Coconut Cloud Cake

The Coconut Cloud Cake is a slice of heaven that brings together tender cake layers, rich coconut flavor, and airy whipped cream. Each bite melts in your mouth, with a contrast of soft crumb and crunchy toasted coconut. It’s a light yet indulgent dessert that will transport you straight to a tropical paradise.

Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or any occasion that calls for something sweet, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. With its cloud-like texture and dreamy coconut aroma, it’s guaranteed to be the star of the dessert table. Whether you’re a coconut lover or just looking for something refreshing and unique, this cake delivers on flavor and elegance.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Cake Layers

• 2 1/4 cups cake flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

• 5 large egg whites

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon coconut extract

• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat, canned)

Whipped Frosting

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

Toppings

• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

• Fresh coconut curls or flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

4. Add egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Stir in vanilla and coconut extract.

6. Alternately add the flour mixture and coconut milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.

7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

8. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

10. For the frosting, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and coconut extract until stiff peaks form.

11. Once cakes are cool, spread a thick layer of whipped frosting on the first layer, sprinkle with toasted coconut, then add the second layer.

12. Frost the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream and press toasted coconut into the frosting. Garnish with fresh coconut curls if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 12 slices

Coconut Cloud Cake: A Dreamy Dessert with Tropical Charm

When it comes to baking, few things are as satisfying as creating a dessert that tastes just as stunning as it looks. The Coconut Cloud Cake is exactly that a beautifully layered, whipped cream-covered delight that tastes like a slice of paradise. With its light-as-air texture, tropical coconut flavor, and pillow-soft crumb, this cake is a dream come true for both coconut lovers and anyone craving a refreshing twist on the classic layer cake.

This recipe captures the essence of indulgence without being overly heavy. The combination of moist vanilla-coconut sponge and fluffy whipped frosting makes it perfect for spring and summer gatherings, birthdays, brunches, or as a showstopper for your weekend baking. Unlike buttercream-heavy cakes that can feel dense or overly sweet, this one leans into lightness much like the clouds it’s named after.

But what truly makes this Coconut Cloud Cake stand out? It’s not just the ingredients or the beautiful presentation. It’s the balance of flavor and texture, the contrast of smooth whipped topping against the toasted coconut flakes, and the subtle kiss of coconut extract that gives it an authentic island touch.

The Secret Behind the Fluffy Texture

The cloud-like softness of this cake comes from a careful combination of ingredients and techniques. Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour is a key factor. Cake flour has less protein, which means less gluten development and a finer, more delicate crumb. Blending butter with oil in the batter ensures the cake stays moist even after refrigeration, essential if you’re making this cake ahead of time.

Egg whites instead of whole eggs help keep the texture light while allowing for maximum rise, which is especially important when you’re working with delicate cake flour. The result is a springy, ethereal bite that doesn’t sit heavy on the palate. Think angel food cake meets a vanilla sponge, with a coconut twist.

The final touch is coconut milk, rich and full of flavor, folded into the batter. Full-fat canned coconut milk, in particular, contributes both moisture and depth, infusing every layer with tropical flair.

Coconut in Baking: More Than Just a Flavor

Coconut is often associated with island cuisine, beach holidays, and refreshing beverages, but its use in baking has a long and diverse history. In many cultures, coconut is considered a sacred or symbolic ingredient, used in everything from celebratory dishes to religious offerings. In Filipino cuisine, for example, coconut milk is a staple in both savory and sweet recipes. In Caribbean cooking, coconut often shows up in rich puddings and breads.

In cakes, coconut is often paired with pineapple (hello, piña colada cake), chocolate (coconut brownies, anyone?), or used as a base for creamy fillings. But when allowed to shine on its own, like in this Coconut Cloud Cake it becomes something truly special. Toasted coconut adds texture and a hint of caramelization, while the extract and milk provide layered flavor that never overwhelms.

Toasting Coconut: A Game-Changer

One often overlooked step that elevates this recipe is the toasting of the shredded coconut. Raw sweetened coconut is lovely, but toasting it takes the flavor to a whole new level. It brings out nutty, caramel-like notes that add complexity and crunch to the finished dessert.

To toast coconut, simply spread it in an even layer on a baking sheet and place it in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye on it, it can go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. The toasted flakes can be stored in an airtight container for several days and used for topping everything from cakes to yogurt bowls.

Whipped Cream Frosting: Light and Luxurious

Most layer cakes are paired with buttercream, but the Coconut Cloud Cake opts for something softer and more delicate, whipped cream frosting. It’s the perfect match for the airy cake layers, adding a cool, creamy element that doesn’t overpower.

To stabilize the whipped cream slightly without making it stiff or greasy, a touch of powdered sugar is used. Coconut extract adds flavor, while vanilla keeps it warm and balanced. The key to perfect whipped cream is chilling everything; the bowl, the beaters, the cream before you begin. This ensures the cream whips up quickly and holds its structure, making it easier to frost the cake without it sliding or melting.

This style of frosting also makes the cake more accessible to those who dislike overly sweet desserts. It’s light, fresh, and best enjoyed chilled, perfect for hot weather or outdoor events.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

The visual appeal of this cake is undeniable. Snowy white frosting flecked with golden coconut flakes creates a rustic yet elegant appearance that fits any occasion. You can get creative with decorations, adding fresh coconut curls, edible flowers, or even thin slices of tropical fruit like kiwi, mango, or pineapple.

For formal events, serve the cake on a white or glass cake stand to emphasize its cloud-like fluffiness. For a casual brunch or picnic, consider slicing it into individual portions ahead of time and storing them in decorative parchment-lined boxes, guests will appreciate the grab-and-go convenience.

This cake pairs wonderfully with tropical drinks like coconut water, mango iced tea, or a sparkling pineapple cooler. It also complements espresso-based drinks for a more indulgent, coffee-shop-style experience.

Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Options

One of the best things about the Coconut Cloud Cake is that it can be made ahead of time. The cake layers can be baked and stored (wrapped tightly in plastic) for up to 2 days at room temperature or 3 months in the freezer. If freezing, let the layers thaw completely before frosting.

The whipped cream frosting is best made fresh, but it will hold up well for a day or two in the refrigerator once the cake is assembled. Be sure to store the finished cake in a cake dome or airtight container to prevent the whipped topping from absorbing fridge odors or drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the fully frosted cake, although the texture of the whipped cream may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the cake uncovered for an hour, then wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Customization Ideas

This recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can adapt it based on your dietary preferences or flavor cravings:

• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream (chilled) in place of heavy cream for the frosting. It whips beautifully when properly chilled and offers even more coconut flavor.

• Lemon-Coconut Cake: Add lemon zest and a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter for a citrusy variation.

• Pineapple Layer: Add a thin layer of crushed, well-drained pineapple between the cake layers before frosting for a tropical explosion.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Top with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a Mounds-bar inspired twist.

• Mini Cakes: Bake the batter in cupcake tins or mini springform pans for individual coconut cloud cake, perfect for parties.

Conclusion

The Coconut Cloud Cake isn’t just another dessert, it’s an experience. Light, luscious, and laced with the nostalgic sweetness of coconut, it brings sunshine to your table all year round. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday, a birthday, or simply because you love a good slice of cake, this recipe promises to deliver both flavor and visual delight.

Its balance of textures, customizable flavor notes, and ease of preparation make it a must-have in every baker’s repertoire. If you’re looking to impress without stress, this cloud-like confection is your go-to.

Bring the tropics home and let your dessert table float on a coconut-scented cloud of bliss. One bite and you’ll see why this cake has quickly become a favorite among foodies, bakers, and coconut lovers alike.