Coconut Cake

Satisfy your sweet cravings with our mouthwatering Coconut Cake topped with decadent Toasted Coconut Frosting. Versatile and accommodating, this indulgent dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration or a casual gathering with loved ones. Dive into layers of fluffy coconut cake infused with rich flavors, complemented by a creamy frosting and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added texture. Follow our simple recipe to create a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress and delight!

Experience the perfect harmony of tangy cream cheese frosting atop our airy and light white coconut cake. This dessert is a celebration in itself, ideal for any occasion

Discovering the Art of Neighborly Hospitality Through Coconut Cake in North Carolina

Since our recent return to North Carolina, baking this Coconut Cake sparked an idea: what better way to connect with our neighbors than through a slice of homemade goodness? While we managed to savor a few slices ourselves, this cake vanished quickly, proving that cake is indeed the ultimate icebreaker in any community.

Cake holds a special place in celebrations, from birthdays to weddings and beyond. Adorned with delicate coconut flakes, our Coconut Cake not only tantalizes the taste buds but also serves as a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.

Crafted with unsweetened yogurt for a moist crumb and infused with the vibrant flavors of coconut and almond extracts, this cake offers a symphony of flavors and textures that captivate with every bite. And let’s not forget the creamy frosting, where coconut and vanilla extracts unite to elevate the coconut experience to new heights.

Indulge in the essence of coconut with every slice of this delectable creation, and let the aroma of freshly baked goodness pave the way to new friendships in our North Carolina neighborhood.

Layering Up Your Coconut Cake

Skip making a cake from the box and surprise your family and friends with this decadent dessert. With just a little mixing this cake couldn’t be easier.

• For the Cake:
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans with nonstick baking spray.
• In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, extracts, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
• Add the egg whites, yogurt (or sour cream), and coconut milk, and mix until well combined.
• Gradually add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the sweetened coconut flakes.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
• For the Toasted Coconut Frosting:
• In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, coconut extract, vanilla extract, cream cheese, and milk until smooth and creamy.
• Once the cakes are completely cooled, assemble the cake by frosting the top of one cake layer, then placing the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

• Garnish the cake with additional toasted coconut flakes for added flavor and texture.
• Slice, serve, and enjoy this delectable Coconut Cake with Toasted Coconut Frosting!
• Are you looking for more coconut inspired treats? Make sure you check out my recipe for Gluten Free Chocolate Coconut Hazelnut Tart. Now let’s get baking!

Why you’ll love Coconut Cake!

Versatile Enjoyment: This Coconut Cake is suitable for various dietary preferences and occasions, making it a versatile dessert option.

Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible to both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Dairy-Free Option: Accommodating dairy-free diets, this recipe offers a delicious alternative with dairy-free butter, yogurt, and cream cheese.

Moist and Flavorful: Indulge in layers of moist coconut cake bursting with tropical flavors, enhanced by the addition of coconut milk and coconut extract.

Creamy Frosting: The Toasted Coconut Frosting adds a creamy and decadent touch to the cake, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Customizable Garnish: Elevate the presentation of your cake with a generous sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, adding visual appeal and additional coconut flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Whether served at a party, potluck, or family dinner, this Coconut Cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

Coconut Cake

A light and airy coconut cake is combined with tangy coconut cream cheese frosting.

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cooling Time: 2 hours hours

Servings: 8

Equipment

• 1 Mixing Bowl
• 2 8" round cake pans

Ingredients

Coconut Cake

• 2 1/2 cups Gluten Free 1.1 flour
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 6 egg whites
• 5 oz unsweetened yogurt or sour cream (I used dairy free coconut )
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 3/4 cup butter, room temperature (I used dairy free)
• 1 tsp coconut extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract, optional (can sub with vanilla extract)
• 1 1/2 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes

Toasted Coconut Frosting

• 1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature (I used dairy free)
• 4 to 7 cups powdered sugar Start with 4 cups, add additional 1 cup at a time for the right consistency
• 1 tsp coconut extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature (I used dairy free)
• 1/8 cup milk (I used dairy free)
• coconut for garnishing

Instructions

Coconut Cake

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 8" round cake pans with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
• Add the butter, extracts, and sugar to a bowl and mix on high until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
• Add the egg whites, yogurt, and coconut milk. Mix until combined.
• Add the remaining ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not over mix.
• Divide the batter between the two cake pans.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Place on cooling racks. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Toasted Coconut Frosting

• Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and mix until smooth and creamy.
• To assemble your cake, place the first cake on a cake stand or plate.
• Frost the top of the cake and stack the second cake on top.
• Frost the top and the sides of the cake.
• Decorate with additional coconut.
• Slice and enjoy!

Notes

1.You have the option to substitute either cream cheese or chocolate frosting. Choose what you prefer. 

  

2. For frosting, use powdered sugar ranging from 4 to 7 cups. Begin with 4 cups and add more gradually if needed. Note: Consistency may vary depending on the type of butter/milk used.

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