The best vegan coconut cake with a rich lime glaze! This egg and dairy free coconut cake recipe is a deliciously easy celebration dessert!
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And if you like this vegan coconut and lime cake, try my Vegan Olive Oil Cake with Lemon and Pistachio, my Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake, or my Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies!
Jump to:
- Vegan Coconut and Lime Cake Recipe
- Black History Month Virtual Potluck 2022: Afrofuturism
- What is the meaning of coconut cake?
- How is vegan cake different?
- Vegan Coconut Cake Topping
- What is vegan coconut cake made of?
- Equipment
- Tips and F.A.Q.
- More Vegan Recipes You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
- Full List of #BHMVP2022 Participants
- 💬 Comments
Vegan Coconut and Lime Cake Recipe
This egg and dairy free coconut cake recipe is a winner! It's so moist, buttery, and decadent, you'll have vegans and non-vegans alike coming back for seconds. And the flavor combination of coconut and lime is so perfect. Best of all, because this is a single layer vegan coconut and lime cake with a simple glaze, it's so easy to make!
Black History Month Virtual Potluck 2022: Afrofuturism
I’m proud to collaborate with more than 30 Black recipe developers as we celebrate Black History Month 2022. This Virtual Potluck explores Black food through the lens of Afrofuturism. Our collaboration of recipes explores the intersection of the Black diaspora via culture, future, geopolitics, imagination, liberation, culture, and technology.
Cook and share the inspiring recipes by checking out the list of participants below. Follow each participant and continue the discussion with us on social media using the hashtag #BHMVP2022!
What is Afrofuturism?
Afrofuturism is a fluid ideology shaped by generations of artists, musicians, scholars, and activists whose aim is to reconstruct “Blackness” in the culture ... The term was coined by Mark Dery in 1993 but birthed in the minds of enslaved Africans who prayed for their lives and the lives of their descendants along the horrific Middle Passage ... Afrofuturism evaluates the past and future to create better conditions for the present generation of Black people through the use of technology, often presented through art, music, and literature.
Taylor Crumpton, "Afrofuturism Has Always Looked Forward," Architectural Digest, August 24, 2020
How does this vegan coconut and lime cake explore Afrofuturism?
Past and Present: Coconut cake is a dessert with a rich history in the soul food tradition of Black people in the United States, often made with a buttery, decadent cake layers and cream cheese frosting. Its origins are with enslaved Africans and it has become a celebration dessert for generations of Black Americans.
Future: With this recipe, I aim to evoke the cherished tradition of soul food desserts like coconut cake, while looking ahead to a future that is more plant-based and health-conscious. Whereas soul food is often associated with decadent comfort foods heavy with meat and dairy, traditional foods throughout the African diaspora include colorful whole food ingredients, and fit perfectly with a plant-based diet. In fact, Black Americans are now the fastest-growing vegan demographic in the United States, citing health, ethical, and environmental reasons. So with this cake I aim to connect a cherished soul food tradition with the direction Black food is headed, and our conscious culinary future.
What is the meaning of coconut cake?
Coconut cake can trace its origins back to enslaved Africans in the southern United States, who brought with them the knowledge of working with coconuts. Coconut cake then became a part of plantation life for enslaved people, often given as a prize for the winner of a cakewalk. Over the years, coconut cake has become a favorite celebration dessert for Black Americans, and is a popular soul food dessert to this day.
How is vegan cake different?
This vegan coconut cake is different from a typical coconut cake because it's made without any animal products -- so no eggs, milk, or cream cheese. We're also using organic cane sugar instead of regular granulated sugar, which is often processed using animal products. We're also adding a bright boost of lime, which complements the coconut flavor so well and is another common ingredient in foods of the African diaspora.
Vegan Coconut Cake Topping
Instead of the traditional cream cheese frosting with sweetened shredded coconut, we're making this coconut milk cake with a simple coconut-lime glaze. It's easier to make and plant-based, but still rich and decadent the way coconut cake should be. And we'll top it with a layer of unsweetened shredded coconut to offset the sweetness of the glaze.
What is vegan coconut cake made of?
- egg replacer - I used Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer and I love how it give this cake the perfect texture! You can also use flaxseed meal to make a flax egg -- see instructions below!
- cake flour - using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour in this coconut milk cake gives it a softer, more tender crumb. You can also use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to make this a vegan gluten free coconut cake! Make sure you measure your flour by weight with a kitchen scale, or by using the spoon-and-level method.
- baking powder and baking soda - these leaveners help to add lift to this cake.
- lime zest - my favorite ingredient! The brightness of lime zest makes this vegan coconut and lime cake so unique and delicious!
- salt - to bring out the flavor in this cake and cut the sweetness a bit.
- vegan butter - I used Earth Balance Organic Buttery Spread for this dairy free coconut cake recipe. Make sure your vegan butter is room temperature before adding it in.
- organic cane sugar - to keep this recipe vegan, we're using organic cane sugar instead of regular granulated sugar.
- coconut extract - this is optional, but I think that coconut extract really helps to boost the coconut flavor in this coconut milk cake!
- vanilla extract - be sure to use a high-quality pure vanilla extract. Or better yet, check out my post on how to make vanilla extract at home with just 2 ingredients!
- canned full-fat coconut milk - make sure you shake the can before measuring it out. Or you can use coconut milk from a carton, which has a lower fat content.
- fresh lime juice - adds more lime flavor and works with the baking soda to create a lighter texture.
And to make that creamy lime glaze, you'll need:
- vegan-friendly powdered sugar - again, make sure that you measure your powdered sugar by weight or with the spoon-and-level method.
- lime zest - to add more bright lime flavor to the glaze!
- coconut milk - using coconut milk creates a creamy glaze with more coconut flavor!
- unsweetened shredded coconut - traditional coconut cake is covered in a layer of sweetened shredded coconut, but I love using unsweetened shredded coconut in baking so that I can regulate the level of sweetness. On this cake, unsweetened coconut works perfectly with the sweet glaze.
Equipment
Part of why this dairy free coconut cake is so simple is because it's made with such simple tools! You'll only need a hand mixer and mixing bowls to whip up your cake batter, and one 8-inch cake pan to bake your cake! I also always recommend using a kitchen scale to measure your dry ingredients by weight and a wire rack to cool your finished cake!
Tips and F.A.Q.
Because this is an egg and dairy free coconut cake recipe, we need something to produce the lifted, fluffy texture that we're going for. In this recipe, we're substituting Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer, which is a great alternative for the texture and lift that is produced by eggs. Just follow the package directions to mix the Egg Replacer with water and add it to the batter.
If you prefer, you can also make flax eggs by combining 2 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 5 tablespoons water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it into the batter. If you use the flax eggs option, you'll want to add another ¼ teaspoon each of baking soda and baking powder, to help give the cake a bit more lift.
For this vegan coconut and lime cake, I waited until the coconut lime glaze had set slightly, then I sprinkled on a generous amount of unsweetened shredded coconut to cover to top of the cake. Then you'll want to tilt the cake slightly to sprinkle coconut onto the sides, adding additional handfuls of coconut to fill any gaps. And your cake should look great, with a delicious coconut topping!
There are a few reasons this might happen -- first, your baking powder or baking soda might be out of date. Check the labels, and be aware that once opened, baking powder and baking soda are only fresh and active for six months.
Also, make sure that you're measuring your flour correctly so as not to use too much, which can lead to a dense cake.
You might also have overmixed your batter, which might result in overdevelopment of gluten and a denser cake.
Or perhaps your oven temperature is a little off, which can prevent a nice, fluffy rise. Be sure to double-check your oven with an oven thermometer.
You can store this cake at room temperature in an airtight container for one or two days. To store for longer, you can freeze this cake easily! Just place the cake on a plate in uncovered in the freezer for 15 minutes to harden the glaze, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and a heavy-duty freezer bag to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw, uncovered, at room temperature, and if needed, sprinkle with additional shredded coconut before serving.
If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!
More Vegan Recipes You'll Love
- Vegan Couscous Salad with Charred Corn
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chunks
- Almond Lemon Cookies
- Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Banana and Cacao
- Strawberry Banana Sorbet
📖 Recipe
Equipment you may need
Ingredients
- baking spray
- 2 tablespoon (14 g) egg replacer - or flaxseed meal – see notes below
- ¼ cup (59 g) water
- 1 ½ cup (188 g) cake flour - measured by weight or with spoon-and-level method
- 1 ¼ teaspoons (5 g) baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) baking soda
- 1½ tablespoon (9 g) lime zest - packed (from about 2 medium limes
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
- ½ cup (114 g) vegan butter - room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) organic cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) coconut extract
- ¾ teaspoon (4 ml) pure vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup (151 g) canned full-fat coconut milk - be sure to shake the can before measuring
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lime juice
Coconut-Lime Glaze
- 2 cups (240 g) vegan-friendly powdered sugar - measured by weight or with spoon-and-level method
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) lime zest - packed
- ¼ cup (57 g) coconut milk - plus more as needed for desired consistency
- shredded unsweetened coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper and spray with baking spray.baking spray
- Prepare egg replacer (or flax egg -- see below) by combining egg replacer powder with water in a small bowl or cup.2 tablespoon egg replacer, ¼ cup water
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, lime zest, and salt. Set aside.1 ½ cup cake flour, 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, 1½ tablespoon lime zest, ½ teaspoon salt
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.½ cup vegan butter, 1 cup organic cane sugar
- Add in egg replacer mixture, followed by extracts, and mix well.¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- Add in coconut milk and lime juice and mix until smooth.⅔ cup canned full-fat coconut milk, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Pour batter into prepared cake pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick entered into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make glaze, whisk powdered sugar, coconut milk, and lime zest together until smooth. Mixture should be thick, but pourable. If necessary, add a bit more coconut milk to achieve your desired consistency.2 cups vegan-friendly powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon lime zest, ¼ cup coconut milk
- Pour glaze over cooled cake and allow to set slightly. Sprinkle top and sides of cake with shredded coconut, and serve.shredded unsweetened coconut
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Full List of #BHMVP2022 Participants
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Last Updated on February 22, 2025 by Chenée Lewis
Krystal says
This was so yummy. I used a gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum and flax eggs. I also used real butter and coconut blossom sugar. It was great! I love your recipes!
Chenée Lewis says
That's so great to hear that it worked with your substitutions! So glad you liked the recipe 🙂
Sunita Chung says
Can I use ordinary sugar for this recipe? And can i make it in a tray bake.
Chenée Lewis says
Yes you can use regular sugar, and it can be made in an 8x8 pan as well.
Alison Saalbach Corey says
This vegan coconut cake is simply amazing! As someone who follows a vegan diet, it's not always easy to find desserts that meet dietary restrictions and still taste amazing. Thank you for sharing a mouthwatering dessert. Awesome!
Chenée Lewis says
You're very welcome! Thanks for the feedback!