Drip Cake with Coconut and Lime: A Tropical Delight

7. Bake the Cakes
Once your batter is well-mixed, divide it evenly between the three prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the top of each pan to ensure even baking. Put the pans in the oven that has been preheated, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Turn the pans midway through the baking process to promote even cooking.

8. Cool the Cakes
After the cakes have baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling the cakes completely is crucial before frosting them, as warm cakes can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

Making the Coconut Lime Buttercream Frosting
9. Cream the Butter
While the cakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare the frosting. Start by beating 1 cup of softened butter in a mixing bowl until it is creamy and smooth. This usually takes around 2 minutes.

10. Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the 4 cups of powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The powdered sugar gives the frosting its sweetness and structure, so add it slowly to avoid lumps.

11. Incorporate Coconut Milk and Lime
Once all the sugar is incorporated, add 2-3 tablespoons of coconut milk, zest of 2 limes, and juice of 2 limes. Keep mixing until the frosting reaches a fluffy, well-combined consistency. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a bit more coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.

12. Optional: Add Food Coloring
If you want to add a fun, tropical vibe to your cake, you can incorporate a few drops of green food coloring into the frosting. This is optional, but it can make your cake pop visually.

Assembling the Cake
13. Level the Cakes
If your cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them so that they stack evenly. This step ensures a professional-looking cake with smooth layers.

14. Frost the Cake Layers
Start by placing the first layer of cake on your chosen serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the coconut-lime buttercream frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and repeat. Once all three layers are stacked, frost the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting to create a crumb coat. Chill the cake in the fridge for about 15 minutes, then apply a thicker layer of frosting to fully cover the cake.