Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd

Published: May 28, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: The fusion of watermelon and lime creates a refreshing taste that’s perfect for warm weather.
Visually Stunning: The bright colors of the cake layers make it a showstopper at any event.
Versatile Dessert: Ideal for birthdays, baby showers, or summer barbecues—this cake suits all celebrations.
Fun to Decorate: Get creative with frosting designs and garnishes, making it a fun baking project.
Moist and Tender: Thanks to the simple syrup and buttermilk, this cake is incredibly moist with every bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather all your tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Cake pans (6-inch or 8-inch)
Parchment paper
Rubber spatula
Pastry brush or squeeze bottle

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless while ensuring a consistent batter.
Mixing bowls: Essential for organizing ingredients and combining them efficiently during preparation.
Cake pans: Properly sized pans are crucial for even baking and achieving the desired cake height.

Ingredients

Tender white cake layers with watermelon simple syrup, watermelon buttercream, and lime curd.

3 cups (339 g) cake flour
1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons (14 g) baking powder
1 teaspoon (5.6 g) salt
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes (room temperature)
1 1/4 cup (300 g) buttermilk (room temperature)
5 egg whites (room temperature)
1 teaspoon (4.2 g) clear vanilla extract
Pink food gel (optional)
1/2 cup (118 g) water
1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
1 – 3 oz. package of watermelon Jell-O
3 tablespoons (44.25 g) water
2 cups (452 g) unsalted butter (slightly cold)
6 cups (750 g) powdered sugar (measured and then sifted)
3 tablespoons (43.3 g) heavy cream
2 teaspoons (8.4 g) clear vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Pink food gel (optional)
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
4 teaspoons lime zest
1/2 cup (112 g) fresh lime juice
3 egg yolks and 3 whole eggs
4 tablespoons (56.5 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Green food gel (optional)
Chocolate chips

How to Make Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Prepare four 6-inch or three 8-inch cake pans by spraying each pan with nonstick spray, lining the bottoms with parchment rounds, and spraying the pans again. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about two minutes.
2. Add egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by vanilla extract.
3. Mix on medium-high for one minute; add pink food gel if desired.

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; whisk to combine.

With the mixer on low speed:
1. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture in your large mixing bowl until fully combined.

Evenly divide the batter into prepared pans:
1. Use about ten to eleven ounces of batter in each of four 6-inch pans or fifteen ounces in each eight-inch pan.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Bake for thirty to thirty-three minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with few crumbs. Allow cooling in pans for about ten minutes before inverting onto cooling racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Level Cake Layers

Once cooled completely:
1. Level each layer using a cake leveler or serrated knife.
2. Apply watermelon simple syrup as desired before stacking or wrap layers individually in plastic wrap to freeze for later use.

Step 5: Prepare Watermelon Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan:
1. Combine sugar and water; bring to boil while stirring until dissolved.
2. Remove from heat; stir in watermelon Jell-O until dissolved.
3. Cool before applying onto cake layers using a pastry brush or squeeze bottle.

Step 6: Make Watermelon Buttercream

In another small saucepan:
1. Heat water and Jell-O until dissolved; let cool to room temperature.

In your stand mixer:
1. Beat butter on medium-high speed until smooth and lighter in color for about two minutes.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar; slowly stream in Jell-O mixture.
3. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt; beat on medium-high for five minutes.

Reserve portions of frosting as needed for assembly:
1. Save one-and-a-half cups for filling; reserve additional amounts for coloring later.

Step 7: Prepare Lime Curd

In another small saucepan:
1. Combine sugar, lime juice, and lime zest over medium heat; stir until dissolved.
2. Add egg yolks plus whole eggs while stirring continuously.
3. Cook mixture while stirring for about five to six minutes until thickened; remove from heat; stir in cold unsalted butter until smooth.

Run through fine mesh sieve once cooled:
Refrigerate curd with plastic wrap directly on top for at least four hours before use.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Place first cake layer on a board:
1. Cover with one-fourth cup frosting; pipe rim around edge.
2. Fill center with two to three tablespoons of lime curd.

Continue stacking layers following similar steps above until all are assembled securely together:

If needed:
Insert plastic straws as dowels if wobbly during assembly process.

Using reserved light pink frosting:
Apply crumb coat around entire cake then freeze briefly while preparing tinted frostings for design work ahead!

Step 9: Decorate Your Cake

Prepare colored frostings using food gels based on your preferred shades:

After crumb coat sets:
Pipe green frosting lines around bottom followed by alternating shades up top finishing off design! Add chocolate chips resembling seeds atop dark pink frosting!

Now you have an amazing Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd

Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd is a delightful dessert that brightens any occasion. Whether it’s a summer picnic or a birthday celebration, serving this cake can be a showstopper. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this delicious treat.

Individual Slices

Serve individual slices on dessert plates for a classic presentation. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for added color and flavor.

Cake Pops

Transform leftover cake into fun cake pops. Crumble the cake, mix with frosting, shape into balls, dip in chocolate, and serve on sticks.

Mini Cakes

Create mini versions of the watermelon cake using smaller cake pans. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a sweet snack.

Layered Parfaits

Layer pieces of the cake with whipped cream and fresh fruit in clear cups. This makes for an elegant presentation and allows guests to see the beautiful layers.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Use slices of the watermelon cake as the outer layers of an ice cream sandwich. Fill with your favorite ice cream for a refreshing twist.

Picnic Style

Slice the cake into squares and pack it up for a picnic. Pair it with refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea for a perfect outdoor treat.

How to Perfect Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd

Perfecting your Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd involves attention to detail and a few helpful techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and fluffy texture.
Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and powdered sugar breaks up clumps, ensuring even distribution in your batter and frosting.
Cool Layers Completely: Allow each cake layer to cool fully before stacking. This prevents melting frosting and keeps the structure intact.
Crumb Coat First: Apply a thin layer of frosting (the crumb coat) before decorating. This locks in crumbs and creates a smooth surface for final decoration.
Experiment with Colors: Don’t hesitate to adjust food gel colors according to your preference. A vibrant appearance makes your Watermelon Cake visually appealing.
Chill Between Steps: If your buttercream becomes too soft during decoration, refrigerate it briefly until it firms up. This will make piping easier and more precise.

Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd

Pairing side dishes with Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd can enhance your dessert experience. Consider these options that complement the flavors of the cake perfectly.

Minted Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed with mint leaves adds brightness to your meal.
Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice pairs well, balancing the tartness of lime curd.
Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled vegetables adds savory depth that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake.
Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemonade offers a zesty drink option that complements the cake’s lime flavor.
Caprese Skewers: These skewers combine fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes, providing a savory bite alongside dessert.
Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad dressed in vinaigrette can serve as an excellent side dish without overpowering the main attraction.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide variety and balance out the sweetness of the Watermelon Cake.
Tropical Smoothie: A blend of tropical fruits can serve as both a refreshing drink and light side option during summer gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the final outcome.

Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake. Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a light texture.
Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Avoid the mistake of estimating ingredient amounts; use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until combined to keep it tender and fluffy.
Ignoring cooling times: Rushing through cooling can affect stacking and frosting. Allow each layer to cool completely before assembly for better stability.
Forgetting the simple syrup: This step adds moisture and flavor. Don’t skip it; apply the watermelon simple syrup generously between layers for a deliciously moist cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover slices in an airtight container.
The cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
You can freeze the cake for up to 1 month; double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap slices in foil and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the layers and store them separately in the refrigerator or freezer, assembling them when you’re ready to serve.

How do I customize my Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd?

You can add different flavors or frostings! Consider using lemon curd instead of lime or adding fresh fruit between layers for extra flavor.

What is the best way to decorate my Watermelon Cake?

Use green and pink food gels to create a fun watermelon design. Adding chocolate chips as seeds enhances both appearance and taste!

How should I store my Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it wrapped tightly for up to 1 month.

Final Thoughts

This Watermelon Cake with Lime Curd is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Its layers of tender cake paired with refreshing lime curd make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with flavors and decorations, making this recipe your own! Try it today and impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert!

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