The Ultimate Southern Coconut Cake Recipe: Sweet & Fluffy Bliss

Sweet southern coconut cake weaves magic through every delectable slice of Southern baking tradition.

Generations of home cooks perfected this delightful dessert with loving care.

Soft, pillowy layers promise pure comfort in each tender crumb.

Creamy frosting creates a dreamy canvas decorated with toasted coconut flakes.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back with every heavenly bite.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something extraordinarily special.

You can recreate this classic treat and become the star of any gathering.

Why Southern Coconut Cake Is So Popular

• Craft Family Memories: This Southern coconut cake brings everyone together, creating delightful moments around the table with its comforting, nostalgic flavors that spark conversation and joy.
• Bake with Minimal Effort: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or weekend treats, this cake adapts beautifully to various occasions, making it a go-to recipe for any celebration.
• Tropical Taste Escape: The combination of coconut milk and shredded coconut transports your taste buds to a sunny, relaxed setting, offering a delicious culinary adventure without leaving home.

What Goes Into Southern Coconut Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure to the Southern coconut cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Butter: Brings rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy cake batter.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's light and fluffy texture.

• Coconut Milk: Enhances the coconut flavor and adds moisture to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, warm flavor that complements the coconut.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a soft, airy texture.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds authentic coconut flavor and a delightful textural element to the cake.

How To Bake Southern Coconut Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous coat of grease and flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up the Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and beat the butter and sugar together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud of sweetness.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder

Ensure there are no lumpy surprises in your dry mix.

Step 4: Create the Cake Batter

Slowly introduce the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with smooth coconut milk. This technique helps create a silky, uniform batter that’s free of clumps.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boosters

• Vanilla extract
• Shredded coconut

These will give your cake that irresistible Southern charm.

Step 6: Incorporate the Eggs

In a separate bowl, whip the eggs until they’re light and airy. Gently fold them into the batter, creating a delicate, cloud-like texture.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool completely before slicing. This allows the flavors to settle and makes for cleaner cuts.

Top Tips For Southern Coconut Cake

• Toast shredded coconut before adding to the batter for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even cake texture and better ingredient incorporation.
• Replace coconut milk with buttermilk for a tangier taste and lighter cake consistency.
• Check cake doneness early to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the delicate southern-style cake.
• Frost with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle additional toasted coconut on top for a classic southern presentation.

Creative Takes On Southern Coconut Cake

• Tropical Paradise Cake: Replace coconut milk with pineapple juice and add crushed pineapple to the batter for a Hawaiian-inspired version.
• Chocolate Coconut Dream: Mix cocoa powder into the dry ingredients and sprinkle chocolate chips throughout the cake for a rich, decadent variation.
• Nutty Coconut Crunch: Fold chopped macadamia or pecans into the batter and top with a nutty coconut streusel before baking.
• Citrus Coconut Refresher: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter and create a tangy citrus glaze to drizzle over the cooled cake.

Perfect Pairings For Southern Coconut Cake

• Tropical Beverage Boost: Serve alongside a chilled piña colada or coconut mojito to amplify the tropical coconut flavors and create a refreshing taste experience.
• Complementary Wine Selection: Choose a sweet Riesling or Moscato that echoes the cake's sweetness and enhances its delicate coconut notes with a light, crisp finish.
• Creamy Contrast Companion: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to provide a cool, smooth counterpoint to the cake's rich texture.
• Fruit-Focused Sidekick: Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks or mango slices to introduce a bright, tangy element that cuts through the cake's richness and adds a tropical dimension.

Storage Instructions For Southern Coconut Cake

• Store the coconut cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Alternatively, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a larger portion, place in a preheated oven at 300F (150C) for 10-15 minutes to restore moisture and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Coconut Cake

• What makes Southern Coconut Cake different from other cake recipes?

The cake uses authentic coconut milk and shredded coconut, giving it a rich, tropical flavor unique to Southern baking traditions.

• Can I use low-fat ingredients in this recipe?

While you can substitute some ingredients, using full-fat coconut milk and butter ensures the cake’s traditional texture and rich flavor profile.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

A standard mixer, mixing bowls, and a 9×13-inch baking pan are all you need to create this delicious Southern dessert.

• Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe contains eggs, dairy, and wheat flour, so it’s not recommended for vegans, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets without significant modifications.

Southern Coconut Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern Coconut Cake brings classic comfort with its luscious layers of moist white cake blanketed in silky coconut frosting. Southern bakers will adore this sweet heritage dessert that whispers memories of family gatherings and cherished culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish/Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare the baking pan by coating it with butter and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, creating a smooth and airy base for the cake.
3. Carefully sift the flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl to eliminate any potential lumps and ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
4. Incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture gradually, alternating with gentle additions of coconut milk to maintain a silky, consistent batter.
5. Enhance the cake’s flavor profile by stirring in fragrant vanilla extract and folding in delicate shreds of coconut for texture and tropical essence.
6. Whip the eggs until they become light and frothy, then gently fold them into the batter to maintain the mixture’s airiness and create a tender crumb.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface for uniform baking.
8. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and the top turns a golden-brown hue.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely, enabling it to set and develop its full flavor before serving.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and a uniform cake texture.
• Gently fold egg whites to maintain their airiness, creating a lighter, more delicate cake crumb.
• Toast shredded coconut beforehand for an enhanced, nutty flavor that adds depth to the cake’s taste.
• For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a blend of almond and coconut flour to maintain moisture and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 448
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 137 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg