Preheat your oven to 350° F. First things first, you want to get that oven nice and hot! While it’s warming up, line a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This ensures your cake will come out clean and easy to slice.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together melted coconut oil, sour cream, eggs, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Use a whisk or electric mixer to combine these ingredients until they are smooth and creamy. The mixture should become light and airy, signaling that you’re on the right track!
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix. You want to see a few lumps; this ensures your cake will be fluffy.
Slowly beat in the milk until everything is fully combined. As you add the milk, the batter will become more fluid, and you’ll be left with a luscious, thick batter that’s ready for the oven.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. This is where the magic happens! Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Watch for a lightly golden color on top.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The cooling process intensifies the flavors and helps with the frosting later.
While the cake is baking, make the lemon topping. In a small saucepan, bring the lemon juice and honey to a boil over high heat. Boil for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted coconut. This will create a shiny, sweet glaze.
Once the cake is cool, evenly spoon the syrup over the top. Let it sit for a bit so the syrup can soak in, making every bite deliciously moist.
Now it’s time for the frosting! In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the salted butter and beat until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that dreamy frosting texture!
Finally, add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until the frosting is airy and fluffy. Now, frost the cooled cake generously, making sure to cover every inch. Enjoy decorating as you like!
