Southern Coconut Cake

This Southern Coconut Cake is a soft, fluffy layer cake packed with coconut flavor and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and sweet shredded coconut. This classic dessert is perfect for Easter, Christmas, birthdays, and family gatherings.

With moist cake layers and creamy frosting, every bite is loaded with delicious coconut flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Classic Southern dessert

Rich coconut flavor

Moist and fluffy cake layers

Cream cheese frosting

Perfect for holidays and celebrations

Easy make-ahead cake

Ingredients

Coconut Cake

2½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1¾ cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon coconut extract

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.

Step 2

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time.

Mix in vanilla and coconut extract.

Step 4

Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk.

Mix until combined.

Fold in shredded coconut.

Step 5

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.

Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow cakes to cool completely.

Step 6

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar.

Mix in vanilla.

Step 7

Frost between cake layers and over the top and sides.

Press shredded coconut onto the frosting.

Step 8

Slice and serve.

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use coconut milk?

Yes. Coconut milk can replace buttermilk for additional coconut flavor.

Can I make Coconut Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day.

Can I freeze Coconut Cake?

Yes. Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.

Recipe Notes

For even more coconut flavor, lightly toast some of the coconut garnish before decorating the cake.