Coconut Lime Sheet Cake

Coconut lime sheet cake pairs a soft coconut-scented crumb with lime cream cheese frosting. Bake it in a rectangular pan, cool completely and finish with a little shredded coconut and fresh lime zest.

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Recipe at a Glance

  • Yield: 12 squares
  • Preparation: 25 minutes
  • Cooking: 35 minutes
  • Resting and chilling: Cool fully before frosting

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Cake

Ingredient and amount
250 g all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
150 g unsalted butter, softened
200 g granulated sugar
3 large eggs
180 ml canned coconut milk, stirred
60 g finely shredded unsweetened coconut
Zest of 2 limes
2 tablespoons lime juice

Frosting

Ingredient and amount
200 g full-fat block cream cheese, softened
60 g unsalted butter, softened
180 g powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lime zest
25 g shredded coconut, to finish

Before You Start

Use stirred canned coconut milk rather than a thin coconut beverage.

Directions

1. Prepare

Heat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 23 x 30 cm baking pan. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt.

2. Mix

Beat butter and sugar fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then zest. Fold in dry ingredients alternating with coconut milk. Fold in coconut and lime juice.

3. Bake

Spread into pan. Bake 30–38 minutes until the center springs back and a skewer comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a rack.

4. Frost

Beat butter and cream cheese smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and zest just until creamy; do not overbeat.

5. Finish

Spread frosting over the fully cooled cake and scatter with coconut. Refrigerate briefly before cutting.

Cook’s Tips

  • Use stirred canned coconut milk rather than a thin coconut beverage.
  • Measure ingredients before starting and use the stated pan size. Cooking times are a guide; follow the texture and doneness cues in the method.

Storage

Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days. Let slices stand briefly before serving. Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake a day ahead?

Yes. Cool, cover and refrigerate; frost before serving or the day before.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime zest provides much of the aroma, so fresh fruit is preferable.