Craving a decadent dessert that’s a coconut lover’s paradise? Dive into the world of Coconut Cream Cake! This indulgent treat is a symphony of coconut flavors, from the moist coconut-infused cake to the luscious coconut cream cheese frosting, all topped with a sprinkle of toasted coconut. It’s a must-have for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, or even Hawaiian-themed parties.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup (16 tbsp, 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 5 cups (600g) confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) canned coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix
- Egg whites, oil, and water (as per the cake mix instructions)
- 1 can (15 ounces) cream of coconut
- 1 container (8 ounces) COOL WHIP, thawed
- 1 package (8 ounces) sweetened flaked coconut
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 5 cups (600g) confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) canned coconut milk
- 1 package (8 ounces) sweetened flaked coconut
Required Tools and Equipment
When preparing this delicious Coconut Cream Cake recipe, having the right tools and equipment at hand will make the process much smoother. Here are the essential items you will need to create this heavenly dessert:
Tools:
- Mixing Bowls: Have a variety of mixing bowls in different sizes for preparing the cake batter, frosting, and other components.
- Electric Mixer: An electric mixer, either a hand mixer or stand mixer, will help you effortlessly mix the cake batter and frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Cake Pans: Make sure you have round cake pans of the appropriate size to bake your cake layers evenly.
- Offset Spatula: An offset spatula is essential for spreading frosting smoothly and evenly on the cake layers.
- Cake Stand or Serving Platter: You’ll need a cake stand or serving platter to beautifully display your Coconut Cream Cake.
- Toothpicks: These are handy for checking the doneness of your cake layers.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature for baking the cake layers.
- Parchment Paper: Line your cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the baked cakes.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is essential for allowing the cake layers to cool properly after baking.
- Sieve or Sifter: Use a sieve or sifter to sift the cake flour and other dry ingredients for a smooth cake batter.
- Grater: If you’re grating fresh coconut for garnishing, a grater will come in handy.
- Cake Server: For serving up perfect slices of this delectable Coconut Cream Cake.
Having these tools and equipment ready before you begin baking will ensure a seamless and enjoyable baking experience.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Ingredients
I like to start by gathering and preparing all the ingredients needed for this delightful Coconut Cream Cake. Make sure the butter, cream cheese, and coconut milk are at room temperature for easier mixing. Don’t forget to preheat the oven to 350°F and grease the cake pans.
Pre-Baking Prep
To kick off the baking process, whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and set them aside. Cream together the butter, oil, and sugar until smooth and fluffy in a large bowl. Incorporate the egg whites one at a time and add in the extracts and sour cream for that extra burst of flavor. Alternating between the dry ingredients and milk, mix until everything is well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake until they’re perfectly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool before moving on to the next step.
Baking the Cake
Let’s now proceed with the crucial steps to bake our delightful Coconut Cream Cake. Follow along for mixing the batter and baking instructions:
Mixing the Batter
To create the perfect Coconut Cream Cake, we start by whisking together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Next, using a mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, I beat the butter and sugar until creamy before adding the egg whites, sour cream, vanilla extract, and coconut milk. Incorporating the dry ingredients slowly by hand ensures a light and fluffy texture for our cake.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your cake pans. Distribute the batter evenly into the pans and bake for around 23-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack. Once cooled, you’re ready to assemble and frost your exquisite Coconut Cream Cake for a delightful treat that everyone will love.
Making the Frosting
Creating the perfect frosting for our Coconut Cream Cake is essential to achieving that delightful coconut flavor. Let’s dive into the steps for making the frosting that will elevate your cake to the next level.
Combining Frosting Ingredients
To begin making the frosting, gather your cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, coconut milk, and any additional flavorings you prefer, such as vanilla extract. Ensure that the cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and a splash of coconut milk. Beat the ingredients together on low speed until well combined and smooth. Gradually add more coconut milk as needed to reach your desired frosting consistency.
Whipping the Frosting
Once your frosting ingredients are combined, increase the mixer speed to high and whip the frosting until it becomes light and fluffy. The whipped frosting should hold soft peaks when the beaters are lifted. Avoid overmixing, as this can cause the frosting to become too dense.
Now that you have prepared your decadent coconut cream cheese frosting, it’s time to generously spread it on top of your cooled coconut cake layers for a luscious finishing touch.
Assembling the Cake
Preparing a luscious Coconut Cream Cake involves layering the cake and frosting to create a decadent masterpiece. Follow these steps to assemble the cake flawlessly.
Layering the Cake and Frosting
- Cool the cakes completely before starting the assembly process to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Level off any dome-shaped tops on the cakes using a cake leveler or serrated knife for a straight and sturdy layer cake.
- Place the bottom cake layer on a cake stand and spread a generous amount of frosting evenly on top, slightly over the edges.
- Gently place the second cake layer (top side down) on top of the frosting, making sure it aligns with the bottom layer.
- Spread another layer of frosting on top of the second layer, ensuring an even distribution.
- Finally, add the third cake layer (top side up) on top of the second layer, again aligning it perfectly.
- Divide the remaining frosting in half and spread one portion on top of the cake, using an icing spatula to create an even layer.
- To add a final touch to your Coconut Cream Cake, consider garnishing with toasted coconut flakes, fresh fruit, or edible flowers for an elegant presentation.
- Enhance the cake’s appearance by piping additional frosting decorations on top or around the edges for a more intricate design.
- For a tropical flair, consider topping the cake with sliced coconut pieces or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
- Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for a short time to let the frosting set before serving.
Storing the Cake
After creating this delightful Coconut Cream Cake, it’s essential to store it properly for freshness and flavor. Follow these guidelines to keep your cake delicious for longer:
Refrigeration Guidelines
To maintain the freshness of your Coconut Cream Cake, store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Place the cake in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap before refrigerating it. Due to the cream cheese content in the frosting, refrigeration is necessary to prevent it from spoiling.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to preserve your Coconut Cream Cake for a more extended period, you can freeze it. The cake layers or frosted cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, ensure the cake is tightly covered to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving to retain its texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Creating a Coconut Cream Cake is a delightful experience that promises a symphony of flavors and textures. From the rich coconut-infused batter to the creamy frosting that envelopes each layer, this dessert is a true showstopper. By following the detailed steps outlined in this article, you can master the art of making this decadent treat in your own kitchen. Remember, attention to detail, such as using room temperature ingredients and allowing the cake to cool properly, is key to achieving the perfect Coconut Cream Cake. With a little practice and a touch of creativity, you can customize your cake with various decorations and garnishes, making each slice a work of art. So, gather your tools, whip up this indulgent dessert, and treat yourself to a slice of paradise with every bite.