If you're a fan of rich, creamy desserts with a tropical twist, this White Chocolate Coconut Cake is a must-try. Every bite is a perfect balance of moist cake layers, luscious coconut filling, and a velvety white chocolate frosting. The shredded coconut adds a delightful chewiness, while the melted white chocolate creates an indulgent, smooth finish. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✔️ Moist and fluffy cake layers infused with coconut flavor.
✔️ Creamy, decadent filling with cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk.
✔️ Light and airy frosting made with whipped cream and melted white chocolate.
✔️ Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise for a fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and creates a tender crumb.
- 4 large egg whites – Keeps the cake light and airy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut – Enhances the coconut flavor and texture.
For the Coconut Filling:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – Creates a creamy, sweet filling.
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened – Adds richness and tangy contrast.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut – Boosts the tropical coconut taste.
For the White Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy cream – Whips into a light, fluffy frosting.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the white chocolate.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted – Adds a creamy, indulgent finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg whites one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for added texture.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Coconut Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat together sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the filling evenly over the cake.
- Top with the second cake layer and spread the remaining filling over the top and sides.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set.
Make the White Chocolate Frosting:
- In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- Gently fold in melted white chocolate until well combined.
Frost the Cake:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
- Sprinkle with the remaining shredded coconut for a beautiful finish.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Pro Tips for the Best White Chocolate Coconut Cake
✔️ Use room temperature ingredients – This helps ensure a smooth, even batter.
✔️ Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
✔️ Chill before frosting – Refrigerating the cake makes it easier to frost and enhances flavor.
✔️ Melt white chocolate properly – Use a microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, to prevent burning.
✔️ For extra coconut flavor, brush the cake layers with a little coconut milk before assembling.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a hot cup of coffee or iced latte for a perfect pairing.
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
- Add fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and tartness.
- Drizzle with white chocolate ganache for a more decadent finish.
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Coconut Cake is the ultimate dessert for any coconut lover. With its moist layers, creamy filling, and rich white chocolate frosting, it's guaranteed to be a showstopper at any gathering. The combination of sweet coconut and velvety white chocolate makes every bite truly irresistible.
Bake this cake for your next celebration or simply to treat yourself—you won’t regret it! Let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy baking!