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Coconut Cake Recipe

Coconut Cake is a delightful dessert that's perfect for special occasions or any time you're craving a tropical and sweet treat. Enjoy baking and savoring this classic coconut-flavored delight!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

For the Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon coconut extract optional
  • ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut for garnish
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Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Prepare the Cake:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
    In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
    Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the coconut milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
    Fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed in the batter.
    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake the Cake:
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until 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.
  • Prepare the Frosting:
    In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.
    Add powdered sugar gradually, beating well after each addition.
    Stir in the vanilla extract and coconut extract (if using).
  • Assemble the Cake:
    Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer.
    Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
    Press shredded coconut onto the frosting for decoration.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    Slice and serve the coconut cake. It's best enjoyed at room temperature.
  • Optional:
    For added coconut flavor, you can also drizzle coconut milk over the cake layers before frosting.
Keyword Coconut Cake