This perfect coconut cake sets the bar for homemade cakes everywhere. It’s supremely moist with a soft fluffy crumb and intense coconut flavor. To ensure success, follow this recipe carefully including using cake flour, egg whites, sour cream, and canned coconut milk.
At the request of many readers, let me introduce you to the best coconut cake I’ve ever had. Homemade with love for coconut lovers everywhere, this cake exceeds my expectations. Complete with silky coconut cream cheese buttercream, she’s absolutely perfect and juxtaposes bold flavor with a light crumb.
I endlessly tested this cake recipe. In fact, I’m pretty sure my head turned into an actual coconut during the process. Is there shredded coconut caked into the crevices of my kitchen floor and backsplash? Yes.
5 Reasons to Love This Coconut Cake Recipe
- Not Dry: This coconut cake is mega moist. There’s no point wasting your time (or calories!) on dry cakes.
- Intensely Flavorful: Using coconut milk, shredded coconut, and coconut extract, you are guaranteed an intensely flavorful coconut cake.
- Soft & Fluffy: By following the recipe carefully, as well as using the power ingredients described below, you are guaranteed a soft-as-silk coconut cake crumb.
- Any Shape: Use this cake batter for coconut Bundt cake, coconut cupcakes, a 2-layer cake, 3-layer cake, or a coconut sheet cake.
- Gets Along With Everyone: Use the frosting recipe below or try strawberry frosting, lemon frosting, brown butter cream cheese frosting, champagne frosting, or chocolate buttercream. Add raspberry cake filling between the layers or drizzle salted caramel on top! With so many ways to customize, this coconut cake is always a crowd-favorite when looking for Easter dessert ideas.
Coconut Cake Video Tutorial
This recipe sets the bar for homemade cakes everywhere. It’s simply exquisite and is sure to be one of your favorite spring dessert recipes and Easter brunch recipes. Talk about a show stopper!
How to Make Coconut Cake
I adapted this recipe from my favorite white cake. Its pristine crumb, fluffy texture, and stick-to-your-fork moisture guarantee cake success. In fact, I have the recipe memorized and even used it as the base of pistachio cake, cookies & cream cake, espresso cake, burnt sugar caramel cake, and strawberry cake. The recipe is cake gold and I knew it would be the perfect starting point for a fluffy and moist coconut cake.
Your coconut cake journey begins with two mixing bowls. Dry ingredients in one and wet ingredients in another (see full recipe instructions below). Combine the two in your mixer, along with coconut milk and sweetened shredded/flaked coconut. That’s it! Your coconut cake batter is ready to bake.
Creamed butter and sugar provide a solid base for this cake recipe. Use room temperature butter, and remember that room temperature is cooler than you think.
Another tip: Use all room temperature ingredients, including the eggs and sour cream. Why? Ingredients bond together very easily when they’re warmer, which creates an evenly textured baked good. Cold ingredients do not emulsify together. Period.
Use These 6 Power Ingredients
Cake is literally nothing without its ingredients and these power players are the difference between dense dry cake and light moist cake.
- Cake Flour: Cake flour produces the softest cake. If you don’t usually buy cake flour, make the exception here. It’s sold in the baking aisle with the other flours. You can use leftovers in any of these cake flour recipes. If you can’t find it, try making this cake flour substitute.
- Egg Whites: Egg yolks are wonderful for moisture, but they’re heavy and weigh down cakes. We use whole eggs in my coconut Easter cake which is much more dense, like a pound cake. To keep this coconut cake light and fluffy, use only egg whites. We’ll add the moisture back in with sour cream.
- Sour Cream: The moist maker! This cake melts in your mouth.
- Coconut Extract: I tested this recipe with and without coconut extract. We loved it both ways, but coconut extract is necessary for best coconut flavor. It’s in the baking aisle near the vanilla extract.
- Canned Coconut Milk: Canned coconut milk is a cooking ingredient, not a beverage. It’s creamier and thicker than regular milk and usually found near the Thai food products. Do not use the refrigerated coconut milk beverage that comes in a carton, because the two are very different.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: I recommend using sweetened shredded coconut, also called sweetened flaked coconut. It’s moister than unsweetened coconut and that makes a big difference in the cake’s texture. I reduced the added sugar in the cake batter to make up for the sweetness. Sweetened coconut is sometimes sold as long skinny shreds, a size some find off-putting in cake. Therefore, I recommend pulsing them in a food processor so they’re smaller.
Coconut Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting
What do you love about vanilla buttercream? It’s buttery, sweet, and smooth.
And what about cream cheese frosting? It’s creamy, silky, and tangy.
Let’s combine the two, then add coconut milk and coconut extract. It’s even creamier and silkier than the coconut frosting on these coconut chocolate Easter cupcakes so that glides onto the cake seamlessly. (Which is a happy bonus because decorating a layer cake can be quite the task. See more below.)
If you prefer a non-cream cheese option, use my vanilla buttercream instead—use canned coconut milk instead of milk and add 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract.
How to Frost a Layer Cake
Alright, let’s do this.
- Cool cakes completely. Sounds obvious, but even the tiniest bit of warmth will melt the frosting. As a result, the layer cake will slip, slide, or even cave in!
- If your cakes have a dome on top, level them off with a cake leveler or serrated knife. Flat-topped cakes ensure a straight and sturdy layer cake.
- Choose a serving plate, cake turntable, or cake stand. Here is the cake stand I use in these pictures!
- Place the bottom layer on the cake stand. Using an icing spatula, spread 1 and 1/2 cups of frosting in an even layer on top. Bring the frosting just over the edge of the cake; this will be helpful when it’s time to frost the sides.
- Place the second layer top-side-down on top. Make sure it aligns with the bottom cake layer.
- Spread 1 and 1/2 cups frosting evenly on top, just as you did with the bottom layer.
- Place third layer top-side-up on top. Again, make sure it’s perfectly aligned.
- Divide the remaining frosting in half. (Just eyeball it.) Dollop half of the frosting on top of the cake and use an icing spatula to smooth it to the edges. Apply *some* of the remaining frosting all around the sides of the cake, then use a bench scraper to smooth it in a thin layer. Apply the rest of the frosting on the sides of the cake, then bench scrape to smooth it all out.
- Wipe any excess frosting off of the cake stand.
You can watch me decorate this coconut cake in the video tutorial above. Don’t stress; if you take your time and make sure the cake layers are totally straight, you’re all set.
But I Don’t Want to
Skip the drama and make a coconut sheet cake instead! Sheet cakes are easier to frost because they’re only one layer. See my recipe note about different size coconut cakes.
What About the Buttercream Roses?
Let’s give my assistant, Stephanie, a round of applause. This was her first time making “3D” buttercream roses and look how beautifully they turned out! She made the buttercream roses at my house and I froze them until it was time to decorate the coconut cake. She followed this video tutorial. Keep in mind that the cream cheese buttercream WILL NOT work for the intricate buttercream roses. Instead, use my vanilla buttercream and add 1 extra cup of confectioners’ sugar. You need very stiff buttercream for these roses. You also need small squares of parchment paper and:
Loosely cover the roses, then freeze or refrigerate them until ready to decorate, up to 1 week. No need to thaw prior to decorating the cake. Peel off parchment square and place the buttercream rose on the cake. If you’re traveling with the cake, I recommend securing the roses with a tiny dollop of cream cheese buttercream underneath.
Looking for something easier? Use Wilton 1M piping tip for these easy two-toned frosting buttercream roses.
More Classic Cake Recipes
Flavor is the name, moist is the game. These are some of my favorite classic cake recipes!
- Pound Cake
- Vanilla Cake
- Carrot Cake
- Red Velvet Cake
- Strawberry Cake (made from real strawberries)
- Lemon Blueberry Cake
- Chocolate Cake
Coconut Cake
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This perfect coconut cake sets the bar for homemade cakes everywhere. It’s supremely moist with a soft fluffy crumb and intense coconut flavor. For success, follow this recipe carefully including using cake flour, egg whites, sour cream, and canned coconut milk.
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups (285g) cake flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 2/3 cups (330g) granulated sugar
- 5 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened canned coconut milk, at room temperature*
- 1 cup (80g) sweetened shredded coconut
Coconut Cream Cheese Buttercream
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature*
- 5 cups (600g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) canned coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (160g) sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease three 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans. (If it’s helpful, see this parchment paper rounds for cakes video & post.)
- Make the cake: Whisk the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside.
- Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Beat in the egg whites until combined, then add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and coconut extract. Beat until combined. Mixture will look curdled as a result of the varying textures and solid butter combining. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed. 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.
- Pour batter evenly into cake pans. Weigh them to ensure accuracy, if desired. Bake for 21–23 minutes or until the cakes are baked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s done. Allow cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
- Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar, coconut milk, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and salt with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes. Add more confectioners’ 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.
- Assemble and decorate: Using a large serrated knife, slice a thin layer off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface. Discard (or crumble over ice cream!). Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand, cake turntable, or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with about 1 and 1/2 cups of frosting. Top with second cake layer and evenly cover the top with about 1 and 1/2 cups of frosting. Top with the third cake layer. Spread the remaining frosting all over the top and sides. I use and recommend an icing spatula to apply the frosting and a bench scraper to smooth the sides. Sprinkle coconut on top of the cake and apply it to the sides. This can get a little messy and you can watch me do it in the video tutorial. See blog post above about buttercream rose decoration.
- Refrigerate cake for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This helps the cake hold its shape when cutting, though it’s still a pretty fluffy cake!
- Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: The cake layers can be baked, cooled, and covered tightly at room temperature overnight. Likewise, the frosting can be prepared, then covered and refrigerated overnight. When ready to decorate, let the frosting sit at room temperature to slightly soften for about 15 minutes, then give it one more mix with the mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute before frosting cake. Frosted cake or unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before decorating/serving.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): 9-inch Cake Pans | Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer) | Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk | Cake Stand or Cake Turntable | Icing Spatula | Bench Scraper | Cake Carrier (for storing)
- Cake Flour: For the best results, I strongly recommend cake flour. You can find cake flour in the baking aisle and I have many more recipes using it. If you can’t find it, try making this cake flour substitute.
- Egg Whites: Egg whites (no yolks) are KEY to the cake’s fluffy texture. For best success, I recommend using fresh eggs instead of carton egg whites. (Using an egg separator is really handy!) Here are all my recipes using leftover egg yolks. Success tip: Eggs separate much easier when they’re cold.
- Canned Coconut Milk: Canned coconut milk is a cooking ingredient, not a beverage. It is usually unsweetened, so make sure you’re using unsweetened. It’s usually found in the grocery store near the Thai food products. Do not use refrigerated carton coconut milk beverage. You need 1 cup for the cake, not the entire can. You use 2 more Tablespoons in the frosting.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: I recommend using sweetened shredded/flaked coconut. It’s moister than unsweetened coconut and that makes a big difference in the cake’s texture. If desired, pulse the coconut shreds in a food processor to chop them up so they aren’t as long inside and outside of the cake. Chopping the coconut is optional.
- Cream Cheese: Use brick cream cheese, not cream cheese spread. If desired, you can use this vanilla buttercream instead (no cream cheese). Use canned coconut milk instead of milk and add 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract.
- 9×13-Inch Sheet Cake: Simply pour the batter into a greased and lightly floured 9×13-inch pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 2-Layer Cake: Prepare two 9-inch cake pans in step 1. Divide batter between pans and bake for 24–26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Bundt Cake: This cake batter will fit into a greased 10-cup or larger Bundt pan. I’m unsure of the exact bake time (likely around an hour); use a toothpick to test for doneness. Same oven temperature.
- Cupcakes: Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 19–21 minutes. Yields about 2–3 dozen. Or try my vanilla cupcakes recipe and substitute canned coconut milk for whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract for the vanilla bean, and add 3/4 cup (60g) of sweetened shredded coconut.
- Why is everything at room temperature? All refrigerated items should be at room temperature so the batter mixes together easily and evenly. Read more about the importance of room temperature ingredients.
Keywords: cake, coconut cake, coconut
This is the second time I have made this recipe, I use all fresh ingredients room temperature and once again my layers are only about an inch thick if I do three layers. Is this expected?
Hi Luretta, you’ll see from the photos that these cake layers aren’t especially tall, but be sure to not overmix your batter as that can cause the layers to become a bit squat and dense. Mix until just combined, and be sure to use all fresh baking powder and baking soda (which sounds like you did!). Hope you enjoyed the cake!
How long do you suggest baking in an 8” round baking pan?
Hi Winnie, You can use 8 inch pans with no changes to the recipe. The bake time will about the same for 8 inch pans, but use a toothpick to test for doneness.
Best ever cake! I only made 1 change. I whipped the egg whites to soft peaks and folded them in as the very last step in the recipe. Makes the cake lighter
This is just amazing! So indulgent and delicious, makes the perfect birthday cake.
★★★★★
You should also publish the recipe with a smaller serving size Ie. Ingredients for half a cake
This is soooo good! I have made it several times now. I always add a few extra tsp of coconut extract to the cake batter and the icing because I love that extra flavor. This cake is so moist and perfect! We love it!
★★★★★
This recipe was maybe the most delicious cake I have ever baked to date! My husband forbid me from making it again – because he was afraid he’d eat it all – and he is not even a dessert person. 🙂 I was wondering if you’ve ever tried making this gluten free? I’m attending an even soon where I need to stick to gluten free recipes – and thought this one would be a show stopper if it worked. Thanks in advance!
★★★★★
Hi Jenn! We haven’t tested a gluten free version of this cake. Although some readers report using an all-purpose 1:1 gluten-free flour in many of our recipes with success, you should expect slightly different results anytime you substitute ingredients. Let us know if you give it a try!
Hello! If I want to make this cake and then serve it 2 days later, how do you suggest I store it before frosting on the day?
Hi Suzie, you can tightly wrap the layers and store them in the refrigerator for 2 days. Or, if you wish, you could freeze the layers, but storing in the refrigerator for that short amount of time should be just fine.
Can I use sweetened condensed milk in this recipe instead and what would it be subistuting.
Hi Barb, we don’t recommend it—it’s best to stick to the recipe as written for best results.
I made this for my 18-year-old daughters birthday. The whole family came over and we devoured it. I highly recommend it especially if you’re a coconut fan like we are.
Thank you.
★★★★★
I made this cake for my grandmother’s 90th birthday party! I searched and searched for a recipe that would take her back in time but still taste amazing. I made three different recipes and icings looking for the right one. I found this recipe the week of the party. I did not do a trial run before the party, I followed this recipe to a T and it was absolutely perfect! The cake was moist, bouncy but held good form. The icing… I will never use regular buttercream again! The crowd was begging for more. Coconut cake is my grandmother’s favorite cake and this recipe made her day a little more special! Thank you!!!!
★★★★★
I’ve made it… DELICIOUS! Literally lasted my family 4 days and it was all gone. Gonna make another for my grandma tomorrow. Family fave! Moist and not overpowering. Indulgent without feeling bad after. Especially good with toasted coconut on the sides!
Didn’t do the frosting but probably just as good:)
★★★★★
Hi, I cannot find sweetened shredded coconut anywhere, just the unsweetened flakes. How much of a difference would it make if I used unsweetened and could I combat it by just adding more sugar?
Hi Anya, you can use unsweetened coconut flakes instead—the cake will still be plenty sweet! Do not add any more sugar. If desired, you can pulse the coconut flakes in a food processor to chop them up so they aren’t as long inside and outside of the cake.
Hey Sally!
Thank you for the recipe. How much in advance can this cake me made and stored? I want to prep this for Eid but I really busy the day before.
Hi Haya, the cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, although it will start to lose a bit of freshness over time. See recipe Notes for other make ahead options. Hope you enjoy it!
I’ve made this cake a few times. It is absolutely delicious. Instead of a cream cheese frosting I use a 7 minute frosting and fresh frozen coconut. Great cake!
Awesome to hear this as I was just thinking that a 7 min frosting would be even better for this cake.
How would I sub coconut cream in this recipe? I bought the wrong ingredient!
Hi Tiffany, Coconut cream is too thick for this cake batter. Best to stick with canned coconut milk, which is part coconut cream.
Best cake ever!!!
★★★★★
Wow! I took a chance and made this cake for my friend’s birthday. Her only request is that I make her a coconut cake for her party (no pressure). I could tell by the recipe it was going to be delicious, but paired with the detailed instructions, this cake turned out perfectly. It was a spectacular success!
★★★★★
THE best coconut cake ever!! Thank you.
★★★★★
Coconut milk is not readily available to me. Can I use full cream milk
Hi Amma, coconut milk is a cooking ingredient rather than a beverage, and it’s much thicker and creamier than traditional dairy milk. It’s important for the coconut flavor, too. For best results, we recommend sticking with the recipe as written.
Amazing cake, as always with your recipes!! I loved how you included measurements for how much frosting to use between layers. I always action too much because I’m afraid of running out, and then have too much at the end. This made it easy to be confident! Would also love measurements for how much batter should be in each layer pan (I only had 2 pans, so it was tough to be sure they were equal when pouring for 3 layers.
★★★★★
I love coconut cake but no one else in my family does, so I made this cake for another lady’s open house because it’s her favorite cake also. I made a two layer, in a 9X9 pan. The cake baked up beautifully. I frosted it with buttercream frosting(without the cream cheese). It was so moist and tasty. Everyone loved it so much. I didn’t get a slice but scraped up all the crumbs and marveled at how moist and tasty it was. I’m looking forward to making another one so I can actually have a whole slice to myself! Whenever I need a specific dessert, I always look for yours first because YOU ALWAYS deliver the best!!! Thank you!
★★★★★
I followed this recipe to a “t” and my cake dry. I don’t know what I could have done wrong it tasted good but not moist like the recipe claims.
This is the best cake I have ever had let alone baked! I followed this recipe strictly and it turned out perfect!! This will be the front page of my favorite recipes binder for ever!
★★★★★
Any recommendations for increasing the servings? Looking to feed 15-20. Thanks!!
Hi Adriene! We would either cut smaller slices or make another cake. Or, here is everything you need to know about converting recipes to different Cake Pan Sizes.
Hi Sally, firm cheese is not readily available where I live. Is the cream cheese frosting necessary? What other kind of frosting would work well? How do you think this cake would turn out with, for instance, a Swiss Meringue Buttercream flavoured with coconut extract?
Hi Mary! Swiss Meringue Buttercream with coconut extract would be lovely on this cake. Replace 1 tsp vanilla extract with 1 tsp coconut extract. Let us know if you give it a try!
i am looking for the perfect cake to make for my birthday – and this coconut cake looks dreamy. i i’m curious if you think a lime curd would work between the layers too. I’m trying to figure out how to incorporate some lime with the coconut! thanks.
Hi Lisa, absolutely! We love using curd between the layers of this lemon coconut cake, and you could do something similar here with lime curd. Hope you enjoy this cake for your birthday!
My best friend always wants a piece of coconut cake for her birthday, and I’ve been making a cake for her for years. This has become the best recipe i’ve ever used. Just when you thought you couldn’t put any more coconut flavor into this cake, I found part of a package of freeze dried coconut from another recipe. So I put it in some of the icing and use that for icing on the inside of the layers not the outside such a big hit!
Sounds amazing! We’re so glad this cake is a hit with your best friend 🙂
I loved this cake! I used a cake pan with 22cm each and the dough was enough for only 2 layers…not sure why!
But still turned out to be delicious and beautiful
Hi, would like to make this as a six inch cake. Would I follow the modifications you had below for vanilla cupcakes? Thanks!
Hi Lisa, yes, that’s what we’d recommend along with following our 6 inch cakes baking time and directions. Enjoy!