Name: Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 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)

If you’ve got a soft spot for coconut and adore slices of pillowy cake, this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe is about to become your new go-to for celebrations, potlucks, or simply just because. Dreamy, moist layers of cake are blanketed in silky frosting and crowned with a heavenly cloud of toasted coconut. It’s every bit as delicate and luscious as it sounds — a show-stopping treat with irresistible flavor and a texture that seems to float off the plate. If you’re hunting for a dessert that’s equal parts cozy and impressive, this is it!

Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe relies on a handful of pantry favorites, but each plays its own special role in creating those fluffy layers and creamy frosting. Let’s take a look at how these ingredients work together to bring cloud cake dreams to life!

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure while keeping the crumb tender and light.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise tall and fluffy, giving each slice its soft, airy lift.
Salt: Just a bit sharpens all the sweet flavors beautifully.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and a velvety texture; make sure it’s soft for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar: Gives the cake sweetness and helps with that dreamy, soft crumb.
Large eggs (room temperature): Bind the batter and create structure; room temp eggs blend in smoothly.
Vanilla extract: For warm, familiar sweetness that deepens the overall flavor.
Coconut extract: Intensifies the coconut flavor and makes each bite sing with tropical notes.
Coconut milk: Infuses moisture and extra coconut character for maximum richness and a tender crumb.
Heavy whipping cream: Whips up into a light, billowy frosting base; chill it for best results.
Cream cheese (softened): Adds tang and extra creaminess to the frosting, making it stable and rich.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without any grittiness — perfect for a smooth finish.
Shredded coconut (sweetened, toasted or fresh): The finishing touch that adds crunch, flavor, and a magical coconut “cloud” look.

How to Make Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans. Preparing your pans well is essential so those beautiful cake layers will slide right out in one piece later on.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step ensures that the leavening is evenly dispersed, which helps the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe bake up with a consistent rise and soft, uniform crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy — this usually takes about three minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, setting a foundation for the fluffiest possible cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and coconut extracts, letting the aroma transport you straight to the tropics. This sets the flavor stage for every single bite of the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes

With your mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and coconut milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined; overmixing can toughen your cake. The batter should look pale, thick, and luscious.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Evenly divide the batter between your prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar in a bowl until very smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, followed by the vanilla and coconut extracts. You’ll end up with a frosting that’s light, tangy, and perfect for this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting over the top, then add the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides generously to create that signature cloud-like appearance.

Step 9: Finish with Coconut

Press sweetened shredded coconut all over the top and sides of the cake. For even more depth, toast your coconut first — just a few minutes in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant does the trick. Chill the fully assembled cake for at least an hour before slicing for clean, dreamy layers.

How to Serve Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Garnish your Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe with a sprinkle of extra toasted coconut right before serving — it adds irresistible crunch and a sun-kissed look. If you’re feeling fancy, a handful of fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or edible flowers can make those “clouds” pop even more on your dessert table.

Side Dishes

This cake is stunning on its own, but it pairs beautifully with sides that complement its gentle coconut vibe. Consider serving with a bowl of juicy mango or pineapple chunks, lemon sorbet, or even a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Trying to impress? Slice the cake into neat layers and assemble as a tall layer cake, or bake the batter as cupcakes for individual coconut clouds. Plating each slice with a coconut swirl and a tropical fruit garnish instantly turns dessert into a mini celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake will stay moist and dreamy for up to 4 days; if you can resist sneaking forkfuls straight from the fridge, even better!

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to two months: wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling and frosting. For the frosted cake, a quick freeze (uncovered, 30 minutes) followed by wrapping will help preserve its shape and flavor for a month.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this cake, but if you prefer it closer to room temperature, let slices sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving. This softens the frosting and makes those flavors shine even more.

FAQs

How do I make sure my cake layers are moist?

Be careful not to overbake the cakes and use full-fat coconut milk to lock in moisture. Proper measuring and mixing (without overmixing!) is key to the signature fluffiness of the Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe.

Can I use unsweetened coconut in the topping?

Absolutely! Unsweetened coconut adds a more natural coconut flavor and less sugar. Toast it first to deepen the flavor or mix with a bit of sweetened coconut for balance.

Is there a dairy-free version of this cake?

You can swap in plant-based butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and coconut whipped cream for a completely dairy-free version. The cake is naturally rich in coconut, so those flavors stay front and center!

Can I make this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe as cupcakes?

Yes! Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners and bake for 16–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The frosting and coconut topping work just as well for adorable, cloud-like cupcakes.

Why did my frosting turn runny?

If your frosting is too soft, your cream cheese or whipping cream may have been too warm. Chill both thoroughly before starting, and whip the cream until stiff peaks form before folding it in. Return the frosting to the fridge for 10–15 minutes if needed to firm it up.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a treat that feels like a gentle hug and tastes like a trip to coconut heaven, give this Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe a try. It’s the sort of dessert that can turn any day into a celebration — I can’t wait for you to share a slice (or two!) with the people you love.