Coconut Cake Recipe

Coconut cake recipe is a timeless dessert that brings the taste of the tropics straight to your kitchen. Its light, fluffy texture combined with the rich, creamy coconut flavor makes it a favorite for many. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this coconut cake recipe is sure to impress. In this article, we’ll take you through the history of this delicious cake, the ingredients you’ll need, and a step-by-step guide on how to make it from scratch.

A Brief History of Coconut Cake Recipe:

Coconut cake has its roots in the Southern United States, where it became a popular dessert in the early 20th century. The cake was initially made using fresh coconut, which was grated by hand—a labor-intensive process that made it a special treat for holidays and celebrations. Over time, as canned and shredded coconut became more readily available, the cake gained popularity across the country. Today, coconut cake is a beloved dessert enjoyed by people all over the world.

Coconut Cake Recipe

Pinklady

Coconut cake has its roots in the Southern United States, where it became a popular dessert in the early 20th century.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Servings 12 Servings

Equipment

• 2 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Cooling racks
• Cake stand or serving plate

Ingredients

  

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

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For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (for topping)

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Cake Pans

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. Line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper and lightly flour the sides. This will ensure your cake doesn't stick to the pans.
• Mix the Dry Ingredients

  In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Cream the Butter and Sugar

  In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy cake.
• Add the Eggs and Extracts

  Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and coconut extracts until fully incorporated.
• Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

  Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the coconut milk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
• Fold in the Coconut

  Gently fold in the shredded coconut using a spatula, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• Bake the Cakes

  Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
• Cool the Cakes

  Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
• Prepare the Frosting

  While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Mix in the coconut milk, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until smooth and fluffy.
• Assemble the Cake

  Place one of the cooled cake layers on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, covering the sides as well. Press the shredded coconut onto the top and sides of the cake, gently pressing to adhere.
• Serve and Enjoy

  Once the cake is fully frosted and covered in coconut, slice it up and serve. Enjoy the light, tropical flavors with each bite!

Video

Keyword Coconut Cake Recipe

Similar Recipes:

– Pineapple Coconut Cake: A tropical twist with added pineapple chunks in the batter.
– Lemon Coconut Cake: A zesty variation that combines lemon and coconut flavors.
– Coconut Cream Pie: A creamy, coconut-filled pie topped with whipped cream.
– Coconut Cupcakes: Miniature versions of coconut cake, perfect for individual servings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Coconut Cake Recipe:

1. Can I use fresh coconut instead of shredded coconut?

Yes, fresh coconut can be used, but it requires grating and may alter the texture slightly.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them the next day.

3. Can I freeze coconut cake?

Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

4. Is there a substitute for coconut milk?

You can substitute regular milk or almond milk, but it will affect the coconut flavor.

5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

6. How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar by 1/2 cup and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

7. What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream.

8. Can I add nuts to this cake?

Yes, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added for extra texture.

Conclusion:

Coconut cake is a delightful dessert that brings a touch of the tropics to any occasion. Its rich, moist texture and sweet coconut flavor make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a slice of homemade coconut cake today!

YouTube Video Credits:
Preppy Kitchen