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Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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A delicious and moist Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that perfectly balances tropical coconut flavors with a tangy, creamy frosting. Ideal for celebrations or as a special treat, this cake features coconut milk, shredded coconut, and classic cream cheese frosting for a luscious dessert experience that is easy to customize and enjoyed year-round.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup coconut milk

Add-ins

  • 1 ½ cups shredded coconut

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even rise and a perfect crumb.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, aerating the batter for a soft texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract to deepen the flavor.
  4. Combine Coconut Milk and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add coconut milk and the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in Shredded Coconut: Gently fold shredded coconut into the batter to evenly distribute texture and flavor.
  6. Bake the Cake Layers: Pour batter evenly into greased and parchment-lined cake pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth and fluffy. Finish with lemon juice or zest for brightness.
  8. Frost and Assemble: Once cake layers are cooled, layer and frost the cake generously with the cream cheese frosting. Spread evenly for a smooth, luxurious finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese for smooth mixing and consistent texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
  • Toast shredded coconut carefully at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway to prevent burning and bring out nutty flavor.
  • Chill the cream cheese frosting before spreading for easier application and firmer texture.
  • Line cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut cake, cream cheese frosting, tropical dessert, moist cake, homemade cake, birthday cake, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/coconut-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/