How to Make Coconut Lime Cake

If you’ve been craving something tropical, tender, and a little tangy, this Old Fashioned Coconut Lime Cake will absolutely hit the spot. Bursting with zesty lime and sweet coconut, this recipe combines the richness of a homemade dessert with the nostalgic flavor of a Southern bake. Whether you’re inspired by the Mary Berry lime and coconut cake, love a Coconut Lime Cake MasterChef moment, or want something as easy as a boxed mix with gourmet flavor—this one’s for you.

This cake is soft, creamy, and full of citrus-sweet character. Great for birthdays, potlucks, tea time, or just a treat-yourself moment. It blends the brightness of lime with the richness of coconut, creating a tropical flavor fusion that feels both refreshing and indulgent. It’s also simple enough to whip up on a lazy Sunday afternoon—and yes, there’s even a coconut lime cake vegan option below.

🥥 Ingredients List

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon lime zest (about 2 limes)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup canned coconut milk (full fat preferred)
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon coconut milk (optional for creaminess)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavor

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with coconut milk. Mix just until combined.

Step 6: Fold in Coconut

Gently fold in the shredded coconut with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, lime juice, zest, and coconut milk (if using) to make a thick glaze.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Garnish with extra lime zest or toasted coconut if desired.

💡 Expert Cooking Tip

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter mixes evenly for a creamy texture.
• If your cake browns too quickly, loosely tent it with foil around the 30-minute mark.
• For extra lime flavor, brush the warm cake with a quick lime syrup (1:1 sugar and lime juice).
• Toast the shredded coconut before folding it in or sprinkling it on top for a deeper flavor.

🔁 Ingredient Substitutions

• No coconut milk? Use whole milk + 1 tsp coconut extract.
• Gluten-free? Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-free or vegan? Use plant-based butter, coconut yogurt, and egg substitutes (like flax eggs or applesauce). Try our Coconut Lime Cake Vegan variation!

⏱ Additional Info

Looking for a quick citrus twist? Try our Key Lime Cake mini bundts—they’re adorable and delicious.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: 395
• Total Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Sugar: 29g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g

❓ FAQ

1. What makes this an old fashioned coconut lime cake?

It uses real butter, eggs, and coconut milk, plus no shortcuts—just pure, homemade flavor like grandma used to bake.

2. Can I make this as an easy coconut lime cake with a boxed mix?

Yes! Use a white or yellow cake mix, add lime juice, zest, and coconut flakes for an easier twist.

3. Is this like the Mary Berry lime and coconut cake or the BBC version?

Absolutely. It shares that signature soft texture and zesty finish found in the Lime and Coconut Cake BBC and Mary Berry versions.

4. Can I make this Nigella coconut lime cake style with almonds?

Yes! Replace ¼ cup flour with ground almonds for a Nigella-style coconut lime cake feel.

5. Is there a coconut lime cake MasterChef twist to elevate it?

Sure—serve it with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a lime curd drizzle for that Coconut Lime Cake MasterChef elegance.

🎉 Try This Cake & Share the Love!

This Old Fashioned Coconut Lime Cake is everything a good dessert should be—moist, flavorful, comforting, and easy to make. Whether you prefer the Nigella coconut lime cake version, a Key lime cake adaptation, or a simple easy coconut lime cake, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten your table.

🍋 Made it? Loved it? Leave a comment below and rate the recipe—your feedback helps others (and makes our day)! Don’t forget to share your bake on Instagram with #CoconutLimeCakeLove.