Name: Decadent Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups Cake Flour; 1 3/4 cup Sugar; 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 cup Dry Pudding Mix (coconut or vanilla); 1 cup Butter (cut into cubes, softened); 1 cup Canned Unsweetened Coconut Milk (full-fat); 1/3 cup Buttermilk; 4 Egg Whites; 1 Egg; 1 – 2 teaspoons Coconut Extract; 1 cup Butter (softened); 1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese (softened); 5 cups Powdered Sugar; 2 Tablespoons Cream or Milk; 1 teaspoon Coconut Extract; 1/2 cup Water; 1/2 cup Sugar; 1 1/2 cups Coconut (Sweetened or Flaked)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 90 reviews

If you are dreaming of a dessert that feels like a tropical vacation wrapped in cake form, this Decadent Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s moist, tender, and bursting with rich coconut flavor that’s perfectly balanced by a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting. Each bite melts in your mouth and brings a smile to your face, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little indulgence today.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round cake is cut into eight equal slices and placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has a smooth off-white top layer with thick white swirls of cream frosting on the outer edge around each slice. Small toasted brown bits are sprinkled lightly over the frosting. Each slice is topped with a small vibrant purple edible flower. To the side are several white plates stacked, with a small jar of toasted bits on top, and two gold forks with a beige cloth napkin below. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in this coconut cake. Each component plays an essential role, from the fluffy cake layers to the silky cream cheese frosting, making this recipe straightforward yet incredibly satisfying.

Cake Flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides a lighter, softer crumb compared to all-purpose flour, which is perfect for delicate cakes.
Sugar (1 3/4 cups): Sweetens the cake evenly while helping to tenderize the crumb.
Baking Powder (1 tablespoon): Ensures a lovely rise to keep the layers fluffy and moist.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
Dry Pudding Mix (1/4 cup, coconut or vanilla): Adds moisture and a subtle richness that keeps the cake soft for days.
Butter (1 cup, softened + 1 cup for frosting): Brings buttery richness to both the cake and frosting, essential for flavor and texture.
Canned Unsweetened Coconut Milk (1 cup, full-fat): Deepens the coconut flavor and contributes to moistness.
Buttermilk (1/3 cup): Offers a tangy note and tenderizes the cake crumb.
Egg Whites (4) and Egg (1 whole): Create structure and lightness in the cake layers.
Coconut Extract (1-2 teaspoons): Amplifies the coconut essence beautifully.
Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the frosting; provides creaminess and slight tang that complements the cake perfectly.
Powdered Sugar (5 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that luscious finish.
Cream or Milk (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
Water (1/2 cup) and Sugar (1/2 cup): Combine to make a simple syrup that keeps the cake moist.
Sweetened or Flaked Coconut (1 1/2 cups): Adds texture and the classic finishing touch to your coconut cake.

How to Make Decadent Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a standing mixer, combine cake flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and dry pudding mix. This step forms the flavorful and tender base of your cake, setting the stage for a light and moist texture.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Add the softened butter cubes one at a time to the dry mixture, beating until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures even distribution of fat, which is crucial for a tender cake crumb without greasiness.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, buttermilk, egg whites, whole egg, and coconut extract. Adding half of this mixture to the butter-flour crumbs while beating creates a light, fluffy batter. Then, mix in the remaining liquid and scrape down the sides for even consistency.

Step 4: Prepare and Bake the Cake Pans

Grease your cake pans—two 9-inch or three 8-inch work well. Spread the batter evenly and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Thicker layers require a bit more time, so keep an eye on your cakes to avoid dryness.

Step 5: Cool and Finish the Layers

Once baked, allow the cakes to cool slightly, then carefully run a knife around the edges and flip them out of their pans. This avoids any accidental crumbling and prepares them for simple syrup and frosting.

Step 6: Brush with Simple Syrup

Make a simple syrup by heating water and sugar until dissolved and clear. Once cooled, generously brush this over each cake layer to lock in moisture and add subtle sweetness—this small step elevates the overall cake experience tremendously.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy, about four minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of cream or milk to reach the ideal frosting texture. Stir in coconut extract to enhance that lovely tropical aroma. This frosting is the ultimate creamy complement to the coconut cake layers.

Step 8: Assemble and Decorate

Layer your cake with generous amounts of frosting between each layer. Finish by sprinkling sweetened or flaked coconut over the top and sides as you like. This presentation adds a beautiful texture and showcases the coconut theme proudly.

How to Serve Decadent Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A tall slice of yellow cake with four even layers is placed on a white plate with a gold-rimmed fork beside it. Each layer is separated by a thin smooth white cream filling. The top of the cake is covered with a pale yellow smooth icing and decorated with small swirls of white cream and three small bright pink edible flowers. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there are parts of other cakes blurred out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add extra flair, consider lightly toasting shredded coconut for a nutty aroma and crunch. Fresh tropical fruits like sliced pineapple or mango alongside the cake can brighten up the presentation and flavor. Edible flowers or a drizzle of white chocolate can also bring elegance to your dessert table.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments such as a scoop of coconut or vanilla bean ice cream, which helps balance the sweetness. Fresh berries or tangy fruit salsa can add a refreshing contrast. For a beverage, chilled coconut water or a mild cup of tea complements without overpowering.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, consider serving individual cake slices in pretty jars or clear cups topped with shredded coconut and a small dollop of frosting. For a more formal event, a three-tiered cake stand beautifully showcases the layers and adds height to your dessert display. You could also create mini versions by baking cupcakes using this recipe, adorned with swirls of cream cheese frosting and coconut flakes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Decadent Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers before frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before assembling to keep the delicate texture intact. If freezing the entire frosted cake, place it in a sturdy, sealed container or cake box and thaw overnight in the fridge to prevent condensation from damaging the frosting.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is usually not necessary. If preferred, bring slices to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance flavors. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture and melt the cream cheese frosting.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?

While you can substitute regular milk, using coconut milk enhances the cake’s rich coconut flavor and adds moisture. For best results, stick with full-fat canned coconut milk.

Is the cream cheese frosting difficult to make?

Not at all! The frosting is simple to whip up with just a few ingredients, and beating the cream cheese and butter first makes it incredibly smooth and fluffy, perfect for spreading or piping.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

This recipe relies on cake flour for its soft texture, but you can try a gluten-free flour blend suitable for cakes. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

Refrigerated in an airtight container, the cake stays fresh for up to 4 days. The simple syrup helps maintain moisture, so plan accordingly to enjoy it at its best.

What’s the difference between using sweetened and unsweetened coconut for topping?

Sweetened coconut adds extra sweetness and chewiness, while unsweetened offers a natural, more subtle coconut flavor. Toasting either variety intensifies the nuttiness and texture, so choose according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Decadent Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes every occasion feel a little more festive. It’s a wonderfully approachable dessert that impresses with its balance of flavors and textures. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe box, perfect for sharing with friends and family who appreciate a delicious slice of paradise.