When life hands you lemons, make a Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake! This delightful dessert is a perfect blend of zesty lemon flavors and sweet coconut goodness, creating a moist and flavorful treat that’s ideal for any special occasion. Bundt cakes are known for their effortless beauty straight out of the pan, making them a hassle-free option for a stunning dessert.
Inspired by a surplus of lemons, I dove into creating this Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake recipe, incorporating the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon juice and zest. The simplicity of this recipe using everyday ingredients like coconut milk and shredded coconut makes it a go-to choice for a scrumptious and visually appealing dessert. With a simple icing of lemon juice and powdered sugar, topped with sweetened coconut flakes, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
The key to a delicious Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake lies in the carefully selected ingredients that bring out the perfect balance of flavors. Below, you’ll find the ingredients listed for the Lemon Curd, the Coconut Bundt Cake, and the Coconut Frosting to help you create this delightful dessert masterpiece.
Lemon Curd
- 3 large eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- Granulated Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Lemon Juice
- Lemon Zest
- Kosher Salt
- Unsalted Butter
Coconut Bundt Cake
- 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (600g) sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (4g) baking powder
- 2 teaspoons (8g) lemon extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 ¼ cups (290g) whipping cream or heavy cream
- 2 cups (156g) sweetened coconut
- Lemon Juice
- Sugar
Equipment Needed
To prepare this delectable Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake recipe, you will need the following kitchen essentials:
- 10 cup swirl bundt pan or traditional bundt pan: Use a well-greased and floured pan with a 10-cup capacity to ensure your cake bakes perfectly and releases easily.
- Mixing Bowls: Have a few mixing bowls ready for combining ingredients and creating various components of the recipe.
- Hand or Stand Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will make the process of mixing the cake batter and lemon filling easier and more efficient.
- Saucepan: You’ll need a small saucepan for preparing the lemon filling, ensuring it reaches the perfect consistency.
- Whisk: Use a whisk to combine ingredients smoothly, especially when making the lemon filling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key, so have your measuring cups and spoons handy.
- Spatula: A spatula will help you scrape down the sides of the mixing bowls and ensure no ingredients are left behind.
- Cooling Rack: Allow your bundt cake to cool properly by placing it on a cooling rack after baking.
- Knife: Use a knife to help loosen the edges of the cake from the pan before flipping it over to release the cake.
- Zester: If you choose to include lemon zest in the glaze, have a zester ready to extract the flavorful zest.
Having these equipment items at your disposal will streamline the baking process and ensure you create a delicious and visually appealing Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake.
Preparation Steps
Make Lemon Curd
To start, prepare the lemon curd by combining fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, cornstarch, kosher salt, and unsalted butter in a saucepan. Cook the mixture until it thickens, ensuring a smooth and flavorful filling for the Bundt cake.
Prepare the Bundt Pan
Next, grease a 9 to 10-cup capacity bundt-style pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Ensure all corners and crevices are well coated to achieve a perfectly shaped cake. This step is crucial for easy release after baking and preserving the intricate design of the Bundt cake.
Directions
Bake the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly grease an 8 or 10 cup Bundt pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, oil, coconut milk, soy milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in batches, stirring thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in the shredded coconut until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Bake for about 1 hour or until a knife inserted in the cake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Place a cutting board over the pan, gently flip it over, and release the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
- After cooling, sift a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar over the top for decoration.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy the delightful Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake.
Assembling the Cake
To assemble the Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake, you will fill it with a tangy lemon curd and coat it with a luscious coconut frosting for a delightful tropical twist.
Fill with Lemon Curd
- Once the cake has cooled, use a knife to create a tunnel in the center of the cake without cutting through the bottom.
- Fill the tunnel with the prepared lemon curd, ensuring it stays securely inside the cake.
- Gently press the cake together to seal the filling inside for a delightful surprise with every slice.
- Prepare the coconut frosting by spreading it generously over the top and sides of the cake using a spatula.
- For an added touch, sprinkle shredded coconut flakes on top of the frosting for a tropical finishing touch.
- Allow the frosting to set before serving the Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake for a visually appealing and delicious dessert.
Tips for Perfect Bundt Cake
As a seasoned baker, I’ve found that attention to detail can make all the difference in creating a flawless bundt cake. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake turns out perfectly every time:
Key Tips for Cake Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: To achieve a smooth and evenly textured cake, make sure your butter, eggs, and cream are at room temperature before mixing them together. This helps the ingredients combine seamlessly for a consistent batter.
- Proper Greasing: Properly grease your bundt pan, paying extra attention to the nooks and crannies of the intricate design. Use a quality non-stick baking spray or butter and flour method to prevent sticking and ensure an easy release.
- Even Filling: When adding the batter to the pan, distribute it evenly to avoid lopsided or uneven baking. Gently tap the filled pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles and create a smooth surface.
- Tunnel Creation Technique: Take care when creating the tunnel inside the cake for the lemon curd filling. Use a sharp knife to cut accurate circles and lines to ensure a seamless and tidy filling insertion.
- Wait for the Cake to Cool: Ensure the bundt cake is completely cooled before applying the coconut frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a smooth, uniform finish.
- Layering the Frosting: Apply a thin, even layer of coconut frosting over the entire cake, starting from the top and allowing it to drip down the sides naturally. Use an offset spatula for a clean and polished look.
- Garnish Strategically: Sprinkle shredded coconut flakes on top of the freshly frosted cake for a delightful tropical touch. Be generous with the garnish to enhance the flavor and visual appeal of the Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake.
By following these tried and tested tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake that not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning.
Additional Serving Suggestions
When serving the delectable Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake, consider enhancing the experience with these creative suggestions:
- Garnish with Fresh Berries: Elevate the presentation of your Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake by adding a pop of color and freshness with a selection of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The burst of fruity flavor complements the zesty lemon and sweet coconut notes of the cake.
- Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve each slice of the Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The lightness of the whipped cream or the coolness of the ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the dense and flavorful cake.
- Lemon Zest Sprinkle: Before serving, consider sprinkling a touch of fresh lemon zest over the top of the Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake. This simple garnish not only adds a bright citrus aroma but also enhances the lemon flavor profile of the cake.
- Warm Lemon Sauce: For a decadent touch, prepare a warm lemon sauce to drizzle over individual slices of the Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake. The warm sauce adds a luscious citrusy sweetness that complements the coconut and lemon flavors of the cake.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: A coconut-infused whipped cream can be a luxurious addition to the Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake. Simply whip heavy cream with a hint of coconut extract or cream of coconut for a creamy and tropical topping.
Conclusion
Creating a Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake is a delightful way to blend the refreshing taste of lemon with the tropical essence of coconut. By following the detailed steps outlined in this recipe, you can achieve a visually stunning and mouthwatering dessert that is sure to impress your guests. Remember to pay attention to ingredient quality and preparation techniques to ensure a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. With expert tips and creative serving suggestions, you can elevate the experience of enjoying this Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake to a whole new level. Embrace the fusion of citrusy zing and sweet coconut richness in this delectable treat that will leave everyone craving for more. Happy baking and savoring the delicious results of your culinary masterpiece!