Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a dessert that feels as light as air yet bursting with the tropical charm of coconut, then you absolutely must try the Coconut Cloud Cake. This divine cake combines the softest, fluffiest layers with a luscious coconut-infused cream cheese frosting, making every forkful a heavenly experience. The magic lies not only in its ethereal texture but also in the careful balance of rich coconut milk, fragrant extracts, and shredded coconut that bring this cake to life. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something spectacular, this Coconut Cloud Cake will quickly become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to mastering the Coconut Cloud Cake. Each element plays a critical role, from the tender crumb provided by all-purpose flour to the moist richness thanks to coconut milk, not to mention the flavor layers developed through extracts and shredded coconut.

• All-purpose flour (2.5 cups, sifted): Provides the perfect structure for soft, fluffy cake layers.
• Baking powder (2.5 tsp): Helps the cake rise beautifully allowing that cloud-like texture.
• Salt (0.5 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter (0.75 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture, crucial for a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1.75 cups): Sweetens and contributes to the cake’s tender texture.
• Eggs (4 large, room temperature): Bind ingredients and help with lift and structure.
• Coconut milk (1 cup, full-fat canned preferred): Infuses natural coconut flavor and moistness.
• Coconut extract (1.5 tsp): Intensifies the coconut essence without overpowering.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp, pure): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Heavy whipping cream (1.25 cups, chilled): The base for a light, fluffy frosting.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream frosting.
• Cream cheese (6 oz, softened): Gives frosting a creamy tang and richness.
• Sweetened shredded coconut (1.5 cups, divided): Adds texture and that delightful coconut chewiness throughout the cake and frosting.

How to Make Coconut Cloud Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and grease three 8-inch round cake pans. Greasing and preparing your pans well ensures that the delicate layers will come out cleanly without sticking, setting the stage for a flawless cake assembly later.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt, which is crucial for an evenly risen, perfectly textured cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter, a key to that irresistible fluffy texture in your Coconut Cloud Cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. This method helps blend the eggs seamlessly into the batter, ensuring a smooth consistency and preventing the layers from becoming dense.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Coconut Milk

Start by adding part of the flour mixture, then some coconut milk, alternating until both are fully incorporated, beginning and ending with the flour. This alternating method keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which can toughen the cake.

Step 6: Stir in Extracts

Gently fold in the coconut and vanilla extracts to the batter. This is where the cake’s signature flavor really begins to shine, infusing every bite with that unmistakable tropical sweetness.

Step 7: Divide Batter and Bake

Evenly divide the batter between your three prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Perfectly baked layers are the backbone of a great Coconut Cloud Cake.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow the cake layers to cool completely before you start frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off, keeping your cake looking pristine and tasting its absolute best.

Step 9: Whip the Cream

Beat the chilled heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Then gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to whip until that glossy, spreadable frosting consistency appears.

Step 10: Add Cream Cheese

Blend the softened cream cheese into the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This creamy frosting perfectly complements the delicate coconut cake layers, adding richness and stability.

Step 11: Finish Frosting Mix

Fold in the coconut extract and half a cup of shredded coconut into the frosting. This little extra gives a pop of texture and boosts the coconut flavor, creating that luxurious finishing touch for your Coconut Cloud Cake.

Step 12: Assemble and Frost

Level the cake layers if necessary, then stack them with a generous amount of frosting between each layer. Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake and chill for about 30 minutes to set the base. Finish by coating the whole cake in a final layer of frosting and decorate with the remaining shredded coconut for that irresistible, textured look.

How to Serve Coconut Cloud Cake

Garnishes

To elevate your Coconut Cloud Cake even further, garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a hint of crunch and a beautiful golden hue. Fresh berries or edible flowers can add a pop of color and freshness that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of jasmine tea or a refreshing tropical fruit salad featuring pineapple, mango, and kiwi. These light, fruity sides complement the rich, creamy flavors and keep the experience vibrant and lively.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try cutting the Coconut Cloud Cake into petite squares and placing each on a delicate dessert plate topped with a drizzle of passion fruit sauce. Alternatively, serve it as mini layered trifles in glasses for an elegant twist that still delivers all the fluffy, coconut goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, cover your Coconut Cloud Cake loosely with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, maintaining its lovely texture and flavor without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting, which makes baking ahead super convenient.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you want to soften a chilled slice, simply leave it out for 20 to 30 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?

While light coconut milk is lower in fat, using full-fat coconut milk will give your Coconut Cloud Cake that rich, moist crumb and pronounced coconut flavor. For best results, stick with full-fat coconut milk.

Is it necessary to sift the flour?

Sifting the flour helps aerate it and removes any lumps, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake. It is highly recommended for the best texture in your Coconut Cloud Cake.

Can I substitute cream cheese with mascarpone?

Yes, mascarpone can be used for a slightly sweeter and creamier frosting, but cream cheese adds a lovely tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. Feel free to experiment according to your preference.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting?

Make sure the cake layers are completely cooled before frosting. Also, keep the frosting chilled until ready to use, and store the finished cake in the refrigerator to maintain its structure and freshness.

Can I make this cake vegan?

This recipe includes butter, eggs, cream, and cream cheese, which are not vegan. However, you can experiment with plant-based substitutes like vegan butter, flax eggs, coconut cream, and dairy-free cream cheese to create a vegan version of the Coconut Cloud Cake, though texture and taste may vary.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Coconut Cloud Cake, it will fast become your go-to recipe for any occasion that calls for something truly special. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience filled with tropical warmth, fluffiness, and creamy indulgence that delights every time. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a slice of cloud-like heaven—you will not regret it!

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