Name: Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon coconut extract; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon coconut extract; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (toasted or fresh)

Jump to Recipe

Dreamy, fluffy, and reminiscent of tropical skies, the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe is a slice of pure bliss perfect for any celebration or as a special treat just because. This cake combines tender vanilla-coconut layers with a lush, cloud-like frosting and a generous sprinkle of coconut on top. Whether you love coconut for its sweet, nutty aroma or you’re simply chasing a little sunshine in dessert form, this confection promises melt-in-your-mouth magic with every bite. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate way to turn an ordinary day into something memorable, this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe is exactly what you need.

Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be happy to know that the secret to this cake’s heavenly texture and flavor is all in the simple, quality ingredients. Each item has its part to play, coming together to create something that looks and tastes like a bakery masterpiece—without any complicated steps or fussy techniques.

All-purpose flour: Use a scoop and level method for light, airy crumb—you don’t want a dense cake here!
Baking powder: Essential for that perfect rise and a cloud-like texture.
Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness, bringing every flavor into focus.
Unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s soft and creamy for easy mixing and rich, buttery flavor.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, tender cake.
Large eggs, room temperature: These add structure and ensure a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash rounds out the coconut flavor so beautifully.
Coconut extract: The key to infusing that irresistible tropical aroma from the inside out.
Coconut milk: Don’t skip this! It makes the batter rich, moist, and unmistakably coconutty.
Heavy whipping cream: This gives the frosting airy, cloud-like volume.
Cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese brings just enough tang to balance all the sweetness in the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Keeps the frosting silky smooth and sweet, without any graininess.
Sweetened shredded coconut: Use this for a snowy, beautiful finish—toast it for extra flavor or keep it soft for a pure white look.

How to Make Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Oven

Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping two 9-inch round cake pans. Line them with parchment paper and give them a light greasing—trust me, this little step makes sure nothing sticks and every slice comes out perfect. Setting up now saves heartbreak later!

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In one bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until you have a pale, fluffy mixture—it should look almost like whipped cream. Add your eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and coconut extracts. This layering builds so much depth of flavor!

Step 3: Combine and Create the Batter

Now, alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and coconut milk to your buttery base, starting and ending with the dry mix. This keeps the batter smooth and prevents over-mixing, ensuring the final cake is super soft. You’ll see the batter take on a luscious, creamy consistency—the scent is divine!

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Divide your batter evenly between the pans. Pop them into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake; a moist crumb is the secret to a cloudlike bite. Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to frosting.

Step 5: Make the Fluffy Coconut Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until super smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks—think soft, fluffy clouds! Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Add the vanilla and coconut extracts for that extra layer of dreamy flavor. You’ll love how pillowy and light this frosting feels.

Step 6: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate and swirl on a thick layer of frosting. Top with the second cake. Spread the remaining frosting all over the sides and top, using a palette knife or an offset spatula for those swooping, cloudlike waves. Generously press shredded coconut onto the top and sides—it sticks like magic!

Step 7: Chill and Serve

To help everything set and let the flavors mingle, chill your masterpiece for at least an hour before slicing. The result is a Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—and every bite truly melts in your mouth.

How to Serve Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Take your Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe presentation to the next level with a shower of extra shredded coconut on top (toasted or untoasted), a scattering of edible flowers, or a few delicate curls of white chocolate. For a tropical touch, even some tiny cubes of fresh pineapple or juicy mango look gorgeous around the base of the cake.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with simple, refreshing sides like a bowl of fresh berries, a fruit salad with a citrusy mint drizzle, or even a scoop of coconut sorbet. For something a little fancier, serve with a chilled glass of prosecco or a tropical iced tea to echo the flavors of your Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making individual mini cakes using a muffin tin or even cutting the cake into squares for party trays. Layer leftover bits with frosting in glass jars for adorable parfaits. This Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe is just as delightful as the centerpiece of a brunch table as it is for birthdays—don’t be afraid to play up its whimsical, cloud-like appearance!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap up any uneaten Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy another dreamy slice later.

Freezing

Cakes freeze wonderfully! To freeze, wrap individual slices or whole, unfrosted layers in plastic wrap and foil. For the best texture, freeze the cake and frosting separately, then thaw and assemble as needed. Don’t forget to add a fresh layer of coconut on top before serving for that just-made look.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this cake, as it’s best served cold or at room temperature to keep the frosting stable and cloudlike. If you need to refresh a chilled slice, a short rest on the countertop will do the trick.

FAQs

Can I make this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes and prepare the frosting a day in advance. Store them separately and assemble the day you plan to serve; this keeps the cake incredibly fresh and the frosting at its fluffiest.

What if I don’t have coconut extract?

While coconut extract brings extra tropical punch, you can substitute with extra vanilla extract and a bit more coconut milk. The result is still deliciously coconutty, just a touch more subtle.

Do I have to toast the shredded coconut?

Not at all! Toasting adds a nutty depth and a bit of crunch, but using untoasted coconut delivers a beautiful, snowy look that’s classic for the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe.

Can I use a different frosting?

If you’d rather skip the cream cheese-whipped cream combo, a classic buttercream or even a simple whipped cream topping also do the job. The coconut flavor shines through either way.

Is this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe suitable for a layer cake?

Yes, it’s perfect as a two-layer cake! It holds its shape beautifully and the frosting is sturdy enough for layering. For an even more dramatic look, you could stack three thinner layers.

Final Thoughts

The Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe is the sort of dessert you’ll want to make again and again—delicate, dreamy, and bursting with coconut flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply to add a little sunshine to your day, don’t wait to bring this fluffy masterpiece to your table. Treat yourself to a slice of cloud nine!

Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the light and airy goodness of this Coconut Cloud Cake. A tropical twist on a classic dessert, this cake is perfect for any special occasion or just a sweet treat at home.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla and coconut extracts. Alternate dry ingredients and coconut milk into the mixture.
Bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cakes cool completely.
For frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
Layer and frost the cakes. Press shredded coconut onto the sides and top for a cloud-like finish.
Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
To toast coconut, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American