Holiday Homemade Coconut Cake

This Coconut Cake is one of the best cakes you’ll ever make! It’s light and fluffy, brimming with sweet coconut flavor, and finished with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. This has been a reader favorite recipe for years and it’s one of my family’s favorites!

The Best Coconut Cake Recipe!

I shared this coconut cake four years ago, but I figured it was due time to re-share it in case some of you may have missed out. It’s a recipe book dessert staple!

This is what I’m planning on making for Christmas dessert and I can’t wait! Some people look forward to gifts; I look forward to cake.

This cake is elegant and sophisticated yet very traditional and simplistic. It’s perfect for the holidays since it’s not only incredibly delicious but also so white and snowy looking.

I love that it’s like the cake you remember your grandma serving at family parties growing up. Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned recipe like this? The classics are often the best.

Finally, A Soft and Moist Coconut Cake

This will probably be one of the softest cakes you’ll ever make, and you’ll also love that it is incredibly moist (because we all hate a dry cake, right?). It is layered with sweet, natural coconut flavor with every bite, which is complemented perfectly by the light tang of the cream cheese in the frosting.

Good luck saying you’re only going to have a thin slice. Not gonna happen with this cake. Try it and you’ll see what I mean!

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa too! I hope you have the best holiday week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Coconut Cake is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a visual delight. Its light and fluffy texture, combined with the rich cream cheese frosting, makes it a standout at any gathering. The nostalgic flavors will take you back to family celebrations, and its elegant appearance makes it a centerpiece-worthy dessert.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Three 9-inch cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Handheld mixer
• Large mixing bowls
• Wire rack
• Flat knife

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1 cup canned coconut milk, at room temperature
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tablespoons canned coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper.
2. Whisk the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside.
3. Using a handheld mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg whites until combined, then add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and coconut extract. Beat until combined. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients and coconut milk. Beat on low speed until combined, then add the shredded coconut. Whisk it all by hand to make sure there are no butter lumps at the bottom of the bowl. The batter will be slightly thick.
4. Pour batter evenly into cake pans. Tap the pans several times on your counter to level the batter.
5. Bake for around 21-23 minutes or until the cakes are baked through. To test if done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s done.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.

Frosting:

1. In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
2. Add powdered sugar, coconut milk, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and salt with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes. Taste the frosting. Add more powdered sugar if frosting is too thin, more coconut milk if frosting is too thick, or an extra pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet.
3. Using a large flat knife, slice a thin layer off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface.
4. Evenly cover the top of each cake with about 1 and 1/2 cups of frosting.
5. Spread the remaining frosting all over the top and sides.
6. Sprinkle coconut on top of the cake and apply it to the sides.

Tips for Success

• Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend more easily.
• When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid compacting it, which could result in a denser cake.
• Be sure to cool the cakes completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Additional Tips and Variations

• For an extra coconutty flavor, toast the shredded coconut before applying it to the cake.
• Add a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers for a citrusy twist.
• Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice note.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of this coconut cake provides a delightful balance of sweetness and richness, making it a treat worth indulging in during the festive season. Nutritional content will vary based on portion size and specific ingredient brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frost them the day you plan to serve the cake.
• Can I use a different type of flour? For the best texture, it’s recommended to use cake flour. However, if you only have all-purpose flour, you can make a substitute by removing 2 tablespoons of flour per cup and replacing it with cornstarch.
• How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

There you have it, a delightful Holiday Homemade Coconut Cake that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect dessert to wow your guests during the festive season. Once you’ve tried it, don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you’ve added. Happy baking!