Coconut Cake Recipe – Moist, Fluffy & Irresistibly Delicious
If you love the rich, tropical flavor of coconut, this Coconut Cake Recipe is a must-try! This homemade cake is light, moist, and bursting with coconut flavor in every bite. Made with coconut milk, shredded coconut, and a luscious coconut frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. The combination of soft layers and creamy frosting makes this dessert irresistible. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a beginner, this recipe is simple and easy to follow, ensuring a beautifully fluffy cake every time.
Nutrition & Instructions
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Active Time: 30 minutes
- Resting Time: 1 hour (cooling time)
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American, Dessert
- Course: Dessert
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
- Cake stand (optional for presentation)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded coconut (for decoration)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavoring
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients & Coconut Milk
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and coconut milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Add Sour Cream & Shredded Coconut
Fold in the sour cream and shredded coconut, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 9: Make the Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with coconut milk, until smooth and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
Step 10: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Step 11: Decorate with Shredded Coconut
Gently press shredded coconut onto the frosting, covering the entire cake for a beautiful, snowy finish.
Step 12: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Coconut Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smoother batter and a more even bake.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
- For Extra Coconut Flavor: Add a few drops of coconut extract to the batter or frosting.
- Toasted Coconut: For a nutty twist, toast the shredded coconut before using it as decoration.
Pairing Suggestions
This coconut cake pairs beautifully with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- Fresh fruit, such as berries or mango slices
- A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream
Conclusion
This Coconut Cake Recipe is the ultimate tropical dessert, combining moist cake layers with a rich coconut frosting. Whether for a celebration or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake will impress everyone. Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of paradise!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.