Description
This moist and fluffy coconut cake with cream cheese frosting is a decadent dessert layered with rich coconut flavor, topped with a silky smooth frosting, and finished with shredded coconut. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration, this cake is a tropical twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
- For the Coconut Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coconut extract
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (unsweetened)
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
- Topping:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted or plain
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla and coconut extract.
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Alternate adding the flour mixture and coconut milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Stir in shredded coconut.
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Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
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For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until fluffy and spreadable.
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Frost cooled cakes, stacking layers. Cover entire cake with frosting and press shredded coconut onto the top and sides.
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Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.
Notes
-
For extra flavor, use toasted coconut on the outside.
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The cake layers can be baked a day ahead and refrigerated before frosting.
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If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce powdered sugar slightly and increase cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
