There’s something utterly delightful about a homemade coconut cake, with its rich flavor and fluffy texture that transports you to a tropical paradise with every bite. The combination of moist layers, sweet coconut, and a luscious coconut cream frosting makes this cake a favorite for celebrations or simply as a treat to enjoy at home. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious coconut cake that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Coconut Cake
To make a moist coconut cake that is bursting with flavor, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Coconut Cake
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the process of making this delightful coconut cake. This recipe will yield two 9-inch round cake layers, perfect for stacking and frosting.
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, making sure to mix well after each addition. This will help to incorporate air into the batter, contributing to the cake’s lightness.
- Incorporate extracts: Stir in the vanilla extract and coconut extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the coconut milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Add shredded coconut: Gently fold in the shredded coconut, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
- Pour and bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Achieving Moisture in Coconut Cake
Creating a moist coconut cake involves a few key techniques and ingredients. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Using coconut milk instead of regular milk adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Ensure your butter is softened. This allows for better incorporation of air during the creaming process, resulting in a lighter cake.
- Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Consider brushing the cooled cake layers with a simple syrup infused with coconut flavor to enhance moisture.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Coconut Cream Frosting

No coconut cake is complete without a rich coconut cream frosting. Here’s how to whip up a delightful frosting that complements the flavors of the cake beautifully.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup coconut cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (for garnish)
To prepare the frosting, begin by beating the softened butter in a medium bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Slowly incorporate the coconut cream, vanilla extract, and coconut extract. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a bit more coconut cream to reach your desired consistency.
Variations of Coconut Cake
While the classic coconut cake is delicious on its own, there are numerous ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste or occasion. Here are a few variations to consider:
For a tropical twist, consider adding crushed pineapple to the batter or frosting. This will infuse a fruity flavor and additional moisture, making the cake even more delightful.
If you prefer a layered dessert, try making a coconut tres leches cake. Soak the baked cake layers in a mixture of coconut milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk for a rich, moist treat.
For chocolate lovers, incorporate cocoa powder into the cake batter for a chocolate coconut cake. Pair it with coconut cream frosting for a decadent combination that’s sure to please any chocolate enthusiast.
Nutritional Information
While indulging in a slice of coconut cake, it’s good to be mindful of the nutrition it provides. Here’s a basic breakdown per slice (assuming 12 slices per cake):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 43g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 4g
With its tropical flavor and fluffy texture, this coconut cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this cake will bring a taste of paradise to your table. Enjoy the process of baking and indulging in a slice (or two) of this delightful dessert!
