If there’s one dessert that never fails to impress, it’s a well-made coconut cake. With its moist, fluffy layers and rich coconut flavor, this classic confection is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, mastering the art of coconut cake is a worthwhile endeavor that will earn you rave reviews at any gathering. Our Tropical Coconut Cake is the perfect recipe to showcase your skills and enjoy a delicious dessert altogether.
History of Coconut Cake
The origins of coconut cake can be traced back to the tropical regions where coconuts are abundant. The use of coconut in baking can be found in various cultures around the world, from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia. The unique flavor and texture of coconut have made it a popular ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.
In the United States, coconut cake gained popularity in the South, where coconut palms thrive in the warm climate. Southern bakers have been perfecting their coconut cake recipes for generations, and today, this dessert is a staple at many Southern celebrations, including weddings, birthdays, and holidays.
Coconut Cake Variations
One of the things that make coconut cake so appealing is its versatility. From traditional layer cakes to modern twists, there are countless ways to enjoy this delectable treat. Some popular variations include:
- Coconut Layer Cake: This is the classic version of coconut cake, featuring layers of tender coconut-flavored cake filled and frosted with creamy coconut frosting, like our Tropical Coconut Cake. It’s often adorned with shredded coconut for an extra touch of texture and flavor.
- Coconut Bundt Cake: For a simpler take on coconut cake, a bundt cake is a great option. The dense, moist crumb of a bundt cake pairs perfectly with the tropical taste of coconut, and a drizzle of glaze or sprinkle of powdered sugar is all it needs to shine.
- Coconut Cupcakes: If you’re looking for a portable option, coconut cupcakes are a delightful choice. These individual treats are perfect for parties and gatherings, and they can be customized with different frostings and toppings to suit any occasion.
- Vegan Coconut Cake: With the growing popularity of plant-based diets, many bakers are experimenting with vegan coconut cake recipes. By using ingredients like coconut milk, oil, and shredded coconut, it’s possible to create a dairy-free and egg-free version of this beloved dessert. Tropical Coconut Cake can easily be converted to a completely vegan cake.
Baking Tips Before We Begin
While coconut cake may seem intimidating to make, especially for novice bakers, it’s actually quite achievable with the right techniques. Here are some tips to help you nail your coconut cake every time:
- Use quality ingredients: Since coconut is the star of the show in this cake, it’s important to use high-quality coconut products, such as coconut milk, coconut oil, and shredded coconut. Fresh ingredients will impart the best flavor and texture to your cake.
- Never overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough and dense cake. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a tender crumb.
- Toast the coconut: Toasting shredded coconut before using it as a garnish will enhance its nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to your cake. But of course, this is based on personal preference.
- Get creative with decorations: Whether you prefer a rustic look with a generous sprinkle of shredded coconut or an elegant finish with piped rosettes, there are endless ways to decorate your coconut cake. Fresh fruit, edible flowers, and chocolate shavings are all wonderful options for adding visual appeal.
If you need additional coconut cake variation options, try heading to Southern Living. They have fantastic variations to draw inspiration from
Tropical Coconut Cake
Ingredients
Coconut Cake
- 370 g cake flour
- 340 g granulated sugar
- 113 g coconut oil
- 85 g unsalted butter room temp, more coconut oil works
- 5 oz. egg whites room temp.
- 1½ cups coconut milk room temp.
- 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp coconut extract
- ½ tsp. clear vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. sea salt
Coconut Frosting
- 3 sticks unsalted butter room temp.
- 113 g coconut oil solid, see notes*
- 2 tbsp coconut milk optional
- 6 cups powdered sugar more if needed
- 2 tsp. coconut extract
- 1 tsp. clear vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. seas salt
- 4 oz. coconut shavings optional
Instructions
Coconut Cake
- Preheat oven to 325℉.
- Combine the coconut milk and vinegar in a measuring cup, gently stir, and let it sit for a few minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, add your butter and sugar and mix well until light. Then add your coconut oil and mix until smooth.
- Add your vanilla and coconut extract, and salt to the mixture and briefly mix again.
- In this next process, you'll combine the flour, baking soda and powder into a separate bowl briefly mixing together. Afterwards, you'll only add a third of this dry-flour mixture to your main coconut oil/sugar mixture. Mix in very well.
- The next step is to combine your egg whites and milk mixture, then add a third of this to the coconut oil/sugar mixture. Mix very well.
- Repeat the last two steps until all flour and milk/egg whites are in the main mixing bowl. Scrape the sides of the mixing bowl.
- Place in 3 separate 8" inch pans. Cook for 45 minutes, or until cake comes back clean or with minimal crumb from the toothpick test.
- Let rest for at least 1 hour, or until cake has completely cooled.
- In a mixing bow
Coconut Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, add the butter, coconut oil, vanilla and coconut extracts and salt into a mixing bowl. Mix until creamy. My take 5 minutes.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar on low speed, while still mixing the mixture.
- If you want to add coconut milk, do it now. Increase the speed after until it reaches a perfect texture.
- The frosting texture should be fluffy, if it's runny, add more powdered sugar.
Cake Assembly
- Level cake with a leveler or knife.
Notes
- *You’ll want your coconut oil to be somewhat solid to add to your frosting. Place in fridge or freezer if you’re in a warm climate. The goal is solid, not hard, it is frosting.
Nutrition
Useful Tip:
Try toasting your coconut shavings in the oven at 450 F, to add a dynamic flavor profile to this amazing coconut cake.
Why we LOVE Tropical Coconut Cake
Tropical Coconut Cake is a timeless dessert that continues to captivate dessert lovers around the world. With its tropical allure and luscious flavor, it’s no wonder that coconut cake remains a beloved indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re savoring a slice at a wedding reception or treating yourself to a homemade delight, coconut cake is an experience that never disappoints. So go ahead, whip up a batch of coconut cake and let its irresistible charm win over your taste buds.
Let’s kick this celebration up some more with our very own vanilla ice cream to accompany our Tropical Coconut Cake. Try our Creamy Dreamy Vanilla Ice Cream to enhance our cake. Why not add some coconut extract or shavings to the ice cream?
