If you are looking to impress friends and family with a stunningly delicious dessert, the White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with rich white chocolate sweetness and the tropical essence of coconut, this cake manages to be both decadent and moist, enveloped in a luscious cream cheese buttercream frosting. It’s a perfect centerpiece for celebrations or a special weekend treat that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light. I promise, once you make this cake, it will instantly become one of your favorite baked delights to share.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and familiar, yet each one plays an essential role in building the cake’s tender crumb, flavor depth, and incredible moistness. From the all-purpose flour to the special touch of coconut emulsion, every component enhances the unique character of this bundt cake.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups/360 g): The base of the cake’s structure, ensuring a soft crumb.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons/8 g): Provides the lift that makes the cake light and fluffy.
- Salt (1 teaspoon/6 g): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Canned coconut milk (½ cup/125 g), stirred: Adds tropical richness and moistness to the batter.
- Buttermilk (½ cup/120 g), room temperature: Keeps the cake tender and imparts a subtle tang.
- Coconut emulsion or extract (1 tablespoon/16 g): Intensifies the coconut flavor throughout.
- Granulated sugar (1 ¾ cups/350 g): Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/226 g), room temperature: Provides richness and helps with the texture.
- White chocolate (4 ounces), melted: The star ingredient giving luscious creaminess and sweetness.
- Eggs (3) and egg whites (2), room temperature: Adds moisture and structure for a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup/113 g) for frosting, slightly cold: Creates the creamy base of the frosting.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces): Adds tang and richness to the buttercream.
- Powdered sugar (2 ½ cups/312.5 g), sifted: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.
- Coconut emulsion (1 teaspoon/5.3 g) for frosting: Enhances the flavor in the buttercream.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1 cup/95 g): Adds texture and a burst of coconut flavor on top.
- Toasted coconut (1 cup/95 g): Adds a crunchy texture and rich aroma as a topping.
- Toffee baking bits (1 cup): Gives extra crunch and caramel notes in the cake.
How to Make White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease your bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray then dust it with sugar. This extra step helps create a beautifully sweet, slightly crispy crust and ensures your cake releases effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together until fully combined. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your batter, crucial for an even rise and flawless texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, stir together the canned coconut milk, buttermilk, and coconut emulsion until smooth and well blended. This mixture brings a creamy and tropical note that’s essential to the cake’s flavor depth.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and granulated sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is what gives your cake that airy texture by incorporating air into the batter.
Step 5: Add White Chocolate and Eggs
Mix in the melted white chocolate until fully incorporated. Then, add the eggs and egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping the bowl sides to ensure consistency.
Step 6: Alternately Add Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add the flour mixture and coconut milk mixture alternately to the batter, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the cake tough.
Step 7: Add Toppings Before Baking
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, then evenly sprinkle the top with toasted coconut and toffee baking bits. These layers add incredible texture and bursts of caramelized flavor as the cake bakes.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. If needed, bake a few minutes longer until just right.
Step 9: Cool and Release Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 1 hour before carefully inverting it onto a plate. Handle gently to keep that perfect bundt shape intact.
Step 10: Make the Coconut Cream Cheese Buttercream
Beat the slightly cold butter and cream cheese together until creamy and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, then mix in coconut emulsion and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy, perfect for spreading.
Step 11: Frost and Decorate
Once fully cooled, frost the cake generously with your coconut cream cheese buttercream. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top to finish with a beautiful and delicious coconut touch that invites everyone to dig in.
How to Serve White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra toasted coconut or a drizzle of melted white chocolate offers a visually stunning and flavorful finish. Fresh pineapple slices or edible flowers can brighten the plate and add a tropical twist that complements the cake perfectly.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream to balance warmth with creamy coldness. A cup of rich coffee or a tropical fruit punch can round out the serving experience delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cake in slices topped with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant dessert. You could even transform leftovers into trifle layers with pineapple chunks and custard for a fun twist on this favorite recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake Recipe keeps well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it covered in the refrigerator where it remains moist and fresh for up to a week.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire cake or individual slices by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easiest handling and best texture.
Reheating
For a freshly baked warmth, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Avoid overheating to preserve the cake’s moist and tender crumb along with the delicate frosting.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?
Regular milk will work but coconut milk adds a distinct richness and tropical flavor that is key to this cake’s character. Using it really elevates the final taste.
Is it necessary to use both eggs and egg whites?
Yes, using both adds extra moisture and structure while keeping the cake tender without being too dense or heavy.
Can I substitute coconut emulsion with coconut extract?
Absolutely! Both will provide the coconut flavor, though emulsion tends to be a bit stronger and more natural tasting.
What kind of white chocolate is best?
Use good-quality baking white chocolate or white chocolate chips melted gently. Avoid white confectionery melts, which can alter texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?
Make sure to generously butter and sugar your bundt pan, covering all the crevices, and allow the cake to cool before inverting. This technique makes release easy and clean.
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that feels like a special treat yet is straightforward enough to make for any occasion. The blend of creamy white chocolate, fragrant coconut, and a tender crumb topped with dreamy buttercream creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert featuring the tropical richness of coconut milk and coconut emulsion, combined with smooth white chocolate and a tender crumb. Topped with toasted coconut, toffee bits, and a creamy coconut cream cheese buttercream frosting, this cake is perfect for special occasions or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (8 g) baking powder
- 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (125 g) canned coconut milk, stirred
- ½ cup (120 g) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon (16 g) coconut emulsion or extract
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 ounces white chocolate, melted
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 2 egg whites, at room temperature
Frosting
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, slightly cold
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon (5.3 g) coconut emulsion
- Pinch of salt
Toppings
- 1 cup (95 g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup (95 g) toasted coconut
- 1 cup toffee baking bits
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with sugar to ensure a sweet crust and easy release.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined to ensure even leavening.
- Combine wet ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the canned coconut milk, buttermilk, and coconut emulsion until smooth and creamy.
- Cream butter and sugar. Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy, creating aeration for a tender cake.
- Add chocolate and eggs. Mix in the melted white chocolate until combined. Add eggs and egg whites one at a time, mixing well and scraping down the bowl sides between additions for uniform batter.
- Alternately add dry and wet mixtures. Add the dry ingredients and the coconut milk mixture alternately to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Prepare batter for baking. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Evenly sprinkle toasted coconut and toffee baking bits over the top to add flavor and texture.
- Bake the cake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool the cake. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 1 hour, then carefully invert onto a serving plate to preserve its shape.
- Make the frosting. Beat the cold unsalted butter with cream cheese for 2 minutes until fluffy. Gradually mix in sifted powdered sugar, then add coconut emulsion and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until light and fluffy.
- Frost and decorate. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the coconut cream cheese buttercream evenly on top. Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosting for decoration and added coconut flavor.
Notes
- Ensure all eggs and dairy ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once combining wet and dry ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- To toast coconut, spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden, stirring occasionally.
- If toffee baking bits are unavailable, substitute with chopped nuts or white chocolate chips.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

