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Coconut Cake Recipe

Coconut Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 41-43 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Heavenly coconut cake delivers a tropical paradise of sweet, moist layers infused with rich coconut essence. Delicate crumbs and creamy frosting promise a blissful escape with each delectable bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups cake flour
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, soft
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 egg whites, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup sweet coconut, shredded

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, soft
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, soft
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sweet coconut, shredded

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350F (177C) and prepare two 9-inch cake pans with a light grease coating.
  2. Whisk egg whites with buttermilk in a separate bowl and set aside for later use.
  3. Cream butter, sugar, vanilla, and almond extract until light and airy in texture.
  4. Gently incorporate flour, baking powder, and salt into the butter mixture.
  5. Gradually blend the reserved egg white mixture and remaining buttermilk into the batter, mixing thoroughly for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Delicately fold shredded coconut into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Transfer batter evenly into prepared cake pans and bake for 26-28 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Allow cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  9. Prepare frosting by blending butter and cream cheese until completely smooth.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar and cream, beating for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
  11. Spread frosting between cake layers and cover entire cake surface evenly.
  12. Carefully press additional coconut flakes onto sides and top of the cake for decorative finish.
  13. Refrigerate cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set frosting and enhance flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume and smoother cake texture.
  • Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a lighter, more delicate crumb.
  • Toast coconut flakes briefly before decorating to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake’s soft structure.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 26-28 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 402
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Sodium: 174 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg