Lime Infused Coconut Cream Pineapple Cake

Escape to a tropical paradise with every bite of this exquisite Lime‑Infused Coconut Cream Pineapple Cake! This isn’t your average pineapple cake; we’ve elevated the classic with a zesty lime infusion, a luscious coconut cream cheese frosting, and a glistening caramelized pineapple glaze. The result? A moist, flavorful cake that’s bursting with sunshine and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a taste of the tropics, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched beach!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Rundown

• 200 g (1 ¾ cup) All‑Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake, providing structure and a tender crumb. Using all-purpose flour ensures a balanced texture, not too dense and not too airy.
• 10 g (2 tsp) Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, responsible for creating a light and fluffy cake. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise.
• 3 g (½ tsp) Salt: A crucial ingredient for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Don’t skip it!
• 180 g (¾ cup) Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cake’s tender texture.
• 100 g (½ cup) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Adds richness, moisture, and flavor. Softened butter is key for achieving a smooth and creamy batter.
• 2 Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
• 120 g (½ cup) Canned Pineapple Puree, Well‑Drained: The star of the show! Pineapple puree delivers intense pineapple flavor and moisture. Be sure to drain it well to avoid a soggy cake.
• 60 ml (¼ cup) Coconut Milk: Adds a subtle tropical note and enhances the cake’s moistness. Full-fat coconut milk is recommended for the best flavor.
• Zest of 1 Lime + 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Lime Juice: The zesty kick that elevates this cake! Lime zest provides aromatic oils, while lime juice adds a bright acidity that complements the sweetness.
• 1 tsp Alcohol‑Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, inviting aroma.
• 200 g (¾ cup) Cream Cheese, Softened (halal‑certified): The base of our luscious frosting, providing a tangy and creamy texture. Using halal-certified cream cheese ensures inclusivity.
• 80 g (⅓ cup) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
• 100 g (½ cup) Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
• 30 ml (2 Tbsp) Coconut Cream: Infuses the frosting with a tropical silkiness and enhances the coconut flavor.
• Zest of ½ Lime: Adds a burst of fresh lime flavor to the frosting.
• 1 Tbsp Lime Juice: Balances the sweetness of the frosting with a touch of acidity.
• 150 g (¾ cup) Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Used in the caramelized glaze, adding a burst of fresh pineapple flavor.
• 40 g (¼ cup) Coconut Sugar (or Brown Sugar): Creates a rich caramel flavor in the glaze. Coconut sugar offers a lower glycemic index, while brown sugar provides a classic caramel taste.
• 30 g (2 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter: Adds sheen and richness to the glaze.
• 1 tsp Lime Juice: Brightens the glaze and balances the sweetness.
• 2 Tbsp Toasted Coconut Flakes: Provides a delightful crunch and enhances the coconut flavor as a garnish.
• Extra Lime Zest for Garnish: Adds a pop of color and aroma.

Substitutions & Variations

Don’t have an ingredient on hand? No problem! Here are a few substitutions you can make:

• All-Purpose Flour: You can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Coconut Milk: If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half, but the coconut flavor will be less pronounced.
• Coconut Sugar: Brown sugar works perfectly as a 1:1 substitute.
• Fresh Pineapple: Canned pineapple chunks, well-drained, can be used in a pinch.

Baking the Cake to Perfection: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. Thoroughly grease a 20cm (8-inch) round cake pan. Don’t skip the parchment paper lining the bottom – it’s your insurance against sticking and makes removal a breeze.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking aerates the flour and evenly distributes the baking powder and salt, crucial for a light and evenly risen cake. Setting this aside prevents overmixing later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. This step is vital! Beat for about 3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This incorporates air, creating a tender crumb.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next. This prevents the batter from curdling. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, lime zest, and lime juice. The lime zest and juice are added here to ensure their flavors meld beautifully with the butter and sugar.
5. Blend in Wet Ingredients: Gently blend in the pineapple puree and coconut milk until a smooth batter forms. Ensure the pineapple puree is well-drained to avoid a soggy cake.
6. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet batter. This is where gentle handling is key! Mix *just* until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
7. Bake and Test: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

Crafting the Lime-Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

The frosting is where the tropical flavors truly shine. Using full-fat cream cheese and butter is essential for a smooth, stable frosting. Be sure both are properly softened to avoid lumps.

Creating the Caramelized Pineapple Glaze

This glaze isn’t just a topping; it’s a flavor explosion! The caramelization process deepens the pineapple’s sweetness and adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft cake and frosting. Don’t rush this step – allowing the pineapple to caramelize properly is key.

The Science Behind the Lime Infusion

Lime juice isn’t just about flavor; it interacts with the baking powder, enhancing its leavening power for a lighter, fluffier cake. The acidity also tenderizes the gluten, contributing to a more delicate crumb. The combination of lime and coconut is a classic pairing in tropical cuisine, offering a refreshing balance of sweet and tart.

Tips for a Stunning Presentation

Presentation elevates the entire experience. Using a white ceramic plate provides a clean backdrop, allowing the vibrant colors of the cake – the golden caramel glaze, the bright lime zest, and the toasted coconut – to pop. A sharp serrated knife ensures clean slices, showcasing the beautiful layers within. Consider adding a small sprig of mint for an extra touch of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh lime instead of lime juice?

While fresh lime juice is preferred, you can use the zest of an additional lime if you prefer a stronger lime flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be baked a day ahead and stored, tightly wrapped, at room temperature. Frost and glaze just before serving for the best texture.

What if I don’t have coconut cream?

You can substitute with full-fat coconut milk, but chill it first and use the thick cream that rises to the top.

This Lime-Infused Coconut Cream Pineapple Cake is a taste of paradise in every bite! If you loved this recipe, be sure to save it to your Pinterest board for later.

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