotless and free of grease, as this can affect the texture of the meringue. Gradually adding the sugar is key to achieving stiff, glossy peaks.
A Show-Stopping Dessert for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a spring tea party or simply want a delicious homemade treat, this Rhubarb, Strawberry & Kaffir Lime Louise Cake will surely impress your guests. The balance of tart and sweet flavors, combined with the delicate meringue, makes this dessert a standout. It’s the perfect combination of flavors that celebrates the best of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
It’s also versatile, so you can easily adapt the fruit filling depending on what’s in season. In the coming months, you might swap out the rhubarb and strawberries for peaches, blackberries, or apricots for a different twist on the flavor profile. You can even add a little saffron or pistachios for additional layers of flavor.
Conclusion
This Rhubarb, Strawberry & Kaffir Lime Louise Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the joy of baking. The sweet-tart fruit filling combined with the aromatic kaffir lime and the crunchy, fluffy meringue topping creates a truly unforgettable treat. While the recipe may seem elaborate at first glance, it’s surprisingly straightforward and the results are absolutely worth the effort. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, this cake is sure to impress with its balance of flavors, textures, and stunning presentation.