This Coconut Layer Cake is a showstopper, perfect for any occasion. Each bite is an explosion of soft, fluffy cake infused with coconut flavor, layered with a rich and creamy coconut buttercream. The toasted coconut on top adds a subtle crunch, enhancing the tropical vibes of this indulgent dessert. Whether served at a spring brunch, an elegant dinner party, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is bound to impress. Its beautifully light texture and balanced sweetness make it the ultimate coconut lover’s dream. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect pairing!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1½ cups granulated white sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp coconut extract (start with 1 tsp and increase if desired)
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1¼ cups buttermilk, at room temperature
For the Coconut Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tsp coconut extract
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1½ cups lightly toasted coconut (see note for toasting instructions)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 9″ round cake pans, line with parchment paper, and regrease.
- In a stand mixer, cream butter, oil, and sugar together until fluffy (about 1 minute).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and coconut extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter and extracts in a stand mixer until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until light and airy.
- Frost the cooled cakes, then press toasted coconut onto the frosting before it sets.
- Store airtight at room temperature or in the fridge.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal per slice | Servings: 12 slices
The Ultimate Coconut Layer Cake: A Dreamy Dessert for Every Occasion
Coconut desserts have a special place in the hearts of those who love tropical flavors. There’s something about the sweet, nutty, and slightly creamy essence of coconut that makes it irresistible, whether it’s in cookies, pies, or, in this case, a beautifully fluffy layer cake. This Coconut Layer Cake is a masterpiece, featuring a supremely moist crumb, a rich coconut buttercream, and a perfect finishing touch of toasted coconut. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Layer Cake
One of the best things about this cake is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cake itself is incredibly moist, thanks to the use of buttermilk and oil, while the buttercream frosting adds a velvety richness. But the real star of the show is the toasted coconut garnish, which brings a subtle crunch and an extra boost of coconut flavor that ties everything together beautifully.
This cake isn’t just delicious it’s also visually stunning. The snowy white buttercream combined with golden toasted coconut flakes creates an elegant, bakery-worthy dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or a casual weekend treat, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Secret to a Moist and Fluffy Cake
The key to achieving the perfect coconut cake texture lies in the combination of ingredients. Many coconut cake recipes can turn out dry or dense, but this one remains light and soft due to a few essential techniques:
- Using Buttermilk – Buttermilk adds both moisture and a slight tanginess, which helps balance the sweetness of the cake. It also works with baking powder to create a tender crumb.
- Oil Over Butter – While butter provides a rich flavor, oil contributes to a softer texture. The combination of both gives the best of both worlds moistness and flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Bringing ingredients like eggs, butter, and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing ensures a smoother batter and even baking.
- Gentle Mixing – Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. To avoid this, mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to maintain the airiness of the batter.
The Magic of Coconut Buttercream
What truly makes this coconut cake extraordinary is the coconut buttercream. Unlike plain buttercream, which is made with butter and powdered sugar, this frosting incorporates coconut extract and a splash of heavy whipping cream. The result is a lusciously smooth, slightly coconutty frosting that pairs perfectly with the cake’s tropical flavor.
If you want to take the coconut flavor to the next level, you can also add a bit of coconut milk or cream of coconut to the frosting. This will intensify the richness and make each bite even more indulgent.
Toasted Coconut: The Ultimate Garnish
One of the best ways to enhance the look and taste of this cake is by adding toasted coconut flakes. Toasting coconut is a simple process that brings out its natural oils and caramelizes the edges, giving it a deeper, nuttier flavor. Lightly toasting the coconut instead of using it raw makes all the difference it adds a delicate crunch and an irresistible aroma.
To toast coconut, simply heat shredded sweetened coconut in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until it turns a light golden brown. Be sure to watch it closely, as coconut can go from lightly toasted to burnt in seconds! Once cooled, press the flakes onto the frosted cake for a stunning and flavorful topping.
Perfect Occasions for This Cake
While this cake is a wonderful treat for any day of the week, it truly shines on special occasions. Here are some of the best times to serve it:
- Spring Gatherings & Easter – The light and airy texture, combined with the coconut’s bright flavor, makes it a fantastic addition to a springtime brunch or Easter dessert table.
- Birthdays & Celebrations – If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional birthday cake, this coconut layer cake is a unique and elegant option.
- Summer Parties – With its tropical vibes, this cake is a fantastic choice for summer get-togethers, pairing well with fresh fruit and cold drinks.
- Holiday Desserts – Coconut cakes are also popular around the holidays, especially for Christmas and Thanksgiving, when rich and festive desserts take center stage.
Variations & Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this coconut cake is how versatile it is. If you love experimenting in the kitchen, here are a few ways you can switch things up:
- Add Pineapple – For a Pina Colada-inspired twist, add a layer of pineapple preserves between the cake layers or mix crushed pineapple into the batter.
- Use Coconut Milk – Swap out some of the buttermilk for canned coconut milk to deepen the coconut flavor even further.
- Make it a Sheet Cake or Cupcakes – If you prefer a simpler presentation, this recipe can easily be baked as a 9×13 sheet cake or transformed into cupcakes for easy serving.
- Chocolate Coconut Cake – Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a coconut-chocolate combo.
Storing & Serving Tips
To keep this coconut cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate it for up to five days, but let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.
If you’re making the cake ahead of time, you can also freeze the cake layers (without frosting) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to assemble, let the layers thaw at room temperature before frosting and decorating.
Conclusion:
This Coconut Layer Cake is the ultimate indulgence for coconut lovers. With its light and fluffy texture, rich coconut buttercream, and perfectly toasted coconut topping, it delivers a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, this cake is sure to impress.