Coconut Cake
Coconut cake – a dessert that sparks strong opinions: you either love it or you don’t. But if you are part of the love-it crowd, then this Coconut Cake is an absolute must-try. Inspired by Tom Cruise’s famous coconut cake, this version is a delightful dupe that delivers soft, tender cake layers with the perfect coconut flavor without being overpowering. Every bite melts in your mouth, leaving a subtle sweetness and a rich, creamy coconut aroma. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just indulging yourself on a quiet afternoon, this Coconut Cake will quickly become a family favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this Coconut Cake truly special is the balance of ingredients and careful technique. Unlike many coconut cakes that can feel dry or overly sweet, this version is exceptionally moist, thanks to the combination of full-fat coconut milk and buttermilk. The butter and oil mixture adds richness and tenderness, while the white chocolate chips folded into the batter give bursts of creamy texture that complement the coconut perfectly.
The frosting plays an equally important role. Cream cheese adds a subtle tang, butter gives it body, and a touch of coconut extract intensifies the coconut flavor without making it artificial. Coating the cake with sweetened shredded coconut not only adds visual appeal but enhances every bite with that quintessential coconut crunch. This Coconut Cake is a perfect example of why sometimes, replicating a celebrity favorite is totally worth the effort.
What You’ll Need For This Coconut Cake
Ingredients for the Cake:
3 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon fine table salt
1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (canned)
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons pure coconut extract
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
1 cup chopped white chocolate or chips
3 eggs
2 egg whites
Ingredients for the Frosting:
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
4 oz cream cheese
Dash of fine table salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup coconut milk (canned)
2 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar (more if needed for consistency)
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Garnish:
1.5–2 cups sweetened shredded coconut for coating
With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to make a Coconut Cake that tastes bakery-level decadent, right from your own kitchen.
How To Make This Coconut Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Butter and lightly flour a 12-cup bundt pan. Some people prefer spraying and dusting with sugar, but be aware that coconut cakes can be delicate. Greasing and flouring ensures that your cake comes out cleanly without sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed and prevents any clumps of flour from forming in your Coconut Cake batter.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, stir together the buttermilk, coconut milk, coconut extract, and vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture and flavor, ensuring that your Coconut Cake is soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar
Using the paddle attachment of a stand mixer or hand mixers, beat the butter, oil, and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Add the eggs and egg whites slowly, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat on high speed for an additional 2 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter, creating a light, airy Coconut Cake.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
On low speed, gradually add the dry mixture and the coconut mixture in three installments. Mix until just combined—do not overmix, or the cake may become dense. Fold in the white chocolate chips gently. These pockets of creamy sweetness enhance the Coconut Cake experience.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Bake on the middle rack for approximately 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye near the end.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the Coconut Cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, carefully flip the cake out of the pan. Cooling fully in the pan prevents it from breaking, keeping your cake beautiful and intact.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add lemon juice, coconut milk, coconut extract, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar until you reach your desired frosting consistency. This frosting is creamy, lightly tangy, and perfectly balanced to complement the Coconut Cake without overpowering it.
Step 9: Frost and Garnish
Spread a generous layer of frosting over the entire cake. Then coat with shredded coconut, pressing gently to adhere. This final step transforms your Coconut Cake into a show-stopping dessert ready to impress.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Use room-temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and cream cheese at room temperature combine more easily, creating a smooth, airy Coconut Cake.
Do not overmix: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, heavy cake.
Check oven temperature: An oven thermometer can help ensure accurate baking. Coconut Cake is delicate and can dry out if baked too long.
White chocolate tips: Chop your white chocolate coarsely for more noticeable pockets of flavor. Chips work too, but chunks add texture.
Shredded coconut coating: Toast lightly for extra flavor or leave plain for a sweeter, traditional Coconut Cake appearance.
Bundt pan handling: If you’re nervous about sticking, lightly grease, flour, and even freeze the cake for 15 minutes before flipping—it will release more easily.
Frosting consistency: Adjust confectioner’s sugar to reach your preferred thickness. For spreading easily on a Coconut Cake, a slightly firmer frosting works best.
Coconut extract: Don’t skip it! This is key for the authentic coconut flavor in your Coconut Cake.
Following these tips will ensure your Coconut Cake comes out perfect every time, with a moist crumb, light texture, and balanced flavor.
How to Serve Your Coconut Cake
Coconut Cake can be served for nearly any occasion, from casual family desserts to formal celebrations. Slice it into wedges and serve on a dessert plate. The cake is rich, so smaller portions are ideal for savoring each bite.
This Coconut Cake pairs beautifully with:
Fresh berries or a berry compote for a tangy contrast
A cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat
Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert
For a festive presentation, place the Coconut Cake on a cake stand and sprinkle a few extra toasted coconut flakes on top. This not only adds texture but makes it visually appealing.
Serving Suggestions
Birthday Celebrations: Frost your Coconut Cake with extra cream cheese frosting and top with fresh edible flowers or colored sprinkles.
Holidays: Coconut Cake is perfect for Easter, Christmas, or any tropical-themed gathering. Decorate with pastel-colored shredded coconut or drizzle with white chocolate.
Everyday Treat: Keep slices in an airtight container for a week. Enjoy with your morning coffee or as an after-dinner indulgence.
Time
Prep Time: 25–30 minutes
Bake Time: 55 minutes
Cooling Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours (including frosting and garnishing)
Conclusion
Coconut Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of tender cake layers, creamy frosting, and coconut garnishing creates a symphony of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a coconut lover or just discovering this tropical delight, this Coconut Cake will win over your taste buds and make any occasion memorable. With this step-by-step guide, tips, and tricks, you can confidently recreate a bakery-quality Coconut Cake right at home.
From the light, fluffy cake to the rich, tangy frosting, every element of this Coconut Cake is crafted to perfection. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear—everyone will be asking for the recipe. Enjoy!