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. The exact cake stand I use in these pictures is no longer available, but here is a similar option.
- 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 or you can use this detailed how to assemble and decorate a layer cake post as your guide. 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 (226g/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 8-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 21–24 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 in the pans set on a cooling rack for 1 hour, then remove from the pans and place the cakes directly on the rack to continue cooling. 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 1 heaping cup (about 250–300g) of frosting. Top with second cake layer and evenly cover the top with another heaping cup 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): 8-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.
Reader Comments and Reviews
Is swan cake flour ok also Pillsbury cake flour I have both
Hi Brenda! Any cake flour is fine. We usually use Swans Down brand.
How long can this cake be left out frig
Hi Axie, up to a day! But it is best to refrigerate before slicing otherwise it may be a little too soft.
I have never rated a recipe before, but this cake is so amazing that I had to tell the world. The cake itself is so fluffy and moist, I’m definitely using this base for my white cakes. Then the delicious creamy coconut flavor just takes it to a whole other dimension. I’ve followed and loved Sally’s recipes for years and I’m so grateful for all her recipes.
Hi, which coconut extract do you use please? 🙂
Hi Farhanah, we usually use McCormick brand extracts. Not sponsored, just a fan!
Hi! Your coconut cake was the best! An Easter hit. Question, can I convert the recipe to a chocolate cake? What could I replace the coconut milk with? Is your chocolate cake recipe, just as yummy?
Hi Candice, we would use our chocolate cake recipe instead – it’s a favorite too!
Hello, excited to make this cake tomorrow. Can you tell me how to make this a gluten-free recipe as one member of the family is gluten-free?
Hi Susan, we haven’t tested a gluten free version of this recipe, but some readers have reported success using 1:1 flour substitutes (like Cup4Cup). If you try it, let us know how it goes!
My dairy-free daughter wants a coconut confetti birthday cake.
What would be the best substitutes to make this dairy free? Thinking coconut yogurt and dairy-free butter for the cake and dairy free cream cheese for the frosting. Would adding some sprinkles in the cake batter have any negative effect? Can’t wait to try this.
Hi Laura, we haven’t tested a dairy-free version of this cake, so we’re unsure of the exact results, but a non dairy yogurt would be a good option. Let us know if you do give it a try.
Hi Sally I cant set sweetened coconut shreds where I am. What should I do?
Hi Shubhangi, you can use unsweetened coconut without any other changes. The cake will still be plenty sweet!
First I’ll say, this is probably the best, most flavorful coconut cake I’ve ever had. The first time I made it was in Sept 2021 for my mom’s birthday. My printed copy from that time says to divide the batter between three 9″ rounds. I noticed sometimes the layers could be slightly on the thin side (I thought maybe I was overmixing). But then I noticed the layers in your recipe’s photo were also slightly thin, so I didn’t worry to much about it. The cake was amazing – and is still my go to recipe. That said, I recently printed a new copy and that’s when I noticed you’d switched the directions to 8″ round pans… I was curious if the change was a simple error with the recipe on the website back in 2021? – Or if it was an intentional change due to comments that the layers were a little thin? (I still think even with 9″ pans it manages to be tall enough to impress – especially after assembled, frosted and covered with coconut) 🙂
Hi Scott, we changed the recommended pan size to 8 inch since the layers were coming out quite thin in 9 inch pans. Either works. So glad you love this cake!
Can you use whipped cream cheese instead of the block?
Hi Nicole, no, full-fat brick-style cream cheese is required for the frosting. Whipped cream cheese will not allow the frosting to take on the required texture and structure. For a non-cream cheese frosting option, see the recipe Notes.
While the recipe worked perfectly and the finished cake looked beautiful, the cake part was bland and the frosting was too – I don’t know if it was too sweet or too strange a flavor. After reading the comments, I learned that coconut flavoring and extract do not taste the same. I used flavoring and that may be the reason for my so-so review. (I sniffed both bottles and there is a major difference.). I will try again with extract.
I just baked this delicious, beautiful cake for the fourth time. It’s the annual birthday cake for my dad who will turn 105 next week! The layers freeze well and I frost it with a coconut buttercream frosting. My only complaint is the layers are very thin. I bought 8” pans this year and am hopeful the cake will stand up taller. The layers are still in the pans cooling. I so wish the recipe was a tad bigger!
Sous Chef for Waterside Restaurant in Philadelphia took half of my cake; he loved it. Made this cake for my son’s birthday. Modified it by cutting back on wee bit of sugar for both cake and frosting because I used the sweetened coconut in the cake batter. Between the layers I did a thin set of frosting and then added lemon curd. Used toasted coconut around the top edge of cake. We took it to restaurant and celebrated. We ended up leaving 1/2 the cake for the sous chef because he enjoyed it sooo much. Hands down best recipe. Thank you.
It’s really is a shame you can’t watch your tutorial video on this cake. Advertisements are taking over. I have tried and tried to watch it, but it never appeared. I wanted to see how to apply the coconut flakes.
Hi Sheri, I’m so sorry to hear this. We don’t allow pop-ups on the site, and ads should never be blocking content. I looked and wasn’t able to replicate the same experience in my browser. If you can send a screenshot of what you’re seeing to sally@sallysbakingaddiction.com, we will get in touch with the ad network and have them fix the issue. And in the meantime, here is a direct link to the video to watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WwNwnEAv_Us?si=8DxIWmu26qj_dwMJ
Can I double this recipe to make a mile high coconut cake?
Hi Edith, we recommend making separate batches rather than doubling (to prevent over- or under-mixing). Enjoy!
Can you use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
Can you use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Hi Mary, absolutely. Same amount.
For the coconut milk, should I shake the can to try to mix the solid milk in the can in with the liquid, or should only the liquid be used and the solid saved for something else?
Hi Shani, yes, you will want to shake/mix the content in the can so the solid fat is mixed in well.
I never rate recipes but this one is absolutely delicious. Think I found my favorite cake!
I made this recipe as cupcakes and it made 20 cupcakes (not 2-3 dozen as noted in the recipe). The icing recipe made way too much for the cupcakes, so I had a lot of icing left over. I feel that you could make 3/4 of the icing recipe and have plenty for the cupcakes.
I brought them to work, where they got rave reviews from everyone who had one. I opted not to put shredded coconut on the cupcakes for aesthetic reasons and people still thought they were great. I’m going to make this as a cake for my mom’s birthday! Thanks for another smash hit, Sally.
This cake recipe is phenomenal and the only coconut cake recipe I’ll ever make from now on. I highly recommend making a pastry cream (with toasted coconut that has been blitzed/pulsed) to act as a filling, as it really takes it the next level and pairs wonderfully with the cake and the frosting.
This cake is dangerously good. I’ve made it twice, and it turned out beautifully both times – including the time that I filled part of the coconut milk after I had already poured a portion into the batter and had to guesstimate the remaining amount. Still perfect! I do use less coconut milk in the frosting than it calls. Both times mine has been perfect texture and more liquid would make it too runny. This will be a keeper for life!
This is an amazing cake. I accidentally put in 8oz of sour cream instead of 4oz, and it was delicious and so tender and moist. I’ll keep making that “mistake” from now on.
Finally! A coconut cake that tastes like coconut! I think the coconut milk really intensifies the flavor. I’ve been frustrated in the past making coconut cakes that don’t taste much like coconut just plain white cake. I’ve even used two teaspoons of coconut extract in the cake batter but to no avail. Thanks so much for this recipe tip, Sally!
I have not made this yet, but had a piece on Easter when my sister-in-law brought this for dessert. WOW! I’ve made (and eaten) other coconut cakes and this is the best I have ever had! So moist and coconutty and delicious. My SILs and I are bakers and take turns bringing desserts to family events – when something is great we’ll ask for the recipe source and the answer usually is, “It’s Sally!”
This coconut cake is so moist and delicious! I used the recipe exactly as is, except I made 2 six inch layers and 2 five inch layers for two cakes so I could give one to a friend. They both turned out fabulous! Next time I will make one full size cake for each of us! Our families loved it!
For Easter, I baked a half recipe in three 6-inch pans for 18 minutes and it came out perfectly!
Thanks for posting this comment Lisa! I was looking for EXACTLY this information… Making it for myself, for my birthday tomorrow! 🙂
Wonderfully moist coconut cupcakes. I used 7 minute frosting on them. They were like eating a Hostess Snowball.
I shared them with friends. Had to make another 3 dozen the next day because word got out!
This cake is the best coconut cake I’ve ever had. I didn’t change a thing, and it was delicious. Thank you!
This is a great recipe! The cake was tender, moist, and flavorful! I did make one change – rather than use the frosting that was included with the cake recipe, I used the Not-So-Sweet Whipped Frosting. I reduced the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and also added 1/2 teaspoon of coconut extract. Perfect compliment to a perfect coconut cake!
Hello, do you have the nutrition info for this cake (either whole or per slice)? Thank you!
Hi Christine, we don’t usually include nutrition information as it can vary between different brands of the same ingredients. Plus, many recipes have ingredient substitutions or optional ingredients listed. However, there are many handy online calculators where you can plug in and customize your exact ingredients/brands. Readers have found this one especially helpful: https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076