coconut and lime cake recipe

I never liked coconut cake or bread until I made this. It contains desiccated coconut, but the richness of the coconut milk makes you want to take another bite. It’s one of my favorite cakes.

timing

Preparation time: 20 minutes + cooling time

Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes

service

Ten

material

• 245g butter, melted and cooled, plus more for grease
• 300g soft flour (sifted)
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 50g dried coconut
• 145g brown sugar
• 100g coconut palm sugar (or use all warm sugar)
• 200ml can of coconut milk (be sure to shake the can to mix the cream and liquid)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• zest of 2 limes, finely grated

For the coconut buttercream

• 80g unsalted butter
• 80g powdered sugar
• coconut cream 50ml
• 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
• 1/2 to 1 lime juice (appropriate amount)
• 1 tablespoon Malibu or white rum (optional)
• toasted or sweetened coconut flakes, for garnish

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/170C fan/gas mark 4.
2. Grease a 22 x 11 x 6cm loaf pan with butter and base line.
3. Combine all dry ingredients for the cake and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.
4. Combine cooled butter, coconut milk, eggs, and vanilla extract and pour over dry ingredients.
5. Add lime zest and mix with a wooden spoon.
6. Pour into the prepared tin and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes (check your cake after 1 hour and 15 minutes, as ovens vary quite a bit). If you insert a skewer into the center, it should come out clean.
7. Let cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then carefully place on a wire rack (this is a fragile cake). Let stand until completely cool.
8. Meanwhile, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, then add the coconut cream (on low speed if using an electric stand mixer).
9. Whisk again and add desiccated coconut, lime juice, and alcohol if using.
10. Transfer to a bowl, cover and chill for about 30 minutes.
11. Spread the buttercream over the cake with a palette knife and sprinkle with coconut flakes. Set aside in a cool place so the topping can harden slightly before slicing.