Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

The Coconut Cloud Cake is pure bliss for anyone who loves soft, airy cakes kissed with layers of coconut flavor from the inside out. This dreamy dessert combines ultra-fluffy cake layers, a creamy coconut filling, and a generous snowfall of shredded coconut for a show-stopping treat that’s rich, light, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a celebration or just because you’re craving something spectacular, the Coconut Cloud Cake is a recipe everyone should have up their sleeve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Coconut Cloud Cake plays a starring role, working together to build texture, fragrance, and flavor. From the pillowy cake base to the cloud-like filling and the snowy coconut topping, each component adds its own essential magic.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the tender base for the cake, keeping the crumb light and soft.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly while helping give it that golden, beautiful bake.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor, plus helps create a moist crumb when creamed with sugar.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to that fluffy rise and delicate texture.
• Coconut milk: Imparts deep coconut flavor and keeps the cake moist, making every bite luscious.
• Whole milk: Balances the richness and ensures a supple, tender texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances both the coconut notes and the overall aroma—one splash makes a world of difference.
• Coconut extract: Intensifies the coconutiness, making the flavor pop throughout the cake.
• Baking powder: Sifts the cake layers up high, ensuring they rise beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the cake from tasting too sweet.
• Cream cheese: The cream filling’s base, bringing tang, body, and the perfect subtle bite.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into both the filling and topping for that luscious, ethereal “cloud” effect.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream filling and topping without grittiness, melting right in.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds both flavor and texture, crowning the cake with its signature snow-white look.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut: Gives extra texture, a little chew, and helps balance sweetness on the finish.

How to Make Coconut Cloud Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to work magic the moment your batter is mixed. Grab two 9-inch round cake pans and give them a really thorough greasing—then dust with flour. This step is your insurance policy for beautifully released cake layers later on.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes). This creaming step gives the Coconut Cloud Cake its lift and tender structure, so be patient—it’s worth the wait!

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. You want the batter to look smooth and cohesive—no streaks of egg left behind. This ensures each layer of the cake will bake up beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the coconut milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, and coconut extract in a separate bowl. In another bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk mixture into the butter mixture, starting and finishing with the flour mixture. Mix gently after each addition. Remember—overmixing is the enemy of a fluffy Coconut Cloud Cake!

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide your batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely—you want them cool before assembling.

Step 6: Make the Divine Cream Filling

While the cakes are cooling, beat the cream cheese in a bowl until completely smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is silky. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture along with the vanilla and sweetened shredded coconut. The result: a light, fluffy, cloud-like filling perfect for layering.

Step 7: Whip Up the Topping

For that show-stopping finish, whip the remaining heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This becomes your billowy, irresistible coconut “frosting.” Set aside the sweetened and unsweetened coconut—you’ll use these to give the Coconut Cloud Cake its signature textured snowdrift coating.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate, then spread the cream filling all over the top. Center the second cake layer gently on top, pressing lightly to settle. Frost the entire cake—top and sides—with your whipped cream topping. Finally, shower the cake with shredded coconut, pressing it gently so it covers every inch in a glorious, snowy layer.

How to Serve Coconut Cloud Cake

Garnishes

The best way to finish off your Coconut Cloud Cake is with a little extra coconut on top—try a mix of toasted and untoasted coconut for contrast and beauty. For a burst of color, consider sprinkling on edible flowers, a few curls of white chocolate, or even a faint dusting of powdered sugar for an extra “cloud” effect.

Side Dishes

This cake is quite a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fresh tropical fruit like pineapple slices or a small bowl of mango sorbet. For an added touch of elegance, serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a splash of coconut liqueur on the side for the adults.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Coconut Cloud Cake the centerpiece by decorating with coconut flakes arranged in “waves,” or slicing it into petite squares for a dessert buffet. Mini layer cakes or cupcakes topped with coconut are adorable for baby showers or birthdays. You can even layer it parfait-style in jars for charming, portable picnic treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Coconut Cloud Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the luscious cream filling and topping, you’ll want to keep it chilled. The cake stays fresh and moist for up to three days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

If you need to make it further ahead, you can freeze the cake layers separately (without filling or topping) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw at room temperature before assembling. While the filled and frosted cake can be frozen, the texture of the cream may change slightly upon thawing—still delicious, just a bit softer.

Reheating

The Coconut Cloud Cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature rather than warm. If you’d like to take the chill off, let slices sit out for 15 minutes before serving; no reheating needed, just a little patience for that perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I make Coconut Cloud Cake without coconut extract?

Absolutely! The coconut flavor will be a bit milder, but with coconut milk and shredded coconut, you’ll still get plenty of delicious coconut notes. You can add an extra splash of vanilla extract if you’d like.

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, cake flour will make your Coconut Cloud Cake even lighter and more delicate. Just be sure to measure correctly—use 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of cake flour in place of the all-purpose ingredient.

How do I avoid overmixing my cake batter?

The key is to add the flour and milk alternately, mixing gently and only until just combined after each addition. Stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry flour; your Coconut Cloud Cake will reward you with extra fluffiness!

Can I toast the coconut for the topping?

Definitely! Toasting some of the coconut flakes brings out a delicious nutty aroma and beautiful golden color. Just watch closely—it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.

Is there a non-dairy version of this cake?

Yes, you can substitute plant-based cream cheese, coconut cream for whipping, and non-dairy milk alternatives. Choose vegan butter and make sure your coconut milk is full-fat for the best results in your Coconut Cloud Cake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite, the Coconut Cloud Cake is it. It’s a joy to make and even more wonderful to share. I can’t wait for you to swoon over that first dreamy forkful—let me know how you love it!

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