Description
This Coconut Cloud Cake is a light, fluffy, and moist dessert featuring tender layers filled and frosted with a sweet coconut cream frosting. With a perfect balance of shredded coconut throughout the batter and a delicate whipped cream topping, this cake offers a tropical flair that melts in your mouth. Ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or a special treat, this cake combines classic baking techniques with the subtle richness of coconut for an irresistibly airy dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or regular milk)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for added fluffiness)
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake layers.
- Make the Cake Batter – Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully combined. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the coconut milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until everything is combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Shredded Coconut: Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut, evenly distributing it throughout the batter without deflating the mixture.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Place the pans in the preheated oven.
- Bake Until Done: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After partially cooling, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Coconut Cream Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, ensuring the cream is cold for best results.
- Add Sugar and Flavoring: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream. Continue mixing until the frosting is well combined, smooth, and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of the coconut cream frosting evenly over the layer.
- Add Second Layer and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted first layer. Use the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake, smoothing the top and sides.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle toasted shredded coconut on top of the frosted cake to add texture and enhance the coconut flavor.
- Serve: Slice the Coconut Cloud Cake and serve it to enjoy a delightfully light and fluffy coconut dessert.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve the best batter texture.
- Use cold heavy whipping cream for easier whipping to stiff peaks.
- To toast shredded coconut garnish, spread it evenly on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- For an extra fluffy cake, cream of tartar can be added to the egg whites if separated and whipped separately, but it’s optional.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or becoming runny.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
