Name: Coconut Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup shredded coconut (plus extra for decorating); 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tbsp coconut milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Coconuts: nature’s way of saying, “Let’s make dessert better.” This coconut cake recipe is here to prove that coconut desserts deserve a standing ovation. Fluffy, moist, and packed with coconut flavor, it’s perfect for birthdays, parties, or just because you deserve cake. (And let’s be real, you always deserve cake.)

Whether you love homemade cakes, need birthday cake ideas, or just want easy desserts, this coconut cream cake is a winner. Plus, if you’re into baking recipes, this one’s foolproof. Want a twist? Try adding pineapple for a pineapple coconut cake or chocolate for a chocolate coconut cake, because why choose just one delicious thing?

Prep Time

20 minutes (plus cooling time)

Cook Time

30 minutes

Servings

10 slices

Nutrition Info (per slice)

Calories: 420
Fat: 24g
Carbs: 48g
Protein: 4g

Ingredients for Coconut Cake

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 cup coconut milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup shredded coconut (plus extra for decorating)

For the Frosting

1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp coconut milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Coconut Cake

Step 1 – Prep & Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper (or dust with flour).

Step 2 – Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

Step 3 – Add Wet Ingredients

Stir in vanilla extract and coconut milk. The batter might look a little weird, don’t panic. It’s just getting ready to become amazing.

Step 4 – Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until smooth. Fold in shredded coconut.

Step 5 – Bake

Divide batter between pans. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely, unless you want melty frosting (which, honestly, isn’t the worst thing).

Step 6 – Make Frosting

Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, coconut milk, and vanilla. Whip until smooth.

Step 7 – Frost & Decorate

Stack the cooled cakes with frosting in between. Cover the whole thing with more frosting and sprinkle shredded coconut on top.

More Coconut Recipes & Cake Ideas

Love coconut recipes? Try these twists:

Pineapple Coconut Cake – Add ½ cup crushed pineapple to the batter.
Chocolate Coconut Cake – Mix in ¼ cup cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.

Looking for more dessert recipes? Check out our other easy desserts and dessert ideas, because life’s too short for bad cake.

Final Tip: If someone says they don’t like coconut, serve them this. If they still don’t like it… well, more for you. Enjoy! 🥥🍰

Coconut Cake

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Moist, tender coconut cake layered with velvety coconut frosting, each bite bursting with tropical sweetness. Toasted coconut flakes cling to the sides, adding a delicate crunch that gives way to a cloud-soft crumb. The aroma alone will make you weak in the knees—one slice is never enough!