Banana, Coconut & Lime Cake Recipe

Try This Zesty Banana, Coconut & Lime Cake Recipe Today

Banana, coconut, and lime create a tropical symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with vibrant intensity.

Sweet, ripe bananas form the tender foundation of this delightful dessert, promising rich moistness in every slice.

Shredded coconut adds a delicate crunch and nutty undertone that complements the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Zesty lime brings a bright, refreshing counterpoint, cutting through the cake richness with its tangy essence.

Moist and aromatic, this cake transports you to sun-drenched islands with its complex layered taste profile.

Soft crumb and balanced ingredients merge into a harmonious treat that feels both comforting and exotic.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates tropical indulgence.

Why Banana, Coconut & Lime Cake Feels Like the Tropics

  • Tropical Flavor Explosion: Experience a vibrant burst of tropical flavors with the perfect harmony of ripe bananas, zesty lime, and toasted coconut that dance together in every delightful bite.
  • Texture Paradise: Enjoy an incredibly moist cake with a soft, tender crumb complemented by crunchy toasted coconut pieces that add a delightful textural contrast and nutty dimension.
  • Effortless Baking Charm: This foolproof recipe requires simple mixing techniques and minimal preparation, making it an ideal treat for both novice and experienced bakers who want a stunning dessert without complicated steps.

What Goes Into This Sun-Kissed Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Fresh and at room temperature for better volume and texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Muscovado Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake's moisture and caramel-like depth.
  • Lime Zest: Adds bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic notes to the cake.
Fruit Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Ripe and soft bananas for natural sweetness and moist texture.
  • Lime Juice: For dipping banana slices and adding tangy brightness.
Fat and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil, Butter: Creates a tender, rich cake with smooth consistency.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the cake.
  • Toasted Coconut: Adds nutty flavor and tropical texture to the cake.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

Steps for Baking with Bold Banana and Bright Lime

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Equipment

Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a cake tin with parchment paper or grease and flour the pan.

Step 2: Create Egg Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Muscovado sugar
  • Lime zest

Beat until mixture becomes pale and develops a light, foamy texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Banana Mixture

Mash 3 ripe bananas until smooth. Blend into the egg mixture. Add:
  • Cooking oil
  • Melted butter

Stir until ingredients are fully combined and create a smooth batter.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Toasted coconut flakes
  • Baking powder

Gently fold dry ingredients into the banana mixture, ensuring no flour pockets remain.

Step 5: Prepare Cake Decoration

Pour batter into prepared cake tin. Top with:
  • Extra coconut flakes
  • Banana halves dipped in fresh lime juice

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Bake in preheated oven for 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a knife – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before serving.

Tips for Toasted Coconut and Tangy Frosting

  • Ripeness Matters: Choose overripe bananas with dark brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor in your cake.
  • Toast Coconut Carefully: Gently toast coconut in a dry pan until golden brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure even color.
  • Zest with Precision: Use a microplane or fine grater to extract lime zest, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath the green skin.
  • Prevent Sinking: Toss toasted coconut and chopped banana pieces in a little flour before adding to the batter to help them stay suspended throughout the cake.
  • Moisture Check: Test cake doneness by inserting a thin knife or skewer into the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

How to Store This Tropical Treat

  • Store: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness up to 5 days. Sealing prevents moisture loss and maintains the cake's soft texture.
  • Refrigerate: Place the cake in a sealed container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Chilling helps preserve the cake's delicate coconut and lime flavors.
  • Reheat: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or bring to room temperature before serving. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the moist banana cake.

Great Pairings from Coffee to Rum

  • Pair with Tropical Cocktail: Mix a refreshing mojito using white rum, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, and a splash of coconut water to echo the cake's tropical flavors.
  • Match with Creamy Accompaniment: Serve alongside a scoop of homemade coconut or lime sorbet to enhance the cake's fruity and tropical notes.
  • Create a Coffee Companion: Enjoy with a smooth, cold brew coffee or a coconut milk latte to complement the cake's rich, sweet profile and balance its delicate flavors.
  • Elevate with Tropical Garnish: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a thin lime wedge on the side to boost the cake's aromatic and textural experience.

Fresh Variations to Change the Mood

  • Tropical Paradise Cake: Replace lime zest with orange zest and add passion fruit pulp for an extra tropical flavor profile. Swap out some coconut with crushed macadamia nuts for added crunch.
  • Spiced Banana Coconut Cake: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom into the dry ingredients. Top with a cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.
  • Chocolate Banana Coconut Fusion: Mix dark chocolate chips into the batter and drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cake. Garnish with chocolate-covered coconut shavings for an indulgent touch.
  • Gluten-Free Wellness Cake: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Add chia seeds and chopped nuts for extra nutrition and texture. Top with a light coconut glaze made from powdered sugar and coconut milk.
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Banana, Coconut & Lime Cake Recipe

Banana, Coconut & Lime Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Tropical paradise meets dessert bliss in this Banana, Coconut & Lime Cake. Creamy banana layers kissed with zesty lime and toasted coconut create a refreshing escape that whisks you to island paradise with each delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 bananas
  • 2 eggs
  • 120 grams (4.2 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 30 grams (1.1 ounces) muscovado sugar
  • 130 grams (4.6 ounces) flour
  • 70 grams (2.5 ounces) grated coconut

Leavening and Fat Components:

  • 5 grams (0.2 ounces) baking powder
  • 40 grams (1.4 ounces) neutral oil
  • 80 grams (2.8 ounces) melted butter

Citrus Flavoring:

  • Zest and juice of 2 limes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
  2. Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl, incorporating granulated and muscovado sugars along with freshly grated lime zest until the mixture becomes light, airy, and develops a pale, foamy texture.
  3. Mash three ripe bananas thoroughly and fold them into the egg mixture, creating a smooth, fragrant base.
  4. Incorporate vegetable oil and melted butter into the banana mixture, stirring until completely integrated and silky.
  5. In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour and baking powder, then gently fold in toasted coconut flakes, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  6. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, using a spatula to create a uniform, lump-free batter.
  7. Prepare a cake tin by lining it with parchment paper or greasing and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
  8. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
  9. Sprinkle additional toasted coconut over the batter and arrange banana halves dipped in fresh lime juice on top for decorative flair.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 55 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a knife or skewer into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
  11. Allow the cake to rest in the tin for 5 minutes to stabilize its structure.
  12. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire cooling rack, letting it cool completely before serving to ensure optimal texture and flavor development.

Notes

  • Tropical Twist: This cake blends sweet bananas, zesty lime, and toasted coconut for a vibrant, island-inspired dessert that bursts with flavor.
  • Temperature Precision: Maintain a low, steady oven temperature to ensure even baking and prevent the cake from drying out or burning.
  • Banana Ripeness Matters: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and a more intense fruit flavor in the cake.
  • Coconut Enhancement: Toasting coconut before adding to the batter intensifies its nutty aroma and adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: The cake stays moist for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making it perfect for advanced preparation.
  • Serving Suggestion: Enjoy slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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