Lime and Coconut Sheet Cake with Toasted Coconut Garnish
Moist sheet cake bursting with fresh lime juice and zest, layered with coconut cream frosting and topped with toasted shredded coconut. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch sheet pan. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, 1 cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp lime zest, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined without overmixing.
- Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Step 5: For the frosting, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar and beat until light and spreadable.
- Step 6: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Step 7: Toast 1/2 cup shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the toasted coconut evenly over the frosted cake before slicing and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lime and Coconut Sheet Cake with Toasted Coconut Garnish take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Lime and Coconut Sheet Cake with Toasted Coconut Garnish?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lime and Coconut Sheet Cake with Toasted Coconut Garnish?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lime and Coconut Sheet Cake with Toasted Coconut Garnish for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lime and Coconut Sheet Cake with Toasted Coconut Garnish?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
