Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that feels like a fluffy cloud of tropical paradise, then the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe is exactly what your sweet tooth has been waiting for. This cake is a delightful symphony of moist layers infused with creamy coconut flavor, layered with luscious coconut cream filling, and wrapped in a dreamy coconut frosting. Every bite is light yet indulgent, transporting you to a sunny beach getaway without ever leaving your kitchen. Perfect for celebrations or just because, this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe captures the essence of coconut in the most heavenly way possible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple ingredients is the first step to creating this stunning cake. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing moistness, texture, and that unmistakable coconut flavor that make this cake so irresistible.

• Cake flour: Provides a delicate crumb and soft texture that’s essential for light layers.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners help create the perfect rise and fluffiness in the cake.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, allowing the cake layers to stay tender.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to its fine texture.
• Egg whites: Whipped in to lend structure and lift, making those layers cloud-like.
• Vanilla and coconut extracts: The dynamic duo that infuses the batter with aromatic warmth and tropical notes.
• Canned coconut milk (full-fat): Enhances the coconut flavor and ensures moist, tender layers.
• Buttermilk: Adds tangy moisture and helps tenderize the cake for melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• Heavy whipping cream: Used in the filling to create a rich, fluffy texture that complements the cake.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds chewy bursts of coconut flavor in the filling and as a garnish.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and frosting while giving a smooth, velvety finish.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens flavors in the frosting.
• Coconut milk for frosting: Offsets the sweetness with moisture and helps achieve a silky frosting consistency.

How to Make Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This preparation guarantees your cake layers will come out clean and smooth, ready to build your masterpiece.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the sifted cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until the mixture is perfectly combined. These dry ingredients form the base of your cake’s structure and texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is key for trapping air that helps give the cake its tender lift and gentle crumb.

Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Flavorings

Add the egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition to build structure without weighing down the batter. Then blend in the vanilla and coconut extracts to infuse the cake with those signature flavors.

Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the batter in three batches, alternating with the coconut milk and buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans. Smooth the tops for even baking and place in the oven for about 23 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. These layers will rise light and tender, like fluffy clouds ready to be stacked.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

After baking, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then gently release them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Proper cooling is essential to ensure the frosting and filling don’t melt in later steps.

Step 8: Make the Coconut Cream Filling

Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Then, gently fold in the shredded coconut for texture and bursts of flavor. Chill this filling until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, increasing the speed to achieve fluffy texture. Mix in coconut extract and a pinch of salt, then add coconut milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting is perfectly spreadable and silky.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread half of the coconut cream filling evenly over the top—this luscious layer brings moisture and richness between cake layers.

Step 11: Add Second Layer

Top with the second cake layer and spread the remaining coconut cream filling all the way to the edges, creating a seamless blanket of creamy coconut goodness.

Step 12: Top and Crumb Coat

Add the final cake layer and apply a thin layer of frosting all over to seal in the crumbs. Pop the cake into the fridge for 20 minutes to set this crumb coat, which preps your cake for a smooth final finish.

Step 13: Frost and Garnish

Frost the entire cake with the remaining coconut frosting, smoothing or swirling it however you like for beautiful texture. If you want to really amp up the coconut vibes, press sweetened shredded coconut along the sides and base of the cake for extra crunch and eye-catching appeal.

How to Serve Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Adding shredded coconut as a garnish not only boosts visual appeal but also gives a delightful textural contrast. Consider toasted coconut for a nutty twist, fresh tropical fruits like pineapple or mango to complement the coconut flavors, or even a drizzle of passionfruit sauce for a tangy surprise.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a light cup of coffee or a fragrant tropical tea to balance its creamy sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes an excellent accompaniment, turning each bite into a well-rounded tropical dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, create single-serving mini Coconut Cloud Cakes or cupcakes using the same recipe and decorate with piped frosting. You can also layer cake crumbs in a glass to make coconut trifles or parfaits — perfect for individual servings at parties or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully at room temperature for 1-2 days or chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining freshness without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully assembled cake or individual layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before bringing to room temperature and finishing with fresh frosting or garnishes.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served cool or at room temperature, reheating is generally not recommended. Instead, let frozen cake thaw naturally and enjoy the coconut flavors fully intact. If desired, bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but using full-fat coconut milk enhances the rich coconut flavor and moistness that make this cake special.

Is it necessary to use egg whites only? Can I use whole eggs?

Using egg whites helps create a lighter texture, but you can use whole eggs if preferred; just expect a slightly denser cake.

How do I prevent the shredded coconut from making the filling gritty?

Using sweetened shredded coconut and folding it gently into whipped cream ensures the filling stays light and creamy without feeling gritty.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient adjustments like using vegan butter, coconut cream, and egg substitutes, you can adapt the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe, though the texture and flavor might vary slightly.

What’s the best way to get smooth frosting on my cake?

Chill the crumb-coated cake before the final frosting step and use an offset spatula or bench scraper to smooth the frosting. Warm your spatula with hot water and dry it first for extra smoothness.

Final Thoughts

This Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe is truly a showstopper—a beautiful balance between airy texture and rich, tropical flavor that always impresses. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this cake promises smiles with every bite. So take your time to savor the process, and I’m sure it will become one of your treasured recipes to share again and again.

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