Homemade Creamy Coconut Cake – Easy Recipe

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By Maria

Daily Culinary Pleasures

Homemade Creamy Coconut Cake – Easy Recipe

Nothing beats the taste of a homemade creamy coconut cake with a light, fluffy texture and rich coconut flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this easy coconut cake recipe will be your go-to.

Unlike dry cakes, this moist coconut cake stays soft thanks to a perfect blend of coconut milk, butter, and sour cream. Plus, it’s topped with a silky coconut frosting and finished with shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

Let’s get baking! This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to make a coconut cake from scratch like a pro!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Coconut Cake

Moist & Fluffy Texture – No dry coconut cake here!
Easy to Make – Perfect for beginners and expert bakers.
Rich Coconut Flavor – Made with real coconut milk and shredded coconut.
Perfect for Special Occasions – A showstopper for birthdays and holidays.
Pairs Well with Coffee or Tea – Enjoy with a latte or coconut-infused tea.

Ingredients for the Best Coconut Cake

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or cake flour for extra fluffiness)
  • 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 coconut milk (full-fat for best results)
  • ½ cup sour cream (adds moisture)
  • 1 cup shredded coconut

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 and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
Extra Flavor Boost: Add almond extract  for a richer taste.

Homemade Creamy Coconut Cake – Easy Recipe
Homemade Creamy Coconut Cake – optimalrecipes.com

How to Make Homemade Coconut Cake – Step-by-Step

Step1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
 In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step2: Cream the Butter & Sugar

 In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step3: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

 Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with coconut milk and sour cream, mixing just until combined.
 Fold in shredded coconut for added texture.

Step4: Bake the Cake

 Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
 Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
 Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step5: Make the Coconut Frosting

 In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
 Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in coconut milk and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step6: Assemble the Cake

 Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of coconut frosting over the top.
 Repeat with the remaining layers, covering the entire cake with frosting.

Step7: Garnish & Serve

 Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosted cake.
 Chill for 30 minutes before slicing to set the frosting. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Coconut Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures even mixing.
Do Not Overmix – Overmixing can make the cake dense.
For Extra Moisture – Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the batter.
Chill Before Slicing – Helps the frosting set.
Toasted Coconut Garnish – Toast shredded coconut for extra flavor.

How to Store & Freeze Coconut Cake

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Let frozen slices thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs – Answering Your Baking Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
 Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them before serving.

Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
 Yes, but it will make the cake sweeter. Adjust sugar accordingly.

How can I make this cake dairy-free?
 Use vegan butter, coconut yogurt instead of sour cream, and coconut whipped cream.

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Final Thoughts 

Now you know how to make the best homemade creamy coconut cake! This cake is moist, fluffy, and packed with coconut flavor—perfect for any celebration.

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Homemade Creamy Coconut Cake – Easy Recipe

Homemade Creamy Coconut Cake – Easy Recipe


Description

Nothing beats the taste of a homemade creamy coconut cake with a light, fluffy texture and rich coconut flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this easy coconut cake recipe will be your go-to.

Unlike dry cakes, this moist coconut cake stays soft thanks to a perfect blend of coconut milk, butter, and sour cream. Plus, it’s topped with a silky coconut frosting and finished with shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

Let’s get baking! This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to make a coconut cake from scratch like a pro!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or cake flour for extra fluffiness)
  • 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 coconut milk (full-fat for best results)
  • ½ cup sour cream (adds moisture)
  • 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 and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
Extra Flavor Boost: Add almond extract or rum for a richer taste.


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
 In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugar

 In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
 Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

 Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with coconut milk and sour cream, mixing just until combined.
 Fold in shredded coconut for added texture.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

 Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
 Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
 Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Coconut Frosting

 In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
 Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in coconut milk and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

 Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of coconut frosting over the top.
 Repeat with the remaining layers, covering the entire cake with frosting.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

 Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosted cake.
 Chill for 30 minutes before slicing to set the frosting. Enjoy!

Notes

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures even mixing.
Do Not Overmix – Overmixing can make the cake dense.
For Extra Moisture – Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the batter.
Chill Before Slicing – Helps the frosting set.
Toasted Coconut Garnish – Toast shredded coconut for extra flavor.

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