Coconut Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both delightfully moist and bursting with tropical charm, this Coconut Cake is the one to try. It masterfully combines tender layers infused with real shredded coconut and a luscious cream cheese frosting enriched with coconut milk and vanilla, creating a sweet, dreamy bite every time. Whether you’re baking for a family celebration or simply craving a slice of sunshine, this Coconut Cake invites you into a world of rich, comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Coconut Cake recipe is simple and familiar, yet each plays a crucial role in delivering its signature flavor and perfect texture. From the shredded coconut that infuses the crumb with tropical notes, to the combination of butter and oils ensuring a moist bite, every component is thoughtfully chosen.

• Unsweetened shredded coconut (100 g): Ground into a flour-like texture to boost coconut flavor throughout the cake layers.
• All-purpose flour (260 g): Provides structure while balancing tenderness.
• Baking powder and baking soda (¾ tsp each): Ensure the cake rises beautifully, keeping it light.
• Salt (¾ tsp): Enhances all the sweet flavors for a perfectly balanced taste.
• Butter (180 g, room temperature): Adds richness and moisture for a soft crumb.
• Granulated sugar (300 g): Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender texture.
• Eggs (4 large, room temperature): Bind everything together and provide lift.
• Sour cream (120 g, room temperature): Adds moisture and a subtle tang to keep the cake fresh-tasting.
• Full-fat coconut milk (120 g): Infuses creamy coconut essence deep into the batter.
• Vegetable oil (60 g): Works alongside butter to keep the cake extra moist and tender.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• Coconut extract (¼ tsp, optional): A little extra coconut punch if you want to amplify the tropical vibe.
• Butter (300 g) for frosting: Soft, creamy base for rich cream cheese frosting.
• Cream cheese (150 g, full-fat): Adds tangy richness and smooth texture.
• Powdered sugar (550 g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.
• Full-fat coconut milk (1 tsp) for frosting: Keeps the frosting silky and intensifies coconut flavor.
• Coconut extract (½ to 1 tsp) for frosting: Tailors the flavor to your liking.
• Vanilla bean paste (½ tsp): Adds a natural vanilla aroma and speckled appearance in the frosting.
• Coconut flakes for decoration: Gives a pretty, textured topping that’s perfectly on theme.

How to Make Coconut Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Coconut

Start by preheating your oven to 170ºC (340ºF) in a conventional setting. Line two 20 cm (8 inch) cake pans with parchment paper so your cakes come out perfectly clean and easy to remove. Next, blend the shredded coconut in a food processor until it reaches a fine flour-like consistency. This step maximizes coconut flavor without unwanted texture.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together your freshly blended coconut flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. Sifting not only blends everything evenly but also keeps the texture light and clump-free for the best crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl fitted with a mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for about three minutes on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aerates your batter, resulting in a tender cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add the eggs two at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures they incorporate smoothly, preventing any curdling and helping the batter rise evenly.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Mix in half the dry ingredients at low speed until just combined. Then add the sour cream, coconut milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and optional coconut extract, mixing gently to integrate. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix just until combined to prevent overworking the batter, which can make the cake tough.

Step 6: Fold and Bake

Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the batter, making sure all ingredients are evenly mixed. Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake in the oven for 20 to 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes rest for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cake cools, get your frosting ready. Allow butter and cream cheese to soften to room temperature for easy mixing. Cream the butter alone on high speed for five minutes until fluffy. Add cream cheese, vanilla bean paste, coconut milk, and coconut extract, mixing for another minute. Slowly add sifted powdered sugar in two batches, mixing well after each addition, and finish with a couple of minutes on high to create a silky, luscious frosting.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake board. Spread a generous scoop of frosting evenly over the top, then add the second layer. Cover the assembled cake with a thin crumb coat and chill for 20 minutes to set it. Finally, frost the entire cake smoothly with the remaining frosting and sprinkle with coconut flakes for a stunning finish.

How to Serve Coconut Cake

Garnishes

Freshly toasted coconut flakes on top add a wonderful crunch and deepen the coconut flavor. You can also decorate with edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation that invites everyone to dive in.

Side Dishes

This Coconut Cake pairs beautifully with tangy fruit compotes like pineapple or mango, which complement the richness with bright, juicy contrast. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or lightly whipped cream also balances sweetness and makes it a perfect ending for any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve individual coconut cake parfaits by crumbling cake layers and layering with frosting in small glasses topped with shredded coconut and tropical fruit. This adds a modern flair and is super fun for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Coconut Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld together even more deliciously.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers before frosting; just wrap them well in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before assembling and frosting for best results.

Reheating

Although typically enjoyed chilled or room temperature, if you prefer warm cake, gently warm slices in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to soften without melting the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?

Yes, but be cautious with the sugar quantities in your recipe as sweetened coconut will add extra sweetness. You might want to reduce the granulated sugar slightly to balance.

Is coconut extract necessary if I use coconut milk and shredded coconut?

Not absolutely, but it enhances and intensifies the coconut flavor, giving the cake a stronger and more aromatic finish. If you love coconut, it’s worth including.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

With some substitutions like coconut yogurt or non-dairy cream cheese, and using vegan butter, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free, though texture may vary slightly.

Why do you blend the shredded coconut into a flour-like texture?

This step ensures the coconut is evenly distributed and blends smoothly into the batter, giving you coconut flavor without a coarse texture that might interfere with the cake’s tender crumb.

Can I use a different oil instead of vegetable oil?

Yes, neutral oils like canola or light olive oil work well here. Avoid strong-flavored oils as they can overpower the delicate coconut and vanilla notes.

Final Thoughts

This Coconut Cake is truly a treasure when you want to impress or indulge in something wonderful. It’s a beautifully balanced dessert that feels both comforting and exotic, showing off coconut in every bite without overwhelming the palate. Grab your ingredients, warm up your oven, and prepare to fall in love with this delightful Coconut Cake that will surely become a staple you reach for time and time again.

Print