The Coconut Cake is a classic dessert that brings a tropical twist to any table. Its moist, tender layers are infused with rich coconut flavor, creating a delightful experience for the palate. The creamy coconut frosting adds a luscious finish, making each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Ideal for celebrations or simply as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress. The generous coating of shredded coconut not only enhances the flavor but also gives the cake a beautiful, snow-white appearance that’s both inviting and festive.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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5 egg whites, room temperature
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¾ cup buttermilk
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¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
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1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon almond extract
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2 ½ cups cake flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
For the Frosting:
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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5 cups powdered sugar
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¼ cup heavy cream
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2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Grease and flour the pans, tapping out excess flour.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the egg whites and ¼ cup of the buttermilk until slightly combined. Set aside.
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In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract for 2 minutes on medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Add this dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
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Add the egg white mixture to the batter and beat until fully blended. Then, add the remaining ½ cup of buttermilk and beat for 3-4 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Fold in the shredded coconut.
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 26-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.
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For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together for 3 minutes using the whisk attachment of an electric mixer. Add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, and beat for an additional 4-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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To assemble the cake, place one layer on a cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top and smooth with an offset spatula. Place the second cake layer on top and apply frosting to the entire cake.
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To add the shredded coconut to the top and sides of the cake, place the cake stand on a baking sheet to catch excess coconut. Fill your hand with coconut and gently press it into the sides of the cake. Repeat until the desired amount of coconut is applied. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 26 minutes | Additional Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
Kcal: 527 kcal | Servings: 16 servings
The Ultimate Coconut Cake Recipe: A Tropical Delight
Coconut cake is a timeless dessert that brings a touch of tropical flavor to any occasion. Its delicate, moist layers infused with coconut flavor and topped with creamy coconut frosting make it an irresistible treat. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake is a showstopper. In this article, we will explore the history of coconut cake, why this recipe stands out, tips for achieving the perfect texture, variations to try, and a conclusion on why this is a must-bake dessert.
The History of Coconut Cake
Coconut cake has deep roots in Southern cuisine, where it has long been a staple for special occasions. The use of coconut in baking can be traced back to the 19th century when trade routes made this exotic ingredient more accessible in the United States. Before pre-shredded coconut became available in grocery stores, home bakers would crack open fresh coconuts, extract the flesh, and shred it by hand. This labor-intensive process was a testament to the love and effort put into making this luxurious dessert.
As coconut became more readily available, the popularity of coconut cake grew, and today, it remains a beloved dessert across the globe. Many variations have emerged, but the core elements soft cake layers infused with coconut and a luscious coconut frosting continue to define this classic treat.
Why This Coconut Cake Recipe Stands Out
While there are many coconut cake recipes available, this one stands out for several reasons:
1. Moist and Fluffy Texture
One of the biggest challenges when baking a coconut cake is ensuring that the layers remain moist and tender. This recipe incorporates buttermilk and egg whites to create a light, airy structure while keeping the cake incredibly moist.
2. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness
Some coconut cakes can be overly sweet, but this recipe ensures a harmonious balance of flavors. The combination of granulated sugar, coconut, and cream cheese frosting provides just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.
3. Rich Coconut Flavor
This cake maximizes the coconut essence in multiple ways through the use of shredded coconut in the batter, coconut extract, and a generous layer of coconut on the frosting. This triple infusion of coconut guarantees that every bite bursts with tropical goodness.
4. Elegant Presentation
Not only does this cake taste amazing, but it also looks stunning. The outer layer of shredded coconut gives it a sophisticated, snow-white appearance, making it an ideal centerpiece for any dessert table.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Coconut Cake
1. Use Cake Flour for a Light Texture
Cake flour is essential for achieving a soft and fluffy cake. It has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps create a tender crumb.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients
For the best results, ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This allows for even incorporation and a smooth batter.
3. Do Not Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Once the dry and wet ingredients are combined, mix only until just incorporated.
4. Bake Evenly
To ensure even baking, rotate your cake pans halfway through the baking time. Also, using cake strips around the pans can help prevent domed tops and create level layers.
5. Let the Cake Cool Completely
Before frosting, allow the cake layers to cool completely. A warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
Variations to Try
While this coconut cake is delicious as is, you can experiment with variations to add your own twist:
1. Lemon Coconut Cake
Add fresh lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice to the batter for a citrusy contrast to the coconut’s sweetness.
2. Chocolate Coconut Cake
Incorporate cocoa powder into the cake batter and use a coconut-infused chocolate ganache for the frosting.
3. Pineapple Coconut Cake
Fold crushed pineapple into the batter and use pineapple juice in the frosting for a piña colada-inspired flavor.
4. Almond Coconut Cake
Add a touch of almond extract to complement the coconut flavor and sprinkle toasted almonds on top for added texture.
5. Gluten-Free Coconut Cake
Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion:
This coconut cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia to any gathering. Its rich coconut flavor, soft and fluffy layers, and creamy frosting make it an instant favorite among cake lovers. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore exciting variations, this coconut cake is guaranteed to impress.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a tropical-inspired treat, give this coconut cake recipe a try. With its perfect balance of flavors and elegant presentation, it’s bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every bite and share the joy with friends and family!