This elegant Toasted Coconut Cake with Lime Filling offers a delightful balance of sweet, tropical flavors and bright citrus acidity. The cake itself is light and airy, made with whipped egg whites and toasted flaked coconut, providing a wonderful textural contrast to the smooth, tangy lime curd filling. Topped with a fluffy Italian meringue icing and more coconut, it’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or special celebrations. The combination of warm toasted coconut and sharp lime creates a memorable taste experience that feels both homemade and sophisticated.
Toasted Coconut Cake W/Lime Filling
Description
This elegant Toasted Coconut Cake with Lime Filling offers a delightful balance of sweet, tropical flavors and bright citrus acidity. The cake itself is light and airy, made with whipped egg whites and toasted flaked coconut, providing a wonderful textural contrast to the smooth, tangy lime curd filling. Topped with a fluffy Italian meringue icing and more coconut, it&# 226;ÂÂs a show-stopping dessert perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or special celebrations. The combination of warm toasted coconut and sharp lime creates a memorable taste experience that feels both homemade and sophisticated.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350ðF (175ðC).
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Line the bottoms of two 8-inch round cake pans with wax paper; grease and flour the pans, shaking out excess flour.
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Spread 1 cup flaked coconut in a jelly-roll pan. Toast in the preheated oven, stirring once or twice, for 7 minutes or until golden. Let cool completely.
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In a bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups cake flour, 3 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream 1/2 cup shortening with 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in 3 egg yolks, one at a time, then beat in 1 tsp vanilla.
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Add the flour mixture alternately with 1 cup milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat until smooth.
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In a separate clean bowl, beat 3 egg whites with 1/4 tsp salt until foamy. Add 1/4 tsp cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form.
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Gradually beat in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, a little at a time, until stiff glossy peaks form.
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Stir the toasted coconut and one-fourth of the meringue into the batter to lighten it. Gently fold in the remaining meringue.
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Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.
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Cool cakes in pans on racks for 10 minutes, then invert onto racks to cool completely.
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For the filling: In a small heavy saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar, 2 TB cornstarch, 1/8 tsp salt, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 TB fresh lemon juice, and 1 lightly beaten egg.
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Bring mixture to a rolling boil over moderately high heat, whisking constantly. The mixture will thicken.
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Whisk in 2 TB softened unsalted butter. Let filling cool completely.
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Split each cake layer in half horizontally with a serrated knife. Brush off loose crumbs.
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On a plate, place one cake layer cut-side up. Spread with one-third of the lime filling, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
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Sprinkle 1/4 cup coconut over the filling. Top with another cake layer cut-side down. Repeat layering with remaining filling and coconut.
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For the icing: In a saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, 2 TB light corn syrup, and 1/3 cup water. Bring to a boil, covered, stirring to dissolve sugar.
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Boil uncovered until syrup reaches 240ðF (116ðC) on a candy thermometer.
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While syrup boils, beat 3 egg whites with a pinch of salt and 3/4 tsp cream of tartar in a heatproof bowl until frothy.
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Once syrup reaches 240ðF (116ðC), pour it in a thin stream into the egg whites while beating continuously.
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Beat in 3/4 tsp vanilla. Beat until the bowl is no longer hot and icing is fluffy. If too stiff, beat in 1-2 TB hot water.
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Spread icing over top and sides of cake. Cover with 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut. Garnish with lime slices.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 714.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 21.4g33%
- Saturated Fat 16.3g82%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 22.8mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 118.5g40%
- Dietary Fiber 6.1g25%
- Sugars 3.9g
- Protein 12.8g26%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for best volume when whipping.
Use a candy thermometer for the meringue icing to ensure food safety and proper texture.
The lime filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before assembling.
For a vegan version, substitute shortening with vegan butter and use aquafaba or a commercial egg replacer for the egg whites and yolks, though texture will differ.
Store leftover cake in the refrigerator due to the egg-based filling and icing. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.