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Close-up of a slice of moist coconut cake topped with cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut flakes on a white plate in a modern kitchen.

Best Coconut Cake Recipe: Moist, Fluffy & Full of Flavor


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  • Author: Daili Hathaway
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A moist and tender white cake layered and frosted with creamy coconut frosting, topped with shredded coconut for a tropical and delightful dessert perfect for celebrations or any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 cups granulated sugar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract

  • 1 cup coconut milk or regular milk

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 8 cups powdered sugar

  • ¼ cup coconut milk

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ½ teaspoon coconut extract

  • 1 ½ to 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, for decoration


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

  4. Mix in vanilla and coconut extracts.

  5. Alternately add flour mixture and coconut milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.

  6. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

  7. For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with coconut milk, until smooth. Stir in vanilla and coconut extracts.

  8. Frost cake layers and sides. Sprinkle shredded coconut generously over frosting.

  9. Refrigerate covered for 1 hour for frosting to set before serving.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 400-450 kcal
  • Sugar: 35-38g
  • Sodium: 250-280mg
  • Fat: 22-25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15-18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5-6g
  • Trans Fat: <1g
  • Carbohydrates: 45-50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4-5g