Coconut Lime Pisces Cake

Name: Coconut Lime Pisces Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs; ½ cup buttermilk; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon lime zest; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon lime zest

Highlighted under: Quick Dessert Ideas

When I first decided to make this Coconut Lime Pisces Cake, I envisioned a bright and refreshing dessert that would transport me to a tropical paradise. The combination of coconut and lime is a match made in heaven, creating a treat that's both light and indulgent. As I whisked the ingredients together, I realized that the key to achieving the perfect flavor balance lies in using fresh lime juice and zest, which truly elevates the cake's essence. Trust me, this cake will become your go-to for gatherings or a simple indulgence.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T22:45:28.467Z

Making this Coconut Lime Pisces Cake was an adventure in my kitchen. The wonderful aroma of coconut and lime filled the air as I mixed the batter, and I felt transported to a sun-soaked beach. One tip I discovered during my experimentation is to toast the coconut flakes before adding them to the batter; this amplification of flavor makes a noticeable difference in the final product.

As I shared this cake with friends, their faces lit up with delight upon the first bite. The combination of moist cake, zesty lime, and creamy coconut frosting truly creates a heavenly experience. It’s the perfect dessert for warm days, or anytime you need a little tropical escape!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Zesty lime flavor complements creamy coconut richness
Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Ideal for bringing a tropical vibe to any gathering

Choosing the Right Lime

The freshness of limes plays a crucial role in the flavor profile of the Coconut Lime Pisces Cake. When selecting limes, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size, as these are usually juicier. Always prefer fresh limes over bottled lime juice to achieve that vibrant, zesty flavor that enhances the cake. You can also use key limes for a more intense tartness, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of coconut.

Don’t forget to zest the limes before juicing, as the zest is where much of the essential oil resides, infusing your cake with even more aromatic lime flavor. When zesting, use a fine microplane or zester, ensuring you only remove the green outer layer of the skin and avoid the bitter white pith underneath.

Texture Tips for Success

Achieving a moist and fluffy cake relies heavily on the ratio of wet to dry ingredients, as well as the mixing method used. It’s crucial to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly – at least 3 to 5 minutes – to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture. Be careful not to overmix once you combine the wet and dry ingredients; mix just until you see no dry flour to ensure your cakes don’t turn out dense.

Using buttermilk adds not just moisture but also acidity that helps tenderize the flour proteins, which contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth texture. For a non-dairy option, you can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of plant-based milk and vinegar, letting it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Coconut Lime Pisces Cake:

For the Cake

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
1 cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create your Coconut Lime Pisces Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in buttermilk, lime juice, and lime zest.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and coconut flakes. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lime juice, and lime zest, beating until well combined. Fold in the toasted coconut.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake, and garnish with additional toasted coconut if desired.

Let the cake set for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your creation!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of lime flavor, drizzle a simple lime glaze over the top just before serving.

Storing and Freezing

If you're planning to make the Coconut Lime Pisces Cake ahead of time, know that it stores quite well! Wrap the cooled layers individually in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will meld even further, enhancing the lime and coconut notes.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap them securely in foil and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to use, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to come back to room temperature before frosting.

Variations to Try

While the coconut and lime combination is delightful, you can experiment with different flavors by adding a hint of vanilla extract to the batter or even incorporating pineapple chunks for an extra tropical flair. Just be sure to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly to accommodate any additional moisture from the fruit.

Another fun idea is to create a layered variation using a coconut whipped cream in between the cake layers alongside the cream cheese frosting. This will not only enhance the coconut flavor but also give a light, airy feel to each slice, making it even more delectable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh coconut instead of shredded?

Yes, you can use fresh coconut; just ensure it’s finely grated.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ Is there an alternative to cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.