Sunday, September 5, 2010

Toasted Coconut and Lime Layer Cake





From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...This cake is a melange of bits and pieces taken from other places. The first time I assembled it, the planets must have been aligned and Lady Luck deemed to smile my way. I wanted to make a coconut cake but needed a way to beat back its sweetness. I happen to have lime curd in the refrigerator and decided to use it to fill the cake. The next step was to find an icing that was compatible with coconut and lime. I found a lovely cream cheese frosting that was perfect once its taste was heightened with the addition of coconut extract. The frosted cake looked awfully white, so I decided to add color by toasting the coconut that is classically used to cover its surfaces. While the pros have nothing to fear, this cake has become a favorite of ours. I made it for this weekend because it is fairly easy to transport and does not need constant refrigeration. The layers are a cross between a sponge and a pound cake, so it is more dense than many of the layer cakes that are currently so popular. It can handle a little jostling without collapsing and spots can be covered with additional toasted coconut. The next time I make this, I plan to split the layers in order to use more of the lime curd I so love. I hope you'll try this cake. It really is quite lovely. Here's the recipe.

Toasted Coconut and Lime Layer Cake...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Coconut Layer Cake courtesy of Bon Appetit
Ingredients:
2-3/4 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-3/4 cups sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup canned sweetened cream of coconut (such as Coco Lépez)*
4 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 cup buttermilk

Directions:
To make layer cake:
1) Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 2-inch-high sides. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat sugar, butter and sweetened cream of coconut in large bowl until fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla and coconut extracts. On low speed, beat in dry ingredients and then buttermilk, each just until blended.
2) Using clean dry beaters, beat egg whites with pinch of salt in another large bowl until stiff but not dry. Fold beaten egg whites into batter.
3) Divide cake batter between prepared pans. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool cakes in pans on rack 10 minutes. Run small sharp knife around pan sides to loosen cakes. Turn cakes out onto racks and cool completely. Yield: 10 to 12 servings.

Lime Curd Filling - recipe found HERE

Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting courtesy of One Perfect Bite
Ingredients:
2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract

Directions:
Place cream cheese in a medium bowl and beat until smooth and fluffy. Add butter and beat to blend. Add sugar and vanilla and coconut extracts and beat until well blended. Add drops of milk or cream, if needed, to make a spreadable consistency. Yield: 3 cups.

Final Assembly
Ingredients:
2 cups toasted sweetened shredded coconut

Directions:
Place 1 cake layer on cake plate. Spread 1 cup lime curd over cake layer. Top with second cake layer. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle toasted coconut over cake, gently pressing into sides to adhere. The cake can be prepared 24 hours before serving. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 2 hours before serving.

You might also enjoy these recipes:
Key Lime and White Chocolate Cake Squares - One Perfect Bite
Coconut Banana Cream Pie - Coconut Recipes
Strawberry Coconut Thumbprints - Big Black Dog
White Mountain Coconut Cupcakes - Cookie Madness
Coconut Bread - Bored Cook in Kitchen
Coconut Pistachio Truffles - Anja's Food 4 Thought
French Coconut Pie - Home Cooking and Baking

64 comments :

Angie's Recipes said...

Mary, I wonder there is anything else you don't know how to cook or bake...the cake is simple, light and delicious.

Mary Bergfeld said...

Angie, there's lots I can't do. I'm just quiet about it :-). Have a wonderful weekend. Blessings...Mary

Adelina said...

Oh, it looks great, and I bet it tastes great too! To me coconut in deserts are synonymous to paradise- such I labeled one of my cakes I made way back in Moldova, where coconut used to be luxury in those days....and more layers would mean more curd, which would mean a greater, richer taste! Will try it.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh, wow! This is a masterpiece! I can almost taste it. I wish I COULD taste it! A combination I have never heard of or seen, but it makes such sense!

Monet said...

What a wonderful cake with some great flavors. Lime and coconut were made for each other in my opinion. I love how you placed those flowers around the rim of your plate. It added such brightness. Thank you for sharing!

Jeannie said...

Such a beautiful cake..yes, I am also very amazed with the vast amount of recipes you posted here...all looking so perfectly done!

Momo said...

wonderful cake,looks very tempting!

aipi said...

Lime n coconut cake sounds so good right now..light n refreshing! It looks so perfect!!..lovely presentation :)

Aipi
US Masala

Sanjeeta kk said...

A tempting treat Mary! Love the toasted coconut in the cake.

giorno26 ¸¸.•*¨*•. said...

Ciao Mary
questa torta oltre che da gustare, è veramente tutta da guardare !!!!
Voglio provare a farla anch'io !!
Buona domenica cara amica mia :-)
Myriam
PS: Come passerai oggi la giornata ?

Pondside said...

I like a nice dense cake - this one just looks so good. I've never tried lime curd, but I love lemon curd and I love the taste of lime, so I'm willing to give it a try!

cocoa and coconut said...

Your cake looks light and delicious. Well done Mary; coconut and lime is a great combination.

Chele said...

That is one perfect looking slice of cake! Very well done ;0)

Fresh Local and Best said...

Oh this is absolutely heavenly. Have I told you that I adore the combination of lime and coconut?! This cake is a tropical dream come true, especially with the lime curd. It was a great call on your part to toast the coconut flakes, I like the warm color.

Lynn said...

Now this just looks down right dangerous! I'd love to have a piece:@)

Allie and Pattie said...

Mary, I LOVE lime curd. This cake looks like a wonderful treat. Have a blessed Sunday
xoxo Pattie

penny aka jeroxie said...

You can bake so well! Love the cake..

Joanne said...

That crumb actually looks like the perfect density in my opinion! But I'm more of a dense cake girl anyway...I like my cakes to be hearty!

The lime curd filing is a genius idea!

Simply Life said...

wow, what a cake!

Martha said...

I made a similar cake a couple of weeks ago but mine was not as pretty as yours! (Only mine was lemon not lime) -- they are good cakes -- white cake with that citrus filling and coconut! I'm craving a piece now!

Carol at Serendipity said...

Mary,

Another beautiful post. Your photographs are wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing.

Carol

Rita said...

You really have a talent for making beautiful food and this cake is a wonderful example!
Rita

Jen_from_NJ said...

Every time I check in I see something gorgeous and delicious! I really like the lime curd and coconut combination. Toasting the coconut does add color and flavor as well. Great idea!

Kim said...

Coconut and lime... two flavors that I really enjoy! This cake looks perfect!

Larissa said...

Oh my! This looks heavenly. We had coconut cake for our wedding cake, which has given me such a soft spot for it.

Faith said...

What a beautiful cake with the toasted coconut, Mary! Coconut and lime go so nicely together. Great minds think alike -- I just posted a recipe for Toasted Coconut Muffins! Your cake is going on my "to-make" list next time I'm in the mood for coconut.

Kim of Mo Betta said...

Almost to pretty to eat! (Almost) I bet it was delicious. I love lime!

CaSaundraLeigh said...

You did a stunning job on this cake! I'd have to say coconut is definitely in my top 5 favorite flavors. You can always send a slice my way! :-)

Unknown said...

Mary the cake looks absolutely fantastic and no doubt it tastes delicious. Can I have that slice please? hehe. Enjoy your Sunday. Michael

Hayley said...

wow..what a yummy and droolworthy cake...and egg free too!

SKIP TO MALOU said...

Mary you got me on the coconut.. much more "toasted coconut" I'm weak on my knees now... I really do!
happy sunday Mary!

Sushma Mallya said...

Gorgeous cake mary, ...

Katrina (Betty Ray) said...

Beautiful! And it sounds like it tastes lovely. I'm going to have to forgo the diet one weekend and give this a try.

Unknown said...

Mary, this is like the cake of my dreans! Coconut & lime? Heavenly! Have a lovely holiday weekend.

Katerina said...

Mary this cake is a state of art. Very professional work and I am sure it tastes as great.

Anonymous said...

Mary, what a lovely cake! I adore all things coconut and I can imagine how good it is paired with lime. Beautiful cake. Have a great Labour Day weekend!

The Southern Cookbook said...

Hi Mary, Your Coconut Lime cake looks so inviting. Great photo. I love coconut desserts.

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

Mmmnnn! The layers look so high and light!

Priya Suresh said...

Gorgeous looking cake..

Momo said...

mary,please collect the awards on my blog,they are for all my foodie friends!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Hi Mary,
Your recipes are always so fantastic, but my favorite part of your blog, is the story you tell before you give the recipe.

Hope you are enjoying a lovely long weekend (maybe a rest from cooking?) We are out of town for a lovely family wedding last night.

Fondly,
Glenda

Patti said...

sounds fabulous. I am a coconut freak, so I know I will like this. For my birthday, my daughter usually makes my all-time favorite cake for me--- a coconut layer cake, with fluffy white frosting, garnished with coconut. But this sounds like a nice change of pace...and toasted coconut is SO delish. Maybe it will be my request next birthday.

Thanks for sharing...I'll definitely be trying this.

Blessings,
Patti

Emily Z said...

Hi, Mary! Thank you for the lovely compliments! So nice to meet you and discover your blog as well. This cake looks AMAZING! Stay in touch!

~Emily

Susi's Kochen und Backen said...

Mary, what a beautiful cake! I love everything about this! I'm bookmarking this cake, thanks for sharing :o)

Lucie said...

Mmm, Mary, this is a cake I would devour! Sounds like a tried and true recipe I'd love to make.

Terrianne, Call me Ree said...

Oh Mary, this cake looks absolutely divine. What a piece of art this is!

=)

Schnitzel and the Trout said...

A beautiful cake, Mary!! It screams Florida to me and can't wait to get back home and make this cake this winter. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

This cake is stunning!
You are one talented lady.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous cake, perfect for the holiday weekend with all of those wonderful tropical flavors:)

From the Kitchen said...

I think this is a perfect combination! And the layers appear to have the texture that I like in a cake--not too fine. I think this would be a most welcome treat when the snow starts to fly!

Best,
Bonnie

A SPICY PERSPECTIVE said...

There's nothing better than a coconut cake--except maybe a LIME coconut cake!

Deb in Hawaii said...

Such a pretty cake--I love how you toasted the coconut for it. It adds such another level of color and flavor too. ;-)

scrambledhenfruit said...

That coconut cake looks so good with the lime curd- yum!

Bakericious said...

the cake looks so pretty and delicious.

The Inexperienced Foodie said...

oh my coconut cake is my absolute favorite cake in the world that cake looks awesome!

High Plains Drifters said...

perfect dessert for this time of the year. cheers!

Valerie Gamine said...

I have so many recipes for coconut layer cakes that I want to try, but I think this one just took a bold jump to the top. Wow!

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Oh boy, you hit a home run here Mary. I never make coconut cakes but so love them and this one, with the lime curd must be fantabulous.

Baking Barrister said...

Beautiful beautiful cake. And the flavors go so well together--toasted coconut and lime are amazing. Good job!

FOODESSA said...

Mary...what a fabulous looking cake. If it tastes as great as it looks...it sure is a winner in my book ;o)

Thanks for sharing and bon appetit!

Ciao for now,
Claudia

Eliana said...

Ah yes - one of my favorite flavor combos. I would be dangerous around this cake.

Keeley said...

This cake is beautiful! I know my mother would love it. Coconut is her favorite.

Dina said...

beautiful cake. would love to try it.

Indrė said...

This cake looks perfect and delicious. And all your blog also. Thanks for sharing, I think I will find here a lot of inspiration :)

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