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Home » Cake & Cupcakes » Lemon Coconut Cake

Lemon Coconut Cake

Published: Apr 13, 2021 · Modified: Jan 10, 2023 by Allison · 27 Comments

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This Lemon Coconut Cake is an absolute dream! A combination of shredded coconut, lemon zest, and lemon juice give this cake tons of flavor. It’s tender with a moist crumb and is topped with cream cheese frosting, shredded coconut, and a sprinkling of lemon zest.

There is something about the combination of lemon and coconut that immediately makes me think of spring. This cake is bright and fresh, yet rich and indulgent. The loaf size makes it ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or snacking. Prefer a large cake? Try our Lemon Olive Oil Cake.

Lemon Coconut loaf cake topped with frosting and shredded coconut
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  • Recipe Overview
  • Why you’ll love this recipe
  • FAQs
  • Serving and storage
  • Related recipes
  • Recipe
Overhead shot of a lemon coconut cake topped with frosting, shredded coconut, and lemon zest

Recipe Overview

  • Cake: This butter-based cake is flavored with lemon zest, lemon juice, and sweetened shredded coconut. A bit of almond extract complements the flavors of lemon and coconut wonderfully. Buttermilk helps to keep the cake moist and works well with the tang of fresh lemon. The cake is prepared using a stand or hand mixer and it is baked in a 9×5 loaf pan.
  • Lemon syrup: After baking, the cake gets brushed with a syrup made from lemon juice, water, and sugar. This lemon syrup is absorbed into the cake, adding another layer of lemon flavor.
  • Frosting: This small batch cream cheese frosting recipe is just enough to cover the top of the loaf cake. It is sweet and tangy and it tastes fantastic with the sweet coconut and bright lemon. 
  • Garnish: Sprinkle the top of the cake with shredded coconut and a sprinkling of lemon zest to make it extra pretty (and tasty). 
Cake batter in a glass bowl and in a loaf pan

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Flavor: Fresh lemon, coconut, a touch of almond extract, and sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting.
  • Texture: The cake is slightly dense (like a pound cake) with a moist crumb.
  • Ease: No fancy techniques or ingredients. This cake batter comes together in about 15 minutes. 
  • Size: This loaf cake serves 6-10, which makes it perfect for small gatherings or enjoying as a snack cake.
Slice of lemon coconut cake on a white plate with a gold fork

FAQs

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can use one of these buttermilk substitutes. I have the best luck with the kefir, yogurt, or sour cream options.

How many lemons will I need?

I recommend at least 2 large lemons.

Can this cake be frozen?

I have not tried freezing this specific cake recipe, but I would assume that you could freeze slices for up to 1 month. I think this cake (like most cakes) is best when freshly baked, but if you have a couple slices leftover feel free to put them in the freezer for another day.

Can I leave out the coconut?

Sure! Here is the coconut-free version of this recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake.

Serving and storage

Serving: Serve this cake at room temperature. The crumb is more tender and moist when the cake is at room temp.

Storage: This cake can be stored tightly covered at cool room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Related recipes

  • Lemon Crumb Bars
  • Lemon Blueberry Cake
  • Lemon Cream Pie
  • Coconut Bundt Cake
  • Coconut Cream Pie
  • Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Recipe

Lemon coconut cake topped with frosting and shredded coconut

Lemon Coconut Cake

This Lemon Coconut Cake is an absolute dream! A combination of shredded coconut, lemon zest, and lemon juice give this cake tons of flavor. It’s tender with a moist crumb and is topped with cream cheese frosting, shredded coconut, and a sprinkling of lemon zest.
4.54 from 15 votes
Print Pin SaveSaved!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Dessert
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 419kcal
Author: Allison – Celebrating Sweets

Ingredients

Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ¾ cup buttermilk

Lemon syrup:

  • 1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Frosting:

  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or half and half, as needed
  • Shredded coconut and lemon zest, garnish

Instructions

Cake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F with a rack in the middle of the oven. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and shredded coconut.
  • In a separate bowl, using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (preferred) or a hand mixer beat butter, sugar, and lemon zest on medium speed for 3-4 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition and scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl and beater as necessary. After both eggs have been added beat in the almond extract.
  • In a liquid measuring cup combine the buttermilk and lemon juice.
  • Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk into the butter mixture. Add one third dry ingredients, beat until almost combined. Add half buttermilk, beat until almost fully combined. Follow with half of the remaining dry ingredients, the remaining buttermilk, then the remaining dry ingredients. Beat between each addition until just combined and scrape the bowl and beater as needed. Once everything has been added, beat the whole mixture on medium-high speed for about 15 seconds.
  • Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (be careful not to overbake). Rotate the pan halfway through bake time to ensure even browning. The edges and corners might get a bit dark (that's OK, it will taste fine). Place the pan on a rack to cool for 15 minutes. Proceed with the syrup.

Lemon syrup:

  • In a glass measuring cup or bowl, heat lemon juice, water, and sugar in the microwave until the sugar dissolves, about 30 seconds. Stir well.
  • After the cake has cooled for 15 minutes, carefully remove it from the pan (I run a thin knife around the outside, between the cake and pan). Place the cake on the wire rack. Place a paper towel or wax paper under the wire rack. Brush/drizzle the lemon syrup on the top and sides of the warm cake, allowing it to soak in. Cool completely.

Frosting:

  • Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until combined. Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon milk, and extract, beat until combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk to thin or powdered sugar to thicken. Spread the frosting on the cooled cake and top with shredded coconut and lemon zest.

Notes

Serving: Serve this cake at room temperature. The crumb is more tender and moist when the cake is at room temp.
Storage: This cake can be stored tightly covered at cool room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Bring to room temp before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 124mg | Potassium: 147mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 579IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!

Recipe updated April 2021.

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Comments

  1. Kaya

    May 30, 2018 at 1:40 pm

    I’m about to make this cake for my husband, and I’m just curious, since it’s a coconut cake, why did you use almond extract, instead of coconut extract?

    Reply
    • Celebrating Sweets

      May 30, 2018 at 1:42 pm

      I like the combination of almond and coconut; the almond is very subtle. Feel free to swap coconut extract for a stronger coconut flavor.

      Reply
  2. Esther Lord

    October 26, 2020 at 8:46 am

    5 stars
    I came across this recipe of yours a couple of weeks ago and I just had to tell you that I have already made this 3×’s and I have one baking as I type this ?. Anyone who got to taste it, wanted their own !! The one that is in the oven is finally for my husband and myself ?. This cake is so freaking deeeeelicious ? and very quick and easy to make, bonus ?. Thank you for sharing. I did add some raspberries that needed to be used, can’t wait to taste this one !!

    Reply
    • Allison

      October 26, 2020 at 2:05 pm

      I’m so happy to hear that. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Ashley

    April 13, 2021 at 12:34 pm

    5 stars
    We love this lemon cake. It’s always so moist and delicious!

    Reply
  4. Katie

    April 13, 2021 at 12:44 pm

    5 stars
    I think lemon and coconut is a pairing not talked about enough. This cake is amazing!

    Reply
  5. Stella

    July 14, 2021 at 4:12 pm

    5 stars
    I haven’t made this yet but all the ingredients sound awesome.. I have to take a dessert into work, rather than taking a whole cake ,can this be made into cupcakes? much easier for grab and go ..

    Reply
    • Allison

      July 16, 2021 at 2:26 pm

      It would probably work, but this cake is dense like a pound cake so you’re not going to get a fluffy cupcake with a high rise. I’d guess that it would make 8-10 cupcakes. Also, you’ll likely need more frosting (maybe one and a half of the frosting recipe)? Enjoy!

      Reply
  6. Annie

    September 17, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Is there another pan I can use? My loaf pan is a little smaller. Just a little. Think it will still work?

    Reply
    • Allison

      September 20, 2021 at 9:11 am

      Yes, just don’t add all the batter. Fill the loaf pan somewhere around half to two-thirds full. You can use the leftover batter in a muffin tin. Enjoy!

      Reply
    • Margaret Clark

      May 07, 2022 at 9:01 pm

      This loaf is delicious! Just made my third one in a month! Put the batter in mini loaf pans and giving them to my older friends! Turned out great and so pretty with the lemon zest on top. Don’t forget that zest!

      Reply
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aboutHi, I'm Allison! I'm a busy wife and mom with a passion for cooking and baking. This is where you'll find my favorite homemade recipes, designed to help you make every day delicious! Read more....

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