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Southern Coconut Cake

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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Southern Coconut Cake is a rich, moist, and fluffy cake packed with coconut flavor and topped with a creamy coconut cream cheese frosting. Made with coconut milk, shredded coconut, and a light, tender cake base, this classic Southern dessert is perfect for any special occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 3 cups cake flour
  • 4 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 1/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 5 large egg whites
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 1/3 tbsp coconut extract

For the Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp coconut milk (or whole milk, unsweetened)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For Garnish:

  • 1 cup flaked or shredded toasted coconut

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  4. Add egg whites, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Mix in coconut extract.
  6. Alternately add the dry ingredients and coconut milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

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

Step 3: Make the Frosting

  1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
  3. Add coconut milk and beat until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top.
  2. Repeat with the second layer, then top with the final cake layer. Frost the entire cake.
  3. Press toasted coconut around the sides and top of the cake for decoration.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

  1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra coconut flavor, toast the coconut before garnishing.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for the best cake texture.
  • Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Find it online: https://yumandjoy.com/southern-coconut-cake/