Best Coconut Cake Recipe
This Best Coconut Cake Recipe delivers moist, tender cake layers infused with rich coconut flavor, balanced perfectly with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Easy to bake with common ingredients, it’s ideal for any occasion, promising a luscious coconut dessert experience with every slice.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat canned, shaken)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare Your Pans and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two or three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release. Measure and sift your dry ingredients together, so everything blends smoothly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and coconut milk until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cake tender and light.
- Fold in the Shredded Coconut: Carefully fold in the unsweetened shredded coconut to distribute the texture and flavor evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble and Frost: Place the first cooled cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting, then add the next layer. Repeat for all layers and cover the entire cake with frosting. Sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and dairy to help mix ingredients evenly and achieve the perfect crumb.
- Stir batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake; do not overmix.
- Freshly shredded coconut is preferred for better flavor compared to pre-packaged dried varieties.
- Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least one hour to let flavors meld and frosting set.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: coconut cake, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, tropical dessert, easy baking