For the cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp coconut extract (key for flavor!)
  • ½ cup canned coconut milk (full-fat for best results)
  • ¼ cup whole milk or buttermilk

For the frosting:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp coconut extract
  • ½ cup toasted coconut flakes (plus extra for topping)

🍰 Instructions

1. Prep & preheat

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
  • Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or line with parchment).

2. Make the batter

  • In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  • Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and coconut extract.
  • Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with coconut milk and regular milk. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix!

3. Bake

  • Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 28–33 minutes , until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the cloud-like frosting

  • In a chilled bowl, whip cold cream, powdered sugar, and both extracts until stiff peaks form .
  • Gently fold in toasted coconut.

5. Frost & finish

  • Once cake is completely cool, spread frosting evenly over the top (and sides, if desired).
  • Sprinkle with extra toasted coconut.
  • Slice and serve — or chill 30 minutes for an even fluffier texture.

Tips for the Best Coconut Cloud Cake

🥥 Toast the coconut — spreads on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until golden
🥥 Use full-fat coconut milk — it adds richness and moisture
🥥 Chill your bowl and beaters — for faster, fluffier whipped cream
🥥 Don’t overbake — check at 28 minutes for perfect softness
🥥 Serve cold — tastes even better chilled!

Ways to Customize Your Cake

Love the base? Try these fun twists:

  • 🍍 Pineapple Swirl – Add crushed pineapple to the batter or as a layer
  • 🥥 Coconut Layer Cake – Double the recipe and stack with coconut curd
  • 🍓 Berry Topped – Top with fresh strawberries or raspberries
  • 🍯 Honey Drizzle – Drizzle with warm honey or white chocolate
  • 🌿 Lime Zest – Add lime zest to the frosting for a tropical twist
  • 🍰 Cupcake Version – Bake as cupcakes for easy party treats

What to Serve With Coconut Cloud Cake

This cake is a showstopper on its own , but here are some great pairings:

  • A cup of iced tea or piña colada
  • A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream
  • A fruit platter with mango, pineapple, and kiwi

Perfect for:

  • Summer birthdays
  • Bridal or baby showers
  • Holiday desserts
  • Freezing for future treats

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can I use sweetened coconut milk?

Yes — but reduce sugar in the recipe by 2–3 tbsp to balance sweetness.

❓ Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely! Bake and store (unfrosted) for 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Frost before serving.

❓ Can I use shredded coconut instead of flakes?

Yes — but flakes toast more evenly and look prettier on top.

❓ Is this cake gluten-free?

Yes — if you use gluten-free flour blend and check labels on extracts.

Final Thoughts

Coconut Cloud Cake is the perfect balance of light, sweet, and tropical — a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious .

With its fluffy crumb, rich coconut flavor, and dreamy whipped topping , it’s no wonder this recipe is a party favorite and family hit .

So next time you want a sweet escape , skip the beach — bake this cloud-like cake instead.

Because sometimes, the softest things are the ones that make the biggest impression .