In this post I’m sharing how to make a layered Southern Coconut Cake.

In my beloved home state of South Carolina it seems to be very well received that coconut cake is the official dessert, although technically we don’t have an “official” state dessert.

Personally, I would have thought that peach cobbler would be the state dessert if we had one since South Carolina produces so many peaches.

Coconut cake it is though and I’m okay with that too because I love a delicious scratch made cake.

I know as home cooks that we like to put our own twist on things but when it comes to baking, it is recommended to follow the recipe.

This simple coconut cake recipe is easy to follow and you’ll be rewarded with the best coconut cake ever.

Table of Contents

Old Fashioned Southern Coconut Cake Recipe

Coconut Cake Frosting with flaked coconut topping on a marble cake plate

What are the best tips for baking a cake?

Preparing the cake pans – grease cake pans well with shortening or butter and line the bottom of the pan with a cut out round of parchment paper.
Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature – this includes eggs, butter and any other dairy the recipe might call for.
Bake cakes at the recommended temperature but check them early to avoid over baking. Ovens vary so it’s a good idea to check on a cake 10 minutes earlier to test for doneness.
Test a cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If the toothpick comes out clean then the cake is done.
Cool cakes in the pan for about 10 minutes and then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Always read the entire recipe through before you begin mixing ingredients together.

Homemade Cake Recipe

Delicious layered Southern coconut cake recipe with frosting topped with flaked coconut

What makes a cake moist? Fats like butter and oil help ensure a moist cake so don’t skimp on them in the recipe.

What do I serve with cake? It depends on the cake. Most cakes are perfect to serve a slice just as they are. If you like, you can always add whipped cream or serve with a scoop of ice cream.

See ALL of the Dessert Recipes on the Blog

Tender Coconut Cake

Let’s bake this cake y’all! Add this recipe to your baking recipes to enjoy for dessert. It’s a great addition to your holiday menu plan too.

How to make a Coconut Cake

The ultimate Southern Coconut Cake Recipe

4.34 from 39 votes

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Southern Coconut Cake Recipe

Tender and moist baked from scratch coconut cake

Prep Time25

Cook Time50

Additional Time30

Total Time1 45

Calories: 773kcal

Author: Julia Jordan | Julia’s Simply Southern

Ingredients

Cake

24 oz Unsweetened Flaked Coconut
2 1/4 c Cake Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1.5 Sticks of Butter softened to room temperature, plus more for greasing the pans
1/4 c Virgin Coconut Oil
1.5 c Granulated Sugar
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
1/4 tsp Ground Cardamom
3 Large Eggs
1 1/4 c Buttermilk

Frosting

2 c Granulated Sugar
3 tbs Honey
3/4 c Water
6 Large Egg Whites
1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
1/4 tsp Cream of Tartar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C)
Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, sift the cake flour, baking powder and baking soda.
In another bowl, using an electric mixer, cream 1.5 sticks of butter with the coconut oil, sugar, salt, and cardamom at medium high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat the eggs in, one at a time, until incorporated. At low speed, mix in the flour mixture and buttermilk in 3 alternating batches, starting and ending with the flour.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the cakes are deep golden and springy.
Transfer the cakes to a rack and cool 5-10 minutes in the pan then turn the layers out onto the cooling racks, remove the parchment, and allow to cool completely.
Cut each cake in half horizontally to create 4 layers.
To make the frosting: In a large saucepan, boil the sugar, honey and 3/4 c of water over moderately high heat until the syrup registers 240°F (115°C).
Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites at medium speed until foamy then beat in the salt and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. With the mixer on, carefully drizzle the hot syrup down the side of the bowl. Once all of the syrup has been added, beat the frosting at high speed until shiny and thick, 11 minutes. Allow the frosting to cool.
Frosting the Cake: Set a cake layer cut side up on a plate. Spread 1/2 cup of the frosting over the top; repeat with two more layers.
Top with the last layer then coat the cake with the remaining frosting. Coat with the flaked coconut. Coconut can be toasted, if desired, before covering the cake.

Recommended Products

Reed & Barton 04230800 Lyndon 2-Piece Dessert Set with 13-Inch Knife and 11-Inch Server

Swans Down, Cake Flour, 32oz Box (Pack of 2)

Wilton Performance Aluminum Pan 8-Inch Round Cake Pans, Set of 2

Notes

How to toast coconut? Spread the coconut on a parchment lined baking sheet and toast in a 325°F oven 5 to 8 minutes, or until toasted as desired.

Nutrition

Y’all check out this scrumptious recipe for Campfire S’mores Cupcakes from Grits and Gouda.

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Thanks for stopping by! I hope that you enjoy this amazing coconut cake as much as we do.

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Also see this recipe shared at Weekend Potluck and Meal Plan Monday.

Julia - author and publisher of Julia's Simply Southern Food Blog Recipes

About Julia

Hey Y’all! I’m Julia, the cook and writer behind the recipes here at Julia’s Simply Southern. I began my website so that I could share easy to follow recipes that anyone can use to put a home cooked meal on the dinner table. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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