Southern Coconut Cake

Classic Southern Coconut Layer Cake with Creamy Frosting

Ingredients:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp coconut extract
1 cup canned coconut milk, full-fat
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut

Frosting:

1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
5 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp coconut extract
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, for topping

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and coconut extracts.

Alternately add the dry ingredients and coconut milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the shredded coconut.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy.

Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and coconut extracts, beating until smooth and spreadable.

Frost the cooled cakes, stacking them, and spreading a layer of frosting between each. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

Press the shredded coconut onto the top and sides of the cake. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour

Kcal: 630 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

DISH PRESENTATION PARAGRAPHS

This Southern Coconut Cake is the epitome of classic Southern baking, combining rich, moist layers of cake with a creamy, coconut-infused buttercream frosting. Each bite is filled with the sweet, tropical flavor of coconut, balanced by the light and fluffy texture of the cake.

Perfect for celebrations or just a sweet indulgence, this cake offers a delightful mix of old-fashioned comfort and irresistible taste. The toasted coconut on top adds a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender cake layers. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee, this cake is sure to impress.