Here’s a moist, fluffy Coconut Cake recipe that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you crave coconut 🌴🥥
Classic Coconut Cake
Makes 2 layers, 8–9 inch round cake
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 temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coconut extract (optional but enhances flavor)
- 1 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
For the Frosting (Coconut Cream Frosting)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp coconut milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp coconut extract (optional)
- ½–1 cup sweetened shredded coconut for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep Pans
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour 2 round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Mix in vanilla and coconut extract.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and coconut milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
- Fold in shredded coconut gently.
3. Bake
- Divide batter evenly between pans.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Make the Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add coconut milk and extracts until smooth and spreadable.
5. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly.
- Top with second layer and frost the top and sides.
- Press shredded coconut over the top and sides if desired.
Tips for a Perfect Coconut Cake
- Toast the coconut lightly for a nutty flavor.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth batter and frosting.
- For extra moist cake, brush layers lightly with coconut milk before frosting.
If you want, I can also give a quick 1-bowl coconut cake recipe or a coconut poke cake with cream filling that’s even easier and super moist.
Do you want me to do that?
