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Moist and Fluffy Southern Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a moist slice of coconut cake covered in white frosting and toasted coconut flakes.
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You deserve a truly special dessert. This recipe delivers a moist crumb and fluffy texture, layered with rich cream cheese frosting and sweet coconut flakes. It is a straightforward, bakery-style cake perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut, plus more for topping
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and coconut milk until combined.
  5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on medium speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the 1 cup of flaked coconut.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare the cream cheese frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter together until smooth.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy. Mix in the coconut extract.
  11. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of coconut milk until you reach a spreadable consistency.
  12. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
  13. Place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
  14. Press extra flaked coconut onto the top and sides of the cake for a bakery-style finish.

Notes

  • For extra coconut flavor in the cake layers, you can substitute 1/4 cup of the buttermilk with coconut milk.
  • To toast the coconut topping, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 8 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • If you prefer a tangier frosting, use full-fat cream cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/moist-fluffy-southern-coconut-cake-recipe/