Coconut Cream Cake is a delightful, moist dessert that brings together the rich flavors of coconut milk and shredded coconut. It’s a perfect treat for coconut lovers, offering a soft, light texture with a lovely coconut taste in every bite. The cake is not only simple to make but also versatile, making it ideal for both casual gatherings and special occasions. With its delicate coconut flavor and perfect crumb, this cake can easily become a family favorite. Whether served as a sweet snack with your afternoon tea or as a dessert after dinner, this Coconut Cream Cake will surely impress.
What makes this cake truly stand out is its combination of ingredients, which results in a cake that is rich but not overpowering. The addition of coconut milk and shredded coconut gives it an extra burst of flavor while maintaining a moist and fluffy texture. It’s perfect for those who crave a light and refreshing dessert that still has plenty of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Tender: The combination of coconut milk and shredded coconut keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this cake comes together quickly.
- Perfect for Coconut Lovers: It’s packed with coconut flavor, making it a treat that truly showcases the ingredient.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a family gathering, this cake is a versatile dessert that fits any occasion.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Coconut milk
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
- Vegetable oil
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
Variations
- Coconut Frosting: Top the cake with a coconut cream frosting or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Add Pineapple: To give it a tropical twist, add crushed pineapple to the batter or serve the cake with a pineapple topping.
- Chocolate Coconut Cake: For chocolate lovers, swirl in some cocoa powder or drizzle melted chocolate over the cake.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Lime Zest: Add some lime zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus touch that pairs beautifully with coconut.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, coconut milk, shredded coconut, vegetable oil, baking powder, baking soda, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Pour the Batter
Once the mixture is well combined, pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before serving. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to slice.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother batter, make sure your eggs and coconut milk are at room temperature before mixing them in.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined to ensure the cake remains light and airy.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so make sure to check your cake with a toothpick in the center to avoid overbaking.
- Add Toppings: You can top the cake with whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
- Store Properly: Let the cake cool completely before covering it to avoid condensation from forming.
How to Serve
This Coconut Cream Cake is best served at room temperature. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. It’s a great dessert to serve after a family dinner or at a party. You can also serve it alongside a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or lemonade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, allow the cake to thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To reheat individual slices, microwave for 15-20 seconds. If reheating the entire cake, wrap it with foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?
Yes, you can use sweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a sweeter cake. However, it may alter the overall sweetness of the cake, so you might want to reduce the amount of sugar.
2. Can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil to enhance the coconut flavor in the cake.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist.
4. Can I add frosting to this cake?
Yes, you can add coconut cream frosting or any frosting of your choice to make the cake even richer and more decadent.
5. How can I make this cake more coconut-flavored?
To increase the coconut flavor, add more shredded coconut to the batter, or top the cake with toasted coconut flakes.
6. Is this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet?
You can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
7. Can I use other milk instead of coconut milk?
Yes, you can substitute coconut milk with any milk (such as almond milk or whole milk) for a slightly different flavor, though it will affect the coconut taste.
8. Can I add fruit to the batter?
Yes, adding fruit such as pineapple chunks can give the cake a tropical flair. Just be sure to drain the fruit before adding it to avoid excess moisture.
9. How long does this cake last?
If stored properly, this cake will last for up to 3 days at room temperature and up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
10. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Coconut Cream Cake is a light, moist, and flavorful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of coconut. It’s an easy-to-make cake that will satisfy your sweet tooth while offering the refreshing taste of coconut milk and shredded coconut. Whether enjoyed as a simple afternoon treat or served at a special occasion, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its wonderful texture and coconut flavor, it’s a dessert that everyone will enjoy.
PrintCoconut Cream Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Coconut Cream Cake is a rich, moist dessert filled with the tropical flavor of coconut. With a soft texture and a slightly sweet taste, it’s perfect for any coconut lover. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake will delight your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, coconut milk, shredded coconut, vegetable oil, baking powder, baking soda, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For an extra touch, top the cooled cake with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes.
- This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days for added moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes