The Ultimate Coconut Cake Recipe For 2024

ByElara Hawthorne
Partially frosted three-layer coconut cake on a cake stand, with a spatula spreading white frosting on the top layer. A bowl of frosting, a container of shredded coconut, and fresh coconut halves are in the background.

The Ultimate Coconut Cake Recipe: Moist, Flavorful, and Easy to Make!

If you’re searching for the best coconut cake recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This coconut cake is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delicious dessert, this cake will impress your family and friends.

Three-layer coconut cake with white frosting and shredded coconut on a white cake stand, surrounded by coconut halves and flakes on a wooden countertop.
A beautifully frosted three-layer coconut cake, adorned with shredded coconut, ready to delight.

Why You’ll Love This Coconut Cake

This coconut cake is not only delicious but also simple to prepare. With its perfect balance of coconut flavor and fluffy texture, it’s bound to become a favorite. Plus, the homemade coconut frosting adds an extra touch of sweetness that will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients For The Ultimate Coconut Cake

Ingredients for coconut cake arranged on a wooden countertop including flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, coconut extract, coconut milk, buttermilk, and shredded coconut.
All the essential ingredients for making a delicious coconut cake.

Ingredients For the Coconut Cake Base:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Ingredients For the Coconut Cake Frosting:

  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (for garnish)

Instructions To Bake The Ultimate Coconut Cake

Coconut cake batter being mixed in a large bowl with a wooden spoon, surrounded by flour, a cracked egg, a butter wrapper, and a measuring cup on a kitchen countertop.
Combining the ingredients to create the perfect coconut cake batter.

Recipe For the Coconut Cake:

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and coconut extracts.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the coconut milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Incorporate Buttermilk and Coconut: Stir in the buttermilk and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
  7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  8. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Recipe For the Coconut Frosting:

  1. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy and smooth.
  2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Mix in Milk and Extracts: Add the coconut milk, vanilla extract, and coconut extract, and beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more coconut milk or powdered sugar if needed.

Assembly Of Coconut Cake and Frosting:

Partially frosted three-layer coconut cake on a cake stand, with a spatula spreading white frosting on the top layer. A bowl of frosting, a container of shredded coconut, and fresh coconut halves are in the background.
Adding the finishing touches to a delectable coconut cake with creamy frosting and shredded coconut.
  1. Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading frosting on each.
  2. Finish with Coconut: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Press the shredded coconut into the frosting on the top and sides of the cake.
  3. Chill and Serve: Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Coconut Cake

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly and results in a smoother texture.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Properly Measure Flour: Too much flour can make the cake dry. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
  • Chill the Cake: Chilling the cake before serving helps the flavors meld together and the frosting to set.

Conclusion

This coconut cake is a must-try for any coconut lover. Its moist layers and creamy coconut frosting make it a standout dessert. Follow this easy recipe and enjoy a slice (or two) of coconut heaven.

Happy baking!

Similar Posts