Best Homemade Coconut Cake Recipe – Moist, Fluffy

Coconut Cake – A truly exceptional dessert, Coconut Cake is a timeless classic that brings tropical flavor, soft texture, and irresistible sweetness to the table. Known for its tender crumb, rich coconut aroma, and creamy frosting layered generously between fluffy cake slices,

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this dessert has long been a favorite for special occasions, summer gatherings, birthdays, and festive celebrations. A well-made coconut cake is moist, airy, and subtly sweet, offering a refreshing change from traditional chocolate or vanilla cakes.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American / Tropical

• Course: Dessert

• Servings: 10–12

• Calories per serving: Approx. 465

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Active Time: 30 minutes

• Resting/Cooling Time: 1 hour

Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer or hand mixer

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)

• Spatula

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans

• Parchment paper

• Wire cooling rack

• Offset spatula (for frosting)

• Serrated knife (optional for leveling)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup coconut milk (canned, full-fat preferred)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon coconut extract

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

For the Coconut Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• ¼ cup coconut milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon coconut extract

• Pinch of salt

For Topping:

• 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut (toasted or untoasted)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Pans

Grease two round 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans.
Line the bottoms with parchment paper and lightly flour the sides.
This prevents sticking and ensures smooth cake release.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents, leading to a perfectly risen cake.

3. Cream Butter, Sugar & Oil

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together:

• Butter

• Sugar

• Vegetable oil

Mix on medium speed for 3–4 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
This step adds air to the batter, resulting in a soft and airy crumb.

4. Add Eggs and Extracts

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Then add vanilla and coconut extracts.

The extracts enhance the flavor and give the cake its tropical aroma.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate mixing the dry ingredients with coconut milk:

• Add ⅓ of the flour mixture

• Add half the coconut milk

• Repeat until fully incorporated

Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.

Fold in the shredded coconut with a spatula.

6. Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cool cakes are essential for clean frosting.

7. Prepare the Coconut Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.
Add coconut milk, vanilla, and coconut extract.
Beat until smooth and creamy.

Adjust consistency:

• Add more sugar to thicken.

• Add a splash of coconut milk to thin it.

Tips for a Perfect Coconut Cake

• Use full-fat coconut milk for richness and moisture.

• Don’t skip coconut extract—it deepens the tropical flavor.

• Toast the coconut for a nuttier taste and beautiful golden color.

• Ensure all ingredients are room temperature for better mixing.

• Freeze cakes for 15 minutes before frosting to prevent crumbs.

• Add pineapple preserves or lemon curd between layers for a flavor twist.

Conclusion

This homemade coconut cake is a delightful tropical dessert that combines fluffy sponge layers, creamy frosting, and sweet coconut flakes to create a treat that feels both luxurious and comforting. Perfect for birthdays, summer gatherings, and festive celebrations, this cake brings a touch of island paradise to your table. With simple ingredients and clear steps, anyone can create a moist, flavorful, bakery-quality coconut cake right at home.