Easy Coconut Cake Recipe: A Delightfully Simple Dessert
This easy coconut cake recipe delivers a moist, delicious cake bursting with coconut flavor, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for simplicity and guaranteed success. Say goodbye to complicated baking techniques and hello to a heavenly coconut treat!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it incredibly convenient.
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup (140g) sweetened shredded coconut
For the Coconut Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (140g) sweetened shredded coconut
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious coconut cake:
Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This ensures your cake layers release easily.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines the leavening agents evenly.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly for this step.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Coconut: Gently fold in the shredded coconut.
Baking the Cake Layers:
- Pour & Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking pans.
- Baking Time: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from crumbling.
Making the Coconut Frosting:
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Add Milk & Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Fold in Coconut: Gently fold in the shredded coconut.
Assembling the Cake:
- Frosting: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting.
- Layer & Frost: Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a lighter cake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Get Creative: Add other ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts to customize your cake!
This easy coconut cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious results of your baking efforts! Remember to share your baking creations and tag us! (Add a social media tag here if desired).