Old Fashioned Coconut Cake

 

Here’s a classic Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake recipe—moist, fluffy, and filled with rich coconut flavor, just like grandma used to make!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ¾ cups (345g) cake flour (or all-purpose flour sifted)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk or whole milk

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
• 2 cups (180g) shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
• In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in vanilla extract and coconut extract.
• Alternate adding the dry ingredients and coconut milk, mixing just until combined.

2. Bake the Cake:

• Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Frosting:

• Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla and coconut extract.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over it.
• Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.
• Press shredded coconut onto the frosting, covering the entire cake.

5. Chill & Serve:

• Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Bonus Tips:

✔ For extra coconut flavor, brush cake layers with coconut milk or simple syrup before frosting.
✔ For a lighter version, use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting.
✔ Toasted coconut can be used for a crunchy texture.

Would you like a Southern-style coconut cake with a custard filling?