Southern Belle Coconut Cake

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever feel like you need a hug from a cake? This Southern coconut cake recipe is that hug! It's seriously moist, and tastes like a tropical vacation.

Honestly, it's happiness in every bite.

Brief Overview

The Southern coconut cake recipe has roots deep in Southern tradition. It is a celebration cake and comfort food all in one.

This recipe is of medium difficulty, taking about an hour plus cooling time. It yields about 12 slices.

Main Benefits

One bite of this old fashioned coconut cake recipe and you will be transported. A main benefit is a taste of pure nostalgia.

It's perfect for holidays or any day you want to treat yourself and others! What makes this cake truly special is its creamy coconut frosting and rich coconut flavor.

Southern Belle Coconut Cake Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:12 slices

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting pans
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon coconut extract (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1 cup (240ml) canned coconut milk, full-fat (shake well before using)
• 1 cup (85g) sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
• ¼ cup (60ml) canned coconut milk, full-fat (shake well before using)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon coconut extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 ½ to 2 cups (125-170g) sweetened shredded coconut (for topping and sides)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour (or line with parchment paper) two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and coconut extracts.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the coconut milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
• Gently fold in the shredded coconut.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs).
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes, then invert them onto wire racks to cool completely.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with the coconut milk, until well combined. Stir in the vanilla and coconut extracts, and salt.
• Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top, then carefully place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
• Generously sprinkle the shredded coconut over the top and sides of the frosted cake.
• For best results, chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:25-35g

Fiber:4-6g

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert

Cuisine:Southern

Why This Coconut Cake From Scratch Is a Must-Try

Okay, let's be real. There are loads of cake recipes out there. So, why this one? Well, this recipe is more than just a set of instructions.

I learned this classic Southern cake recipes from my grandma and it has a delicious history, so I can guarantee that once you have tried this recipe it will become a must for your events.

Gathering Your Supplies: Essential Ingredients

Ready to jump in? You will need basic baking items, such as flour, sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla, coconut milk, and shredded coconut.

Don't forget the baking powder and salt! Room temperature butter is crucial for a smooth batter.

Get Baking!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

So, you wanna make the Southern coconut cake recipe of your dreams? Awesome! Let's talk about what you need. I always say, good ingredients make a good cake!

Main Ingredients for that Southern coconut cake recipe

Alright, here’s the breakdown for this Coconut cake from scratch . Trust me, it's easier than you think!

• Flour: 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour. Use it for dusting pans too.
• Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon .
• Salt: ½ teaspoon .
• Butter: ¾ cup (170g) unsalted. Make sure it's soft!.
• Sugar: 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated.
• Eggs: 4 large.
• Vanilla: 1 teaspoon extract.
• Coconut Extract: ½ teaspoon (optional, but do it!).
• Coconut Milk: 1 cup (240ml) canned, full-fat. Shake it well!.
• Shredded Coconut: 1 cup (85g) sweetened.

For the Creamy coconut frosting :

• Butter: 1 cup (226g) unsalted, softened.
• Powdered Sugar: 4 cups (480g) , sifted.
• Coconut Milk: ¼ cup (60ml) canned, full-fat.
• Vanilla: 1 teaspoon extract.
• Coconut Extract: ½ teaspoon .
• Salt: Pinch of salt.
• Shredded Coconut: 1 ½ to 2 cups (125-170g) , for decoration.

Quality indicators? Honestly, for the coconut milk, go full-fat! It makes all the difference for that Moist coconut cake texture. You know, the kind that melts in your mouth?

Seasoning Notes: That Tropical Kick

Let’s talk flavors! A good Coconut layer cake is all about balance.

The coconut and vanilla extract combo is essential . It gives that signature aroma and taste. Don't skip it!. If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny bit of almond extract can add a lovely depth.

Spice-wise? Keep it simple. This Coconut cake for beginners isn't about complex flavors. It is about the coconut!

Coconut milk adds richness and keeps everything moist. If you don't have coconut extract, it's okay. Increase the vanilla a bit.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

You don't need fancy gadgets for this Old fashioned coconut cake recipe !

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Wire racks
• Offset spatula

Don't have parchment? Grease and flour those pans real good!. No fancy mixer? A good old-fashioned whisk will do. It'll just take a bit more elbow grease.

This Best Southern desserts are really simple to make!

Southern Belle Coconut Cake: Let's Get Baking!

Y'all, I'm so excited to share this Southern coconut cake recipe with you! Honestly, this isn't just any cake; it's a slice of heaven.

We're talking moist layers, creamy frosting, and coconut. What is better?. It is one of the best Southern desserts and is perfect for beginners.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

Before we dive in, let's get our ducks in a row. First, preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .

Then, grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. You can use parchment paper. This recipe calls for coconut cake from scratch .

Soften your butter and measure out all your ingredients. Mise en place! Doing this saves time and keeps you organised, trust me.

Step-by-Step to Coconut Perfection

1. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs and extracts.
4. Alternate flour and coconut milk.
5. Fold in coconut.
6. Bake for 30- 35 minutes , until golden.
7. Cool completely.
8. Frost generously.

Expert Tips: The Secret to Success

Want to take your cake to the next level? Toast your coconut. It adds an amazing depth of flavor to the frosting and also ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture and emufication.

. One common mistake is overmixing. Mix until just combined.

This is how to do a moist coconut cake .

Honestly, learning this old fashioned coconut cake recipe has been so fun for me! I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I do.

Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Southern Coconut Cake

Right, so you're about to embark on a Southern coconut cake recipe adventure. Awesome! Here are some extra tips. They will help you nail this coconut cake from scratch .

Let's dive in!

Presentation is Key!

This coconut layer cake looks amazing on a pretty cake stand. Dust it with even more shredded coconut! Try adding fresh berries for a pop of color.

Seriously, it elevates the whole thing! I love serving it with a tall glass of sweet tea. It's the perfect Best Southern desserts combo, you know?

Storage 101

This cake is pretty forgiving. Pop it in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure it's covered well so it doesn’t dry out! Freezing is also an option.

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It’ll keep for a month or two! Thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Let's Get Creative!

Honestly, one of my favourite takes on an Old fashioned coconut cake recipe is a pineapple coconut cake. Chuck in some drained, crushed pineapple into the batter! It adds a lovely tang.

Fancy a lighter version? Halve the amount of sugar in the frosting. I've also used almond milk instead of coconut milk before.

It was surprisingly good! Also, for a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour. Works a treat.

Little Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let's be real: it's cake! It's not exactly a health food! But, coconut does have some good fats. And cake makes you happy.

So that's a health benefit, right? A slice is about 450-550 calories. Just something to keep in mind.

Alright, that’s it. Now go bake this Moist coconut cake . This recipe is Coconut cake for beginners . So you got this! You'll be a Southern coconut cake recipe baking pro in no time! Share your results with me.

I would love to see them!