The Very Best Coconut Cake Recipe EVER

(Soft, moist, and loaded with coconut flavor!)

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
• 5 large egg whites
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut flakes

 

For the Coconut Cream Cheese Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 8 oz regular cream cheese
• 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons canned coconut milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon coconut extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded coconut

 

How to Make It

Step-by-Step Instructions:

 

Preheat & Prep the Pans:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Grease two 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper, grease and flour again. Set aside.

 

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

 

Cream Butter & Sugar:

• Using a mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

 

Add Eggs & Flavor:

• Beat in the egg whites until combined.
• Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and coconut extract. Beat until smooth.

 

Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients:

• With mixer on low speed, add dry mixture and coconut milk alternately, ending with flour.
• Whisk the final addition by hand to avoid over-mixing. The batter will be slightly thick.

 

Bake the Cakes:

• Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans (weigh for accuracy if desired).
• Bake for 21–23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Let cakes cool completely before frosting.

Make the Coconut Cream Cheese Buttercream:

• Beat butter and cream cheese on medium speed until creamy (about 2 minutes).
• Add coconut milk, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and salt.
• Gradually add confectioners’ sugar one cup at a time until the desired texture and taste is reached.

 

Final Touch:

• Once cakes are cooled, assemble and frost as desired.
• Decorate with shredded coconut and enjoy every fluffy, tropical bite!

Serving Suggestions

 

Serve your coconut cake with:

• A sprinkle of toasted coconut on top
• Fresh berries on the side
• A light drizzle of coconut glaze for extra richness

 

This cake is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just treating yourself!