Description
Moist, airy coconut cake layers meet dreamy whipped cream cheese frosting and a snowy sprinkle of coconut curls. This cake is pure magic—soft, subtle, and oh-so-elegant. Whether you serve it at a spring celebration or just because, it’s the kind of dessert that floats off the plate.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temp
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp coconut extract
• 1 cup coconut milk
For the Frosting:
• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp coconut extract
For the Topping:
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (toasted or untoasted)
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cake Batter:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round pans.
• In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla and coconut extracts.
• Alternate adding dry ingredients and coconut milk, beginning and ending with dry.
2️⃣ Bake & Cool:
• Divide batter between pans and bake 25–30 minutes until golden and set.
• Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
3️⃣ Whip the Frosting:
• Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whip cream to stiff peaks.
• Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Add extracts.
4️⃣ Assemble & Frost:
• Place one cake layer on a stand. Spread with frosting.
• Add second layer and frost top and sides.
• Press shredded coconut onto frosting for a soft, cloud-like finish.
5️⃣ Chill & Serve:
• Refrigerate at least 1 hour to set. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
-
Use room-temperature eggs and butter for better batter consistency.
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For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 baking blend.
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You can toast the coconut topping for added flavor and texture.
-
This cake gets even better the next day—great for make-ahead occasions.
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 135g)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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