Description

This elegant Coconut Cake features a tender, fine-grained crumb and a rich cream cheese frosting, perfectly balanced with tropical coconut milk and shredded flakes. It is a light yet indulgent dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a celebration-worthy showstopper.

Ingredients

2 and 3/4 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
5 large egg whites, room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons coconut milk (for frosting)
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (for frosting)
1 and 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease three 8-inch cake pans, lining them with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until pale and smooth.
Beat in the egg whites, sour cream, and both extracts until combined.
With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the canned coconut milk, then fold in the shredded coconut by hand.
Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 21–24 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean; cool in pans for an hour.
Beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth, then add confectioners’ sugar, coconut milk, and extracts, whipping for 3 minutes until billowy.
Level the cake layers with a serrated knife, stack with frosting, cover the exterior, and press shredded coconut into the sides and top.

Notes

To achieve the lightest texture, ensure all cold ingredients like egg whites and sour cream reach room temperature before mixing to prevent the batter from curdling. If you want a more complex profile, lightly toast the coconut flakes for the exterior in a 325°F oven for 5 minutes before decorating the cake.

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American