Heavenly Banana Coconut Cake Recipe

Heavenly Banana Coconut Cake Recipe: A Tropical Dream Delight

Sweet, tropical breezes dance through this delectable banana coconut cake recipe that promises pure dessert bliss.

Layers of moist, tender cake showcase the perfect balance between ripe bananas and shredded coconut.

Rich, creamy textures meld together in a symphony of tropical flavors that transport you to a sun-kissed paradise.

Each slice promises a delightful escape from ordinary desserts.

Softened butter and fresh bananas create a luxurious base that melts in your mouth.

The coconut adds a subtle crunch and exotic nuance to every delightful bite.

Bake this cake and watch as smiles bloom around the table.

Tropical Variations for Banana Coconut Cake

  • Tropical Baking Magic: Pro Tips for Your Banana Coconut Cake
  • Ripeness Matters: Select super ripe bananas with dark brown spots for deeper, sweeter flavor and natural caramelization.
  • Coconut Crunch Boost: Toast grated coconut before adding to the batter for an enhanced nutty aroma and extra crispy texture.
  • Moisture Master Trick: Brush warm cake with a light lime syrup after baking to lock in moisture and intensify tropical notes.
  • Storage Wisdom: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • Flavor Adventure: Experiment with adding a sprinkle of ground cardamom or a dash of rum to elevate the cake's tropical profile and create a more complex taste experience.

Best Ways to Plate This Flavorful Cake

  • Tropical Brunch Companion: Pair this banana coconut cake with a refreshing passion fruit mimosa or Caribbean-style coffee for a delightful morning treat.
  • Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve slices alongside Earl Grey tea or a light coconut chai, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that feels luxurious yet comforting.
  • Dessert Plating Perfection: Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, a dollop of whipped cream, and a small mint leaf for an Instagram-worthy presentation that enhances the cake's tropical essence.
  • Summer Gathering Centerpiece: Create a stunning dessert board by arranging cake slices with fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi, allowing guests to enjoy complementary flavors and textures.

Storage Advice for Banana Coconut Cake Fans

  • Smart Slice Strategy: Cut the cake into individual portions before storing, making it easier to grab a quick treat without thawing the entire dessert.
  • Chilled Comfort Zone: Refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and maintaining its delightful moisture and coconut-banana flavor profile.
  • Freezer-Friendly Friend: Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers.
  • Room Temperature Magic: If serving within 2 days, store the cake at room temperature in a sealed container, ensuring the coconut and banana flavors remain vibrant and the texture stays wonderfully soft.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Banana and Coconut Cake Flavor

For Sweetness and Moisture:
  • Bananas: Ripe, spotty bananas bring natural sweetness and incredible moisture to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar, Muscovado Sugar: Create deep caramel undertones and help achieve a tender crumb.
For Structure and Binding:
  • Flour: Provides essential framework for the cake's texture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to light, airy structure.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and maintains a soft, fluffy consistency.
For Flavor and Richness:
  • Grated Coconut: Adds tropical nutty essence and delightful textural dimension.
  • Neutral Oil, Melted Butter: Deliver rich, smooth mouthfeel and enhance overall cake moisture.
  • Lime Zest and Juice: Brighten the cake with zesty, tangy notes that complement the sweet banana and coconut.

Tools That Help You Bake This Tropical Cake

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients and creating a smooth batter.
  • Whisk: Essential for beating eggs and sugar until pale and foamy.
  • Blender or food processor: Needed to blend bananas into the mixture.
  • Separate mixing bowl: Used for combining dry ingredients.
  • Cake tin: Crucial for baking the cake, preferably with a removable bottom.
  • Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and spread batter evenly.
  • Grater: For zesting lime and grating coconut.
  • Knife: Used for slicing bananas and checking cake doneness.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows cake to cool completely after baking.

How to Make Banana Coconut Cake at Home

  • Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a gentle 150°C, creating the perfect warm environment for a tender cake that melts in your mouth.

  • Banana Transformation

Grab ripe bananas and transform them into a silky smooth mixture. Whip eggs with sugars until they become light and airy, creating a dreamy base that promises incredible flavor.

  • Tropical Fusion

Blend the banana mixture with coconut’s tropical whispers. Fold dry ingredients softly, letting each ingredient dance together without overworking the batter.

  • Cake Tin Magic

Pour the batter into a prepared tin, spreading it gently like a soft blanket. Sprinkle coconut shreds across the top for a delightful crunch.

  • Banana Decoration

Slice a fresh banana and nestle it playfully on top of the batter, adding a beautiful touch of nature’s sweetness.

  • Baking Moment

Slide the tin into the warm oven and let magic happen. After about 55 minutes, your cake will emerge golden and fragrant, promising pure tropical comfort.

  • Cooling Ritual

Allow the cake to rest and cool, letting flavors mingle and develop a perfect, tender crumb that speaks of sunshine and relaxation.

Print
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Heavenly Banana Coconut Cake Recipe

Heavenly Banana Coconut Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Moist banana coconut cake brings tropical paradise to dessert tables with rich, creamy layers. Creamy frosting and toasted coconut flakes elevate this sweet Caribbean-inspired treat for you to savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bananas
  • 2 limes (zest and juice)
  • 130 g / 4.6 oz flour
  • 70 g / 2.5 oz grated coconut
  • 120 g / 4.2 oz granulated sugar
  • 30 g / 1.1 oz muscovado sugar
  • 5 g / 0.2 oz baking powder
  • 2 eggs
  • 40 g / 1.4 oz neutral oil
  • 80 g / 2.8 oz melted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven: Calibrate the oven to 150°C (300°F), establishing an optimal baking environment for a delicate tropical cake.
  2. Create Base Mixture: Whisk eggs, granulated sugar, muscovado sugar, and lime zest until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy foam, incorporating pureed bananas to enhance natural sweetness.
  3. Blend Liquid Components: Integrate neutral oil and melted butter, stirring until a glossy, harmonious emulsion forms, creating a smooth foundational texture.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix flour, grated coconut, and baking powder in a separate bowl, forming a structural base with tropical undertones that will provide cake integrity.
  5. Merge Mixtures: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using circular motions, maintaining the batter’s light, delicate consistency while ensuring thorough integration.
  6. Prepare Baking Vessel: Grease and flour the cake tin, carefully transferring the batter and spreading evenly to guarantee uniform baking, then sprinkle additional grated coconut across the surface for textural complexity.
  7. Decorate and Bake: Brush banana slices with lime juice, artfully arrange on top of the batter, then place in the preheated oven for approximately 55 minutes, watching for a golden complexion and testing doneness with a clean skewer.
  8. Cool and Finish: Rest the cake in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling and optimal texture development.

Notes

  • Maintain Batter Lightness: Fold dry ingredients gently using circular motions to preserve the airy texture and prevent dense, tough cake.
  • Prevent Banana Browning: Brush banana slices with lime juice to maintain fresh appearance and prevent oxidation before topping the cake.
  • Temperature Precision: Use exact 150°C (300°F) oven temperature to ensure even baking and delicate cake structure.
  • Moisture Check: Test cake doneness by inserting a clean skewer – it should emerge without wet batter for perfect baking results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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