If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that is light, creamy, and bursting with coconut flavor, this Coconut Cloud Cake will become your new go-to. Imagine tender, fluffy cake layers kissed with coconut milk, stacked high with a silky cream cheese whipped frosting, and finished with a cloud-like coat of sweet toasted coconut. It’s the perfect treat for any season, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or simply craving a tropical dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Cloud Cake
- Ultra-moist layers thanks to coconut milk
- Airy whipped cream cheese frosting
- A delightful crunch from toasted coconut
- Gorgeous bakery-style presentation
- Great for any time of year
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake Layers
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 cup coconut milk
For the Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
For the Topping
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (toasted or fresh)
How to Make Coconut Cloud Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pans and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Flavoring
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and coconut extracts.
Step 5: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and coconut milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make the Frosting
Step 7: Cream Cheese Base
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture, along with the vanilla and coconut extracts. Chill until ready to frost.
Assemble the Cake
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Once the cake layers are cool, place one layer on a cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Gently press the shredded coconut all over the top and sides of the cake to create a beautiful “cloud” effect.
Step 10: Chill and Serve
Chill the finished cake for at least one hour before slicing so the frosting sets. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
- Toast the shredded coconut for an added nutty flavor and extra texture
- Always bring eggs and butter to room temperature for easier mixing
- Chill the cake well before slicing for clean cuts
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest flavor
Serving Suggestions
Pair a slice of this Coconut Cloud Cake with:
- Hot or iced coffee
- Sparkling water with a squeeze of lime
- A scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead?
Yes! The cake layers can be baked and frozen up to a month ahead. Thaw, then frost before serving.
Can I use canned frosting?
Homemade whipped cream cheese frosting tastes best, but you could substitute a store-bought cream cheese frosting if needed.
Do I have to toast the coconut?
No, you can leave it fresh for a softer texture. Toasting simply adds more flavor and color.
Coconut Cloud Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 cup coconut milk
For the Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
For the Topping
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut toasted or fresh
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pans and Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Flavoring
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and coconut extracts.
Step 5: Combine with Dry Ingredients
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and coconut milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make the Frosting
Step 7: Cream Cheese Base
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Whip the Cream
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture, along with the vanilla and coconut extracts. Chill until ready to frost.
Assemble the Cake
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
- Once the cake layers are cool, place one layer on a cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Gently press the shredded coconut all over the top and sides of the cake to create a beautiful “cloud” effect.
Step 10: Chill and Serve
- Chill the finished cake for at least one hour before slicing so the frosting sets. Serve and enjoy!
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