Nothing beats the taste of a homemade creamy coconut cake with its fluffy crumb, tropical flavor, and luscious frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just in the mood for something sweet, this easy coconut cake will become your go-to dessert.
Made with real coconut milk, butter, sour cream, and shredded coconut, every bite of this cake is moist and full of flavor. Plus, it’s topped with a smooth coconut frosting and a generous layer of shredded coconut for extra texture.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Coconut Cake
Moist & Fluffy Texture – Say goodbye to dry cakes.
Easy to Make – Great for beginner or experienced bakers.
Packed with Real Coconut Flavor – Coconut milk + shredded coconut = delicious!
Perfect for Celebrations – Birthdays, holidays, brunches, or tea parties.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and enjoy later.
đź›’ Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or cake flour for a softer texture)
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded coconut
For the Coconut Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
½ cup coconut milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups shredded coconut (for topping)
🥄 Substitutions & Variations
Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan butter + coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Extra Flavor Boost: Add ½ tsp almond extract or a splash of rum for richness.
👩‍🍳 How to Make Homemade Coconut Cake (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep Your Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter, alternating with coconut milk and sour cream.
Mix until just combined. Gently fold in shredded coconut.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide batter evenly between the pans. Smooth the tops.
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🎂 How to Make Coconut Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
Slowly add powdered sugar, then mix in coconut milk and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
For extra coconut flavor, fold in ÂĽ cup shredded coconut if desired.
🍰 Assemble & Decorate the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top.
Add the next layer and repeat. Cover the entire cake with frosting.
Sprinkle shredded coconut all over the frosted cake.
Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to help the frosting set.
đź’ˇ Pro Tips for Perfect Coconut Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients for even mixing.
Don’t Overmix the batter—it can make the cake dense.
For Extra Moisture, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the batter.
Want More Texture? Toast the shredded coconut topping.
Use Cake Strips around the pans for flat, even layers.
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap + foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Let thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
âť“ FAQs
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and cool the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly and frost before serving.
Can I use sweetened coconut?
Yes, but it will make the cake sweeter. Reduce the sugar in the batter slightly.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also frost with coconut whipped cream.
đź“Ś Related Recipes
🎉 Final Thoughts
Now you’ve got everything you need to bake the perfect homemade creamy coconut cake. It’s moist, decadent, and layered with tropical flavor—ideal for any celebration or indulgent treat.
👉 Tried this recipe? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments!
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