Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Imagine slicing into a cake that looks and tastes like a dreamy cloud—light, fluffy, and flecked with sweet coconut flakes. That’s the magic of the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe. Each bite melts in your mouth, with layers of tender coconut-infused sponge and a creamy, tangy frosting that lifts you straight into dessert heaven. It’s a showstopping treat for birthdays, celebrations, or any moment you want to make extra special. If you adore coconut, this cake will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

What truly makes this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe shine is the quality of its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each bringing their own unique magic to the table. Together, they create a cake that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy to whip up at home.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, ensuring a tender yet sturdy crumb that slices beautifully.
• Baking powder: Gives the layers a gorgeous rise, making your cake wonderfully airy.
• Salt: Just a touch brings out all the sweet and nutty flavors.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds unbeatable richness and a buttery finish.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with that beautiful golden crust.
• Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together while adding structure and lift.
• Vanilla extract: Layers in warmth and complexity, making the coconut really pop.
• Coconut extract: The secret to deep, authentic coconut aroma and flavor.
• Coconut milk: Delivers pure coconut richness and moisture for the fluffiest crumb.
• Heavy whipping cream: Brings luxurious texture to the frosting, whipping up into cloud-like peaks.
• Cream cheese (softened): Provides a gentle tang that perfectly balances the cake’s sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the frosting without making it too dense.
• Sweetened shredded coconut (toasted or fresh): That irresistible snowy finish on top, adding texture and even more coconut flavor.

How to Make Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

First things first: set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you need it. Next, prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them well and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This step is a game-changer for easy cake removal—nothing ruins the mood like a stuck cake!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Taking a moment here to combine everything ensures your leavening is evenly distributed, which translates to fluffier, lighter layers in the final Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Grab your mixer and beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until pale, thick, and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, so don’t rush it! Let it become almost cloud-like in itself—it’s worth the extra minute or two.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavors

With the mixer on low, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in both the vanilla and coconut extracts. This duo unfurls beautiful aromatic notes, making your whole kitchen smell irresistible.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Alternately add the dry ingredients and coconut milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently, just until everything is smooth. This keeps your Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe incredibly tender—be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Slide them into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cakes will be lightly golden and smell like sweet coconut heaven.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes rest in their pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—frosting the cakes too soon will melt your beautiful cloud-like topping!

Step 8: Make the Fluffy Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture along with vanilla and coconut extracts. The result is unbelievably light, dreamy frosting.

Step 9: Layer, Frost, and Decorate

Place one cake layer on your serving platter. Spread a thick, even layer of frosting on top, then add the second layer and cover the whole cake generously. Press sweetened shredded coconut over the sides and top, giving your Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe its signature snowy, cloud-like finish.

Step 10: Chill and Serve

Pop your finished cake in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing. This helps set the frosting, making every slice picture-perfect and so easy to serve.

How to Serve Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For a gorgeous presentation, sprinkle a handful of toasted coconut flakes on top for extra crunch and visual drama. A few edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar can bring an elegant flourish, while fresh berries tucked around the base add pops of color and tartness that complement the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe beautifully.

Side Dishes

Light, fresh sides pair best here—a bowl of mixed tropical fruit, a scoop of mango sorbet, or even a sparkling citrus punch. These bright accompaniments enhance the coconut flavor and help balance the richness of the frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn slices into mini trifles by layering cubes of cake, extra frosting, and fruit in glass jars. Or, serve on vintage plates with coconut whipped cream for an afternoon tea vibe. If you’re hosting, create an interactive Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe bar where guests can add their own toppings like macadamia nuts or chocolate shavings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices snugly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe keeps well for up to 4 days, staying moist while the coconut flavors become even more pronounced.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the individual unfrosted cake layers, tightly wrapped in plastic, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting to preserve their cloud-like texture. Frosted cake can also be frozen in slices—just be aware that the frosting may lose a bit of its airy character after thawing.

Reheating

While you don’t want to warm up this airy cake (the frosting will melt!), letting it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving ensures the frosting softens beautifully and all the flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?

Coconut cream is much thicker and richer than coconut milk, so it will make the cake denser. If you only have coconut cream, dilute it with a little water to match the consistency of coconut milk for best results in the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe.

How do I toast coconut for the topping?

Spread the shredded coconut in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Watch closely—coconut can go from toasted to burnt in an instant!

What if I don’t have coconut extract?

You can simply increase the vanilla a bit and rely on the coconut milk and shredded coconut for flavor. Your cake will still be delicious, but coconut extract truly heightens the coconutty goodness of the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour. Just check your baking powder for gluten, and enjoy a perfectly cloud-like, gluten-free version.

Does the frosting hold up in warm weather?

The whipped cream and cream cheese frosting is delightfully fluffy but does soften in heat. If you’re serving outdoors or in a warm kitchen, keep the cake refrigerated and only take it out just before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cake that wows with both flavor and texture, you can’t go wrong with this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe. I can’t wait for you to experience the pure joy of slicing into its fluffy layers and sharing it with your favorite people. Happy baking!

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