Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Fluffy, dreamy, and oh-so-refreshing, the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe is the answer to your sweet tooth’s daydreams. Lush coconut flavor swirls through every soft bite, while billows of creamy frosting and a blanket of toasted coconut create a dessert that truly lives up to its name. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply craving an irresistible slice, this cake will sweep you—and your guests—right off your feet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe absolutely irresistible is the perfect marriage of simple, pantry-friendly staples and a few star ingredients. Each component plays a key part in achieving the cake’s tender crumb, delicate flavor, and cloud-like appearance.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for a light, tender crumb that stands up to the fluffy frosting.
• Baking powder: Lends plenty of rise, ensuring your cakes bake up lofty and soft.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweet and coconut notes; don’t skip it!
• Unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and creaminess for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the delicate coconut flavor.
• Large eggs (room temperature): Bind the batter beautifully and help the cake rise evenly.
• Vanilla extract: A flavor booster that deepens every bite and rounds out the coconut.
• Coconut extract: For a burst of coconut aroma and unmistakable tropical character.
• Coconut milk: Adds moisture and silkiness, making each bite taste like a tropical vacation.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into clouds for the lightest, most luscious frosting ever.
• Cream cheese, softened: A touch of tang that balances the sweetness and holds up the whipped cream.
• Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily into the frosting for a smooth, creamy finish.
• Vanilla extract (for frosting): Carries the flavor through from start to finish.
• Coconut extract (for frosting): Takes the coconut flavor to new heights in every layer.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: The glorious, golden crown—fresh or toasted, it brings out the cake’s signature “cloud” look and irresistible texture.

How to Make Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Let’s start off on the right foot! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment for easy release—trust me, it makes a world of difference. This small effort sets you up for beautifully even cakes that slide out like a dream.

Step 2: Mix and Build the Cake Batter

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in both vanilla and coconut extracts. Now for the magic: alternate adding the dry ingredients and the coconut milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry. Blend just until smooth—don’t overmix! You want a tender, airy crumb.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Divide the luscious batter evenly between your prepared pans. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Resist the urge to open the oven door too early! Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Coconut Frosting

While your cakes are cooling, it’s frosting time! Start by beating the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until velvety smooth. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture along with the vanilla and coconut extracts. The result? A frosting so light and cloud-like, you’ll want to sneak a spoonful before it ever touches the cake (go ahead, I won’t tell).

Step 5: Assemble and Frost Your Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and generously blanket it with frosting. Top with the second layer and smooth frosting over the top and sides, swirling it into big, luscious peaks. Grab a handful of sweetened shredded coconut and press it all around the cake—on the top and sides—for that signature “cloud” finish. Toast it first for a golden touch, or leave it snowy white for a classic look.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Pop your finished cake into the refrigerator for about an hour to set the frosting and amplify the flavors. When you’re ready to serve, slice into your Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe and savor your sweet, tropical masterpiece!

How to Serve Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe is half the fun! Finish it off with a hearty handful of toasted coconut flakes for visual appeal and a nutty crunch, or tuck in a few edible flowers for an extra prettiness that will steal the show. A sprinkle of finely grated lime zest is another lovely touch—its color and zing play so well with coconut’s rich flavor.

Side Dishes

Keep it light and tropical with a platter of fresh mango slices, pineapple, or sweet strawberries alongside your cake. For a more decadent pairing, serve alongside a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream. Coffee, tea, or even a fizzy coconut-lime spritzer make delightful beverage partners to your Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling festive, try slicing your cake into slim wedges and stacking them parfait-style in tall glasses with extra whipped cream and fruit between layers. You can also use a cookie cutter for adorable mini cakes—perfect for showers, birthdays, or afternoon tea. Let your imagination run wild; this showstopper makes an impression however you serve it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe has made its debut, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the fluffy cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep the cake chilled where it will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? You can freeze individual, unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. If you have frosted slices, freeze them gently wrapped and let them thaw in the fridge before serving—the frosting may lose a touch of its fluff, but the flavor will still wow!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe, but if you love that just-baked feel, allow a refrigerated slice to sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before serving. This quick rest lets the flavors bloom and the frosting fluff right back up.

FAQs

Can I use canned coconut milk or should it be from a carton?

Full-fat canned coconut milk brings the richest coconut flavor and moisture, making your cake truly divine. Just give it a good shake or stir before using to combine the cream and liquid. Avoid the beverage-style coconut milk, which is thinner and less flavorful.

What’s the best way to toast the coconut for topping?

Spread the sweetened shredded coconut on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch closely—it can go from golden to burnt in a flash!

Can I make the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure your baking powder is also gluten-free, and your cake will still bake up light and fluffy.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

You sure can! This batter transforms into dreamy cupcakes—just divide between lined muffin tins and bake for about 18–22 minutes. Frost and top with coconut as usual.

How do I keep the cake extra moist?

Don’t overbake, and measure your ingredients carefully—particularly the coconut milk. Adding the milk in alternating batches with the dry ingredients helps everything blend smoothly, resulting in a moist, tender cake every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a slice of tropical paradise, this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe is calling your name. It’s easy, stunning, and melts in your mouth—perfect for any occasion or any reason at all. I hope you love it as much as I do!

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