Tropical Banana, Coconut & Lime Cake Recipe

Zesty Banana Coconut Lime Cake Recipe: Tropical Delight

Dive into a tropical paradise with this luscious banana coconut and lime cake that promises to whisk you away on a flavor-packed journey.

Sweet, ripe bananas blend harmoniously with tropical lime zest, creating a moist and tangy dessert.

The coconut adds a delightful texture and nutty undertone that makes each bite feel like a mini vacation.

Layers of rich, creamy frosting complement the cake natural sweetness, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Bursting with vibrant flavors, this cake brings sunshine to your kitchen and warmth to your taste buds.

The combination of ingredients creates a dessert that’s both comforting and exotic.

Get ready to savor every delectable slice of this Caribbean-inspired culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 251 kcal

Servings: 9

Banana, Coconut & Lime Cake Ingredient List

For The Base And Sweetness:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness, choose fresh eggs with bright yellow yolks for best flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar, Muscovado Sugar: Create sweetness and help in caramelization, muscovado adds deep molasses-like undertones.
  • Bananas: Bring natural sweetness and moisture, select ripe bananas with brown speckles for intense flavor.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lime Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes and aromatic complexity to the cake.
  • Vegetable Oil, Butter: Contribute to tender crumb and rich mouthfeel, use unsalted butter for controlled saltiness.
For Structural Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides cake's fundamental structure and soft texture.
  • Toasted Coconut: Delivers nutty crunch and tropical essence, toast until golden for maximum flavor.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures proper rising and light, airy texture of the cake.

Tools for Making Banana Coconut Lime Cake

  • Large mixing bowl: For combining eggs, sugars, and banana mixture.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: To beat eggs and sugars until pale and foamy.
  • Blender or food processor: To puree bananas smoothly.
  • Separate mixing bowl: For dry ingredients like flour and coconut.
  • Spatula: To fold ingredients and scrape batter into pan.
  • Cake tin (20-22 cm): Lined or greased for baking cake.
  • Wire rack: For cooling cake after baking.
  • Knife: To test cake doneness.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Bake Banana Coconut Lime Cake

  • Tropical Cake Preparation

Gather all your ingredients and equipment for a delightful baking adventure that’ll transport you to a sunny island paradise.

  • Creamy Banana Base

Whip eggs with sweet sugars and zesty lime zest until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a smooth foundation for your cake.

  • Fruit and Fat Fusion

Mash ripe bananas into the egg mixture, then gently blend in oil and melted butter for a rich, moist texture that’ll make every bite heavenly.

  • Dry Ingredient Magic

Mix together flour, toasted coconut flakes, and baking powder, carefully folding them into the banana mixture to create a perfectly balanced batter.

  • Cake Pan Styling

Transfer the batter into a prepared cake tin, adding a beautiful garnish of coconut and banana halves brushed with tangy lime juice for extra flair.

  • Oven Transformation

Bake in a preheated oven until the cake turns golden and a knife comes out clean, filling your kitchen with an irresistible tropical aroma.

  • Cooling and Serving

Let the cake rest briefly in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack, allowing it to reach the perfect temperature for slicing and enjoying.

Add a Twist to Banana Coconut Lime Cake

  • Add an extra ripe banana to intensify moisture and natural sweetness, creating a more tender cake texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Toast coconut flakes in a dry skillet until golden brown for deeper, nuttier flavor and enhanced crispiness before mixing into the batter.
  • Whip up a tangy lime glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lime juice and drizzle over cooled cake for an extra zesty punch.
  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its soft, delectable texture.
  • Replace butter and milk with coconut oil and almond milk for a completely dairy-free version that doesn't compromise on rich, tropical flavors.

How to Serve This Tropically Flavored Cake

  • Serve with Tropical Flair: Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes and a thin lime wedge for a vibrant, fresh presentation.
  • Pair with Creamy Companions: Top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the cake's tropical flavors.
  • Create a Sweet Drizzle: Prepare a zesty lime glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lime juice, then drizzle over cooled cake slices for an extra burst of citrusy sweetness.
  • Add Textural Contrast: Scatter some chopped macadamia nuts or toasted almond slivers on top to introduce a delightful crunch to the soft, moist cake.

Keep Your Banana Coconut Lime Cake Fresh

  • Maximize Freshness: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping its moist texture and vibrant flavors intact.
  • Extend Enjoyment: Refrigerate the cake wrapped in plastic wrap for 5-7 days, allowing you to savor slices throughout the week with minimal quality loss.
  • Freeze for Later: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months – perfect for unexpected dessert cravings.
  • Quick Revive Trick: Restore slightly dried cake by warming a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, instantly bringing back its soft, tender crumb and enhancing the tropical lime and coconut notes.
Print
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Tropical Banana, Coconut & Lime Cake Recipe

Tropical Banana, Coconut & Lime Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Sultry Caribbean-inspired banana, coconut & lime cake balances sweet tropical notes with tangy citrus undertones. Moist crumb and creamy frosting invite you to savor complex flavor profiles from island-inspired ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bananas
  • 2 eggs
  • 120 grams (4.2 oz) granulated sugar
  • 30 grams (1.1 oz) muscovado sugar
  • 130 grams (4.6 oz) flour
  • 70 grams (2.5 oz) grated coconut
  • 40 grams (1.4 oz) neutral oil
  • 80 grams (2.8 oz) melted butter
  • 5 grams (0.2 oz) baking powder
  • 2 limes (zest and juice)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and warm to 150°C (300°F), creating ideal baking conditions for a moist, delectable cake.
  2. Wet Mixture Creation: Whisk eggs with granulated and muscovado sugars, integrating lime zest until the concoction transforms into a light, ethereal foam that hints at the cake’s impending deliciousness.
  3. Banana Integration: Thoroughly mash ripe bananas and fold into the egg mixture, creating a smooth, aromatic foundation that promises rich, tropical flavors.
  4. Liquid Components: Blend vegetable oil and melted butter into the banana mixture, stirring until the texture becomes uniformly silky and well-incorporated.
  5. Dry Ingredient Combination: Sift flour and baking powder together, gently folding in toasted coconut flakes to ensure a harmonious distribution of dry ingredients throughout the batter.
  6. Batter Finalization: Gradually merge dry ingredients with the banana mixture, using a spatula to create a seamless, lump-free batter that promises a tender crumb.
  7. Baking Preparation: Line a cake tin with parchment paper or generously grease and flour to guarantee easy cake release and prevent unwanted sticking.
  8. Decorative Touches: Pour batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the surface and adorning with additional toasted coconut and banana halves delicately dipped in lime juice.
  9. Baking Process: Place in preheated oven and bake for approximately 55 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a knife that emerges clean and dry.
  10. Cooling and Serving: Rest cake in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling to optimize texture and intensify the cake’s complex flavor profile.

Notes

  • Banana Ripeness Matters: Use overripe bananas with dark brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor intensity.
  • Toasting Coconut Tip: Carefully toast coconut flakes in a dry skillet until golden brown to enhance nutty undertones and prevent burning.
  • Zest Technique: Grate lime zest gently to capture essential oils without including bitter white pith underneath.
  • Temperature Precision: Maintain consistent oven temperature to ensure even baking and prevent dry edges or undercooked center.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 251
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 103 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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