Martha Stewart’s Cloud Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe

If you have a soft spot for ethereal, melt-in-your-mouth desserts that feel like a little piece of heaven, you are going to fall head over heels for Martha Stewart’s Cloud Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe. This recipe is a stunning marriage of light, fluffy cake and richly creamy coconut frosting that immediately transports you to a tropical paradise. Done right, it’s an impressive yet approachable dessert that feels special enough for celebrations but cozy enough to share on any random Tuesday. The delicate crumb of the white coconut cake soaked with cream of coconut, combined with the luscious coconut whipped cream frosting, makes it a standout treat you’ll want to revisit time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in Martha Stewart’s Cloud Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe starts with a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays its part in crafting that perfectly tender crumb and creamy, dreamy frosting that’s bursting with coconut goodness.

• Unbleached cake flour: Provides a soft, delicate texture essential for this cloud-like cake.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness perfectly while helping with the structure of the cake.
• Baking powder: Gives the cake just the right rise for a fluffy bite.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors so nothing tastes flat.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, and makes the cake melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Egg whites and egg: Provide lightness and help hold the structure together.
• Heavy cream: Gives the batter a luxurious texture and blends beautifully with the extracts.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Coconut extract: Infuses the cake and frosting with that unmistakable tropical aroma.
• Cream of coconut (15 oz): The secret soaking element that makes the inside of the cake incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Cream cheese: Brings tang and creaminess to the coconut whipped cream frosting.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whips up into the lightest, fluffiest component of the frosting.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds a delightful texture and burst of coconut flavor on top of the frosting.

How to Make Martha Stewart’s Cloud Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease and flour a 9 x 13 pan, or simply spray it well with baking spray. This recipe is versatile—you can opt to split the batter into cupcake liners or two 8-inch round pans for layers instead if you’re feeling a bit fancy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients on low speed ensures even distribution and forms the foundation of your cake’s perfect tenderness.

Step 3: Add Butter and Eggs

Now gradually beat in the softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Then, add your egg whites—one at a time—beating them in thoroughly for lightness. Finally, mix in the whole egg for extra richness that balances the texture beautifully.

Step 4: Whisk Cream and Extracts

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, pure vanilla extract, and coconut extract. This step is essential as it blends the key flavors that will shine through your cake and ensure each bite tastes like a tropical dream.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly stir the cream and extract mixture into your batter, then beat it on medium-high speed until the batter is fluffy, which takes around three minutes. This process gives the cake a cloud-like lightness that’s impossible to resist.

Step 6: Pour Batter and Remove Air Bubbles

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. To avoid pesky holes or tunnels inside the cake, gently “burp” the cake by tapping and bouncing it lightly on your countertop. This technique releases trapped air and ensures a tighter, more uniform crumb.

Step 7: Bake Until Perfect

Bake the cake for about 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. That perfectly golden top signals the cake is ready to take the next step.

Step 8: Poke and Pour Cream of Coconut

As soon as the cake is out of the oven, gently poke holes all over with a fork. Then pour the cream of coconut evenly across the surface, allowing it to seep into every delicious nook and cranny, which makes the cake incredibly moist and flavorful.

Step 9: Cool Completely

This step is key. Let the cake cool thoroughly before you move on to frosting, so the whipped cream won’t melt and lose its fluffy charm.

Step 10: Make the Coconut Whipped Cream Frosting

Get a cold mixing bowl and your utensils (cold helps whip cream better). Beat room temperature cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until smooth and lump-free. Then slowly add the heavy whipping cream while mixing, and beat at high speed until you achieve stiff peaks. Remember to scrape the bowl frequently for the best texture.

Step 11: Frost and Top

Spread the luscious frosting evenly over your cooled cake, then generously scatter shredded sweetened coconut on top for that picture-perfect finish packed with added texture and flavor.

How to Serve Martha Stewart’s Cloud Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For an elegant presentation, consider garnishing your cake with toasted coconut flakes, a few fresh mint leaves, or even some tropical fruit slices like pineapple or mango. These touches add a pop of color and elevate the flavor experience.

Side Dishes

This delightful cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a light fruit salad to complement its creamy texture. A hot cup of coffee or chilled tropical iced tea also balances the rich coconut notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of passion fruit sauce or use the frosting to pipe pretty swirls on cupcakes inspired by the recipe. You can even layer the components into a parfait for a playful twist on Martha Stewart’s Cloud Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist. It should stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for savoring over several occasions.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag, for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge and then frost just before serving for the freshest experience.

Reheating

Since this is a delicate, moist cake with whipped cream frosting, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, enjoy leftovers chilled or at room temperature to keep the flavors and textures intact.

FAQs

Can I use regular coconut milk instead of cream of coconut?

Regular coconut milk is not as sweet or thick as cream of coconut, which is essential for soaking into the cake and imparting that signature moistness and flavor. For the best result, stick to cream of coconut.

Is this recipe suitable for making cupcakes?

Absolutely! Martha Stewart’s Cloud Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe adapts well to cupcakes—just adjust baking time accordingly, usually around 18 to 22 minutes, and keep an eye so they don’t overbake.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

To keep the spirit of the coconut frosting but make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a vegan version and use coconut-based whipping cream alternatives. The texture may differ slightly but the coconut flavor will still shine.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting?

Make sure your cake is completely cooled before frosting, and keep the frosted cake refrigerated until ready to serve. Also, chilling your mixing bowl and beaters before making the frosting helps it stay firm longer.

What is the best way to toast shredded coconut?

Toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Keep a close eye as it burns quickly. It adds an incredible crunch and flavor contrast to this soft cake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share dessert with you, Martha Stewart’s Cloud Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe should be your next baking adventure. It’s straightforward, rewarding, and absolutely magnificent in flavor and texture. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s gotten so much hype. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a slice of cloud nine!

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