Coconut loaf with guava and lime curd

This coconut loaf with guava and lime curd is a fresh, tropical twist on a classic bake. The soft, buttery coconut crumb pairs beautifully with a tangy-sweet guava–lime curd and smooth cream cheese frosting, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both light and indulgent.
Finished with simple yet elegant decoration techniques, this loaf transforms into a visually striking centerpiece. It's ideal for entertaining, afternoon tea, or a modern bakery-style treat at home. Whether you’re using fresh or tinned guavas, this recipe brings vibrant flavor, texture, and color together in every slice.
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Course Dessert
Servings 8 -12 slices

Ingredients
  

Coconut Loaf

  • 180 g cake flour 1½ cups
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 120 g unsalted butter softened
  • 150 g sugar (¾ cup)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 120 ml coconut milk (½ cup)
  • 50 g desiccated coconut (½ cup)
  • Zest of 1 lime

Guava–Lime Curd

  • 150 g guava purée tinned and depitted guavas
  • 60 ml lime juice (¼ cup)
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 70 –100 g sugar adjust depending on sweetness of guavas
  • 2 eggs + 1 egg yolk
  • 80 g unsalted butter cubed
  • Pinch of salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 200 g cream cheese
  • 80 g unsalted butter softened
  • 100 –120 g –120 g icing sugar
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Coconut Loaf

  • Preheat oven to 170–175°C. Line a loaf tin with baking paper.
  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Mix in vanilla extract and lime zest.
  • Add half the dry ingredients, then the coconut milk, then the remaining dry ingredients.
  • Fold in the desiccated coconut.
  • Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool completely.

Guava–Lime Curd

  • In a heatproof bowl, whisk together guava purée, lime juice, zest, sugar, eggs, and salt.
  • Place over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method).
  • Stir constantly until thickened (about 8–10 minutes, coating the back of a spoon).
  • Remove from heat and whisk in the butter cubes until smooth.
  • Strain if needed and chill until set.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Add icing sugar gradually and mix until light and fluffy.
  • Stir in lime juice and salt.

Assemble & Decorate

  • Slice the cooled loaf.
  • Pipe or spread cream cheese frosting on each slice.
  • Add a spoonful of guava–lime curd on top.
  • Finish with a sprinkle of coconut and lime zest.

Video

@zandilions

To me creating food is art. This coconut and guava loaf is more than just a bake but a full-circle moment. When I was 17, I attempted my first “unusual” cake: a guava cake. It completely flopped. But that failure sparked something in me. Years later I revisited the idea, this time capturing it through both baking and photography. I’m still learning the technical side of editing and styling, but the joy of creating and sharing food remains the same. Hopefully the bake speaks for itself. #ProArtCreate #ProArt #FoodPhotography #FoodStyling #recipedevelopment @ASUS SOUTH AFRICA

♬ Bach unaccompanied cello suite "Prelude" - Jianteng
Keyword dessert, loaf