Description

Mary Berry’s Lime and Coconut Cake is a moist, flavorful cake made with lime zest and coconut, providing a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. The cake is often topped with a lime glaze or icing, which enhances its citrusy flavor. The coconut adds a subtle richness and texture, making it a light yet indulgent treat. It’s a simple cake to prepare but delivers a wonderful burst of tropical flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bake this delightful cake:

Self-raising flour (225g): Provides structure and lightness to the cake.
Butter (225g, softened): Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
Caster sugar (225g): Sweetens the cake and balances the lime’s tartness.
Eggs (4 large): Helps bind the ingredients and adds lightness.
Desiccated coconut (100g): Adds texture and a mild coconut flavor.
Lime zest (from 2 limes): Provides a bright, zesty flavor throughout the cake.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Ensures the cake rises properly.
Milk (2 tbsp): Helps create a smooth batter.
Lime juice (from 2 limes): For the zesty glaze on top.

For the Lime Glaze:

Icing sugar (150g): For sweetness and to create the glaze.
Lime juice (from 2 limes): Mixed with icing sugar to make a tangy glaze.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (fan).
Grease and line a loaf tin or round 8-inch cake tin with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
This step helps incorporate air into the mixture, creating a lighter cake texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Lime Zest

Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the zest from two limes to infuse the batter with a bright citrus flavor.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and baking powder.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter and egg mixture using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add the Coconut and Milk

Fold in the desiccated coconut to add texture and a subtle coconut flavor.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of milk to loosen the batter and ensure a smooth consistency.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil halfway through baking.

Step 7: Prepare the Lime Glaze

While the cake is baking, mix the icing sugar and lime juice in a bowl until smooth to create the glaze.
Set aside until the cake is ready.