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Best Coconut Cake Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Fold in the Shredded Coconut: Carefully fold in the unsweetened shredded coconut to distribute the texture and flavor evenly throughout the batter.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Keywords: coconut cake, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, tropical dessert, easy baking