Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup coconut milk (or whole milk)
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon coconut extract
For Topping and Filling:
- 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut (toasted or plain, your choice)
🧑🍳 Directions
1. Prepare the Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Mix in vanilla and coconut extract.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and coconut milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in shredded coconut.
- Divide batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
2. Make the Coconut Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and coconut extract — beat until fluffy.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and creamy.
→ This gives you a light, mousse-like frosting.
3. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and cover the top and sides with frosting.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut all over the top and sides (press lightly so it sticks).
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best texture.
🌴 Optional Add-ins
- Brush the cake layers with coconut cream or simple syrup before frosting for extra moisture.
- Add a thin layer of lemon curd or pineapple jam between layers for a tropical twist.
