This Coconut Lime and Raspberry Cake is a vibrant, tropical-inspired treat that captures the freshness of lime, the sweetness of coconut, and the tartness of raspberries in every bite. The combination of shredded coconut and tangy lime zest gives the cake a unique, summery flavor, while the juicy raspberries add a burst of brightness that perfectly complements the moist and tender crumb. With each slice, you’ll experience a balance of sweet and zesty flavors, making this cake an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Easy to prepare and beautifully presented, this cake is a true heart-stealer, perfect for those who love the combination of fruit and tropical flavors.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love this cake because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, with the richness of coconut providing a delightful backdrop to the bold flavors of lime and raspberry. The moist texture, enhanced by yogurt or soft cheese, makes it incredibly tender, while the fresh raspberries scattered throughout add a juicy burst of flavor. The cake is easy to make yet delivers impressive results, making it a great option for both casual snacking and special occasions. Its versatility and light, refreshing taste make it an ideal dessert for any time of the year, but it’s especially perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Perfect Occasion: This Coconut Lime and Raspberry Cake is perfect for brunches, afternoon teas, and picnics, as well as more formal occasions like birthdays, baby showers, or holiday celebrations. It’s a great dessert to bring to a potluck or to enjoy at family gatherings, where its fruity, tropical flavors will be a hit with guests of all ages. The cake’s vibrant flavor profile makes it ideal for warm-weather celebrations, while its comforting texture and sweet-tart balance also make it a lovely choice for cooler months when you want a taste of sunshine.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lime glaze made from lime juice and powdered sugar. Garnish with extra fresh raspberries or thin slices of lime for a pop of color. To add a touch of texture and contrast, you can sprinkle the top with toasted coconut flakes or even chopped pistachios for added crunch. If you want to take the decoration a step further, you can add edible flowers to give the cake a charming, elegant finish perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients for a Large Cake:
- 300g granulated sugar
- 160g softened butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 whole eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lime (optional)
- 250g all-purpose flour (0000)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 160g plain yogurt or soft cheese (like Finlandia or casancrem)
- 140g shredded coconut
- 80-100g frozen or fresh raspberries
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and lime zest until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Eggs: Gradually incorporate the egg yolks and whole eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully mixed. Stir in the vanilla extract and yogurt, blending everything together.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two or three additions, alternating with the shredded coconut. Gently fold the mixture until combined.
- Add the Raspberries: Carefully fold the raspberries into the batter, being mindful not to break them up too much.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 23x12x10 cm loaf tin or similar-sized cake pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the top with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serving: For the best flavor and texture, let the cake rest overnight. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a lime glaze before serving.
Enjoy!