Coconut-Lemon Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful coconut-lemon cake with a tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or teatime, featuring bright citrus notes and a hint of coconut sweetness.

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Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2/3 cup coconut

Instructions

  1. Sift all dry ingredients together: flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract and coconut.
  6. Pour batter into two greased and floured cake pans.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. If you're out of coconut, you can substitute with chopped nuts or add a bit of unsweetened applesauce for moisture. Consider adding lemon zest for an extra citrus punch. This cake pairs beautifully with Cheesy Buttons for a delightful meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Coconut-Lemon Cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a light glaze of lemon icing or whipped cream. Pair it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special dessert. It also goes well with Mark'S Favorite Pasta Salad (Heart Healthy) as part of a larger meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Coconut-Lemon Cake contains roughly 229 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1160mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).

229 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 12.1g 16% DV
Carbs 18.2g 7% DV
Fiber 2.8g 10% DV
Sugar 10.2g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1159.6mg 50% DV
Potassium 172.8mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2.9mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 191.7mg 15% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste.

What can I use if I don't have coconut?

If you don't have coconut, you can replace it with chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture. Alternatively, you could use a combination of applesauce and a bit of shredded lemon peel to maintain moisture and flavor.

How can I make this cake more lemony?

To enhance the lemon flavor, add more lemon zest to the batter or incorporate lemon juice into the icing. You can also serve slices with a drizzle of lemon glaze for an extra burst of citrusy goodness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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