A wonderful flavor combination in a simple cake that is all about the details: the lime sugar, soft crumb, and powdered sugar frosting with toasted coconut.
A simple cake with an extra boost of flavor
See this gorgeous coconut lime cake with a drippy frosting and lime wedges on top? It might be your next favorite cake for afternoon tea or to snack on with a cup of coffee.
It's bursting with flavor thanks to a few tricks.
Coconut cake is an extremely popular bake, but this one is a tad different. The lime adds an extra fresh note-even brighter than using lemon, if you ask me. It's a truly inspiring combination of flavors.
The lime glaze is the perfect finishing layer that will have you licking your fingers.
We love coconut and citrus and have several recipes to prove it: coconut citrus shortbread, coconut lemon cake and coconut cupcakes with passionfruit.
Steps to make coconut lime cake
Lime coconut
The lime juice is stirred with the coconut an hour before the cake batter is mixed. This will add flavor and moisten the coconut.
Lime sugar
The lime zest is mixed with the sugar. Use your fingertips. You'll smell the oils from the lime releasing.
Cake batter
It's thick and dense.
An offset spatula is a great utensil for spreading it in the cake pan.
Baking
You can use a round or square cake pan with a removable bottom if possible, as it's easier to remove it.
Lime glaze
As in so many other cakes in this blog, we use the reliable powdered sugar glaze.
Of course, the liquid is lime juice.
The cake is finished with some toasted coconut on top of the icing.
Kitchen Notes
- Organization: read the recipe first and ensure you have ingredients at the correct temperature, utensils and equipment needed, and enough workspace. This will make the process so much easier.
- Baking time: consider that all ovens and pans are different, even if they look similar. The baking time in my recipes is as accurate as possible, but it might take you more or less time. You can use a thermometer(like the OXO oven thermometer) to check that your oven is at the right temperature. I recommend keeping track of how your oven works and what tiny details you might need to adjust.
- Lime juice: don't be tempted to add more juice to the shredded coconut as it will overpower the coconut flavor of the baked cake. Remember more lime will be added to the glaze.
- Plain cake: the glaze is amazing and adds a layer of flavor, but you can also omit it.
- Extra coconut flavor: you might want to enhance it by adding ½ teaspoon of coconut extract.
Related recipes you might like:
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Glazed Coconut Lime Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup butter, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
For the icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
For the cake:
- One hour before starting the cake, grate ½ teaspoon lime zest and mix it with ¾ cup sugar using the tip of your fingers so it starts to release oil. This will enhance the lime flavor. Reserve.
- In a small bowl, stir 3 tablespoons lime juice with 1 cup unsweetened coconut. It will not moisten all the coconut, but that's fine. Mix to moisten and let soak for 1 hour. I tried it with more juice so more coconut was moistened, but there was too much lime flavor, and the coconut got a little bit lost.
- Preheat oven to 325ºF (180°C).
- Butter or spray a 9-inch round springform cake pan. Reserve.
- In a large bowl, sift 1 and ¼ cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt. Reserve.
- Start beating ¾ cup unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the lime sugar and beat for 2-3 minutes until creamy and light-colored.
- Add 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each addition.
- Mix in the coconut with lime juice.
- Stir in the flour mixture in 2 parts, beating on low speed until incorporated. Don't overmix it, or the cake will be less fluffy.
- Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry.
- Transfer to wire rack, let cool for 15 minutes and remove from the pan. Let cool completely before icing.
For the lime glaze:
- Mix 1 cup powdered sugar in a bowl with 2 tablespoons lime juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze on top, letting it drip to the sides. of
- Top with shredded coconut and lime wedges. Let dry and serve.
- Store covered in plastic wrap or under a cake dome for 2 days at room temperature. Freeze leftovers for longer storage.
Andrea_TheKitchenLioness says
Paula, the combination of coconut and lime is always utterly delicious and refreshing, perfect for this time of year - I will hop over and take a look at your guest post then!
Have a lovely Tuesday!
Karen @ Lemon Grove Cake Diaries says
Coconut and lime is a beautiful combination! I will go and check out Lora's blog.
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
Oh yum! This sounds delicious Paula. I'm heading over there now to check out the recipe.
Angie Schneider says
A perfect summery cake, Paula. I love all the flavours.
Medeja says
Wonderful exotic combination of flavors!
Grandbabycakes says
That is such a beautiful lime cake! I love the touch of coconut.
Deanna Samaan says
This great! I am going to showcase this on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SeductionInTheKitchen you are welcome anytime to post your photo and post links on it!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Uh, beautiful!!!!! Heading over to Lora's blog now!!!
The Ninja Baker says
Seriously splendid cake to cheer one on for a fresh new week with a zing of lime and a shot of sweet =)
Heading over to the Cake Duchess to check out the details of your lovely coconut lime cake, Paula =)
Lisa says
I love the pairing of coconut and lime and this cake looks amazing! Going to check out your post at Lora's 🙂
Munatycooking says
Very beautiful cake indeed. I'm heading to Lora's right now 🙂
Liz Berg says
What a gorgeous cake to share with Lora! Off to read your guest post.
thelittleloaf says
Lucky Laura and what a beautiful cake 🙂
Cocoa and Lavender says
Heading over for the recipe NOW! U believe I just found my birthday cake - although there is no way I am waiting till August to try this! ~ David
Cocoa and Lavender says
I didn't wait - it was fabulous! It reminded me of the old Harry Nilssen recording that had the line... "You put the lime in the coconut and drink it all up." Lime and coconut are the perfect pairing!
Cocoa and Lavender says
And I have another in the oven this morning! So easy and so good! Thanks, Paula!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
Gorgeous. I love the flavor and aroma of coconut and lime together. I'll go check out the recipe...
Have a great week! 🙂
Gloria Baker says
Look fantastic Paula like all your recipes!!!Me ecanta, divino!!!!xo
Lora CakeDuchess says
I was so in love with this coconut lime cake as soon as you sent it over to me for the blog. It is as gorgeous as all you create here, Paula. I appreciate your friendship and your super recipe. xx gracias xx
Laura Dembowski says
Oh, my, Paula, this cake looks and sounds incredible! Coconut and lime go together so well. And all that glaze - yum!
Steph says
Look at that GLAZE!
Renee says
What a wonderful cake you baked for Lora! I'm heading over now to check out the recipe and details...