Simple Coconut Cake Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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Simple Coconut Cake Recipe: A Delightfully Easy Bake

Are you craving a moist, delicious coconut cake but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This simple coconut cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's quick, easy, and delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Let's get baking!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

For the Coconut Cream Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:

This recipe is designed for simplicity and ease of use. Follow these straightforward steps for a perfect coconut cake.

Preparing the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a light and fluffy cake.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, leading to a tender crumb.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
6. Fold in Coconut: Gently fold in the shredded coconut. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Making the Delicious Coconut Frosting:

1. Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Coconut & Milk: Stir in the shredded coconut, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and fluffy.

Assembling Your Coconut Cake Masterpiece:

1. Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage.
2. Frost & Enjoy: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.

Tips for Coconut Cake Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs ensures proper emulsification, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is baked.

Serving Suggestions:

This simple coconut cake is perfect for any occasion! Serve it plain, or add some fresh fruit for an extra touch. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes adds a delightful crunch.

This simple coconut cake recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Its ease of preparation and delightful taste make it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!