Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Dreamy, pillowy, and kissed with coconut in every bite, this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe is a true showstopper for any celebration—or simply a rainy afternoon when you’re craving a little sunshine. With its soft, moist crumb and cloud-like whipped cream cheese frosting, topped generously with sweet shredded coconut, this cake will sweep you (and your guests) off your feet!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe lies in its mix of simple pantry staples and a few star ingredients that make all the difference. Let’s break down how each one creates that irresistible fluffy texture, delicate crumb, and unforgettable coconut flavor.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy, tender base—the right amount keeps the cake light without being crumbly.
• Baking powder: Ensures a beautiful, even rise and that soft, cloud-like bite that’s the hallmark of this cake.
• Salt: Just a touch makes all the sweet, creamy coconut flavors pop.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Brings rich flavor and keeps the crumb moist and tender—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a lovely, golden crumb.
• Large eggs (room temperature): Add structure and richness, binding everything together for the fluffiest texture.
• Vanilla extract: Lends a warm, aromatic backbone to all the coconut goodness.
• Coconut extract: The real secret to amplifying that dreamy tropical aroma in both cake and frosting.
• Coconut milk: Adds extra moisture, subtle flavor, and helps create that soft, delicate crumb.
• Heavy whipping cream: For the frosting, this whips up into ethereal peaks and gives a luxurious lightness.
• Cream cheese (softened): Brings smoothness and a gentle tang, balancing the sweetness in the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting, keeping it light and cloud-like.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Toast it for extra flavor, or keep it fresh for snow-like softness—your choice!

Variations

Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild—this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe is divinely flexible. Whether you’re adapting for dietary needs or just want to switch up the flavors, there are so many ways to make it truly your own!

• Lemon or Lime Zest: Add a teaspoon of zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy spin that pairs beautifully with coconut.
• Almond Extract: Swap half the coconut extract for almond extract for a subtle nutty undertone.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a luscious vegan version.
• Berry Layers: Spread a thin layer of raspberry or passionfruit jam between the cake layers for bursts of fruitiness.

How to Make Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release later—trust me, this makes life so much easier when it’s time to assemble!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. This ensures an even rise and helps avoid pockets of baking powder, so your Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe comes out perfectly fluffy every time.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and super fluffy—about 3 minutes. Don’t skimp here, as this step is key for aerating the batter and achieving cloud-like layers.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in your vanilla and coconut extracts to infuse the cake with that irresistible, fragrant coconut essence.

Step 5: Alternate in Dry Ingredients and Coconut Milk

With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the coconut milk. Begin and end with flour. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the crumb less tender.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Divide the batter evenly between your pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top springs back lightly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Cloud Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until completely smooth and creamy. 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—don’t rush! You want the frosting ultralight, like a coconut cloud.

Step 8: Assemble and Decorate

Place one cake layer on your serving platter. Spread over a generous layer of frosting, then top with the second cake. Frost the top and sides, swirling to your heart’s content. Press shredded coconut onto every inch for that snowy, cloud-like finish. Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing for best results!

How to Serve Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Garnishes

This cake is a stunner with its coconut flake topping, but you can make it even more eye-catching with edible flowers (think pansies or violets) or a few curls of white chocolate for a whimsical, cloudlike look. For a pop of color, scatter a handful of fresh raspberries or sliced tropical fruits alongside the slices.

Side Dishes

The Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe pairs beautifully with a tall, frosty glass of iced tea, fresh lemonade, or even a delicate herbal tea. For a festive brunch or tea party, serve slices with a bright fruit salad or tangy berry compote to balance the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this cake into individual “cloud cakes” by baking in a cupcake pan, or serve in elegant trifle glasses with layers of cake, whipped cream, and coconut flakes. For a dreamy celebration, top the cake with mini paper bunting or a sprinkle of edible glitter—guaranteed to delight party guests of all ages!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices (if you’re lucky enough to have them!) keep fresh and moist when wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The creamy frosting and coconut flakes stay soft and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

This Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe freezes well, too! Wrap un-frosted cake layers tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. For frosted cake, freeze slices individually, then thaw overnight in the fridge—just note the coconut topping may soften slightly on thawing.

Reheating

No need to reheat this cake, but if you’d like your slice a little softer, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. This allows the butter and frosting to return to that irresistibly creamy texture—just like freshly made!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe always brings a little extra happiness to the table. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just whipping up something sweet on a whim, I hope you’ll fall in love with its dreamy texture and irresistible coconut flavor. Don’t forget to snap a picture before it disappears—and most importantly, enjoy every blissful bite!

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