How to Make Coconut Cake with 7-Minute Frosting

Discover a moist Coconut Cake with 7-Minute Frosting recipe that’s light, fluffy, and perfect for any celebration or dessert craving. This deliciously layered cake combines tender coconut-flavored sponge with an airy, sweet frosting that melts in your mouth, making it a timeless treat to enjoy with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon dessert, this coconut cake delivers charm and sweetness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and fluffy texture: The cake stays wonderfully tender thanks to coconut milk and well-balanced ingredients.
• Light and airy frosting: The classic 7-minute frosting creates a soft, sweet topping that’s not too heavy or overly sugary.
• Simple pantry staples: It uses easy-to-find ingredients, perfect for baking anytime without last-minute store runs.
• Perfect for any occasion: From birthdays to casual get-togethers, this cake fits every celebration effortlessly.
• Customizable flavor: You can tweak the coconut intensity and add toppings to match your personal taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Coconut Cake with 7-Minute Frosting come together beautifully, each playing a key role in flavor, texture, and appearance. Each one is approachable and essential for creating that perfect slice.

• Flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb for the cake layers.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with moisture retention.
• Butter: Brings richness and a delicate texture to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add lift to the batter.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Coconut milk: Imparts a natural coconut flavor and keeps the cake moist.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds texture and enhances the coconut essence.
• Egg whites: Essential for making the fluffy 7-minute frosting.
• Cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites in the frosting to hold volume and texture.
• Granulated sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and helps create that glossy finish in the frosting.
• Vanilla extract (for frosting): Rounds out the flavor and complements the coconut in the cake.

Variations for Coconut Cake with 7-Minute Frosting

This Coconut Cake with 7-Minute Frosting is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to customize based on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary preferences. Here are some tasty ways to make it your own.

• Use coconut flour: Swap a portion of all-purpose flour for coconut flour to boost coconut flavor and add fiber (adjust liquids accordingly).
• Add pineapple: Mix small chunks of crushed pineapple into the batter for a tropical twist and added moisture.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend to enjoy this dessert without gluten worries.
• Replace shredded coconut: Try toasted shredded coconut for a deeper flavor and crunchy texture on top.
• Chocolate coconut fusion: Add cocoa powder for a chocolate swirl effect or make a layered chocolate-coconut cake.

How to Make Coconut Cake with 7-Minute Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line them with parchment paper to ensure the layers come out cleanly and retain their shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents which helps your cake rise perfectly and have a light texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. This step is crucial as it introduces air into the batter, giving the cake its soft crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and moisture, while vanilla brings warmth to the flavor.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Coconut Milk

Alternate adding the dry mix and coconut milk in batches, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender without overworking the batter.

Step 6: Fold in Shredded Coconut

Gently fold in the shredded coconut for added texture and that unmistakable coconut flavor throughout the cake layers.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the 7-Minute Frosting

Combine egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Whisk constantly for about 7 minutes until the frosting is glossy and holds stiff peaks. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous layer of 7-minute frosting between them, on top, and on the sides. Use an offset spatula to create soft, billowy peaks for a classic look.

Pro Tips for Making Coconut Cake with 7-Minute Frosting

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and coconut milk are at room temp for smooth batter and even baking.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until combined.
• Stabilize your frosting: Use cream of tartar to keep your 7-minute frosting stiff and shiny.
• Use parchment paper: Helps remove cake layers without damage and keeps the texture intact.
• Cool completely before frosting: Frosting warm cake causes melting and sliding, so patience pays off!

How to Serve Coconut Cake with 7-Minute Frosting

Garnishes

Add delicate toasted coconut flakes or fresh coconut shreds on top of the frosting for an extra burst of texture and flavor. Fresh berries or edible flowers make your cake even more inviting and beautiful.

Side Dishes

Pair this coconut cake with light sides like a bright tropical fruit salad, a dollop of whipped cream, or a cold glass of coconut milk or iced tea to complement the flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it as mini individual cakes or cupcakes for parties, or layer it with fresh mango slices between the cake layers for an unexpected tropical treat. You can also drizzle a little passion fruit sauce over the plated slice for a tangy contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Coconut Cake with 7-Minute Frosting covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 48 hours or refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

If refrigerated, bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid microwaving the frosting as it may melt; instead, enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use dried coconut instead of shredded coconut?

Dried coconut is much drier and coarser, so it’s best to stick with sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut to keep the texture moist and tender in the cake.

Is 7-minute frosting difficult to make?

It can seem tricky, but with constant whisking over simmering water and the right ingredients, it comes together beautifully into a fluffy, glossy frosting.

How can I make this cake dairy-free?

Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter, and swap eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacer suitable for baking to make a dairy-free version.

Why is the frosting sticky after cooling?

This is normal for 7-minute frosting. It remains soft and slightly sticky, which is part of its charm. Avoid refrigerating too soon to prevent it from weeping.

Can I use this frosting on cupcakes?

Absolutely! The light, fluffy texture makes it perfect for cupcakes, giving them a beautiful, cloud-like finish that’s sure to impress.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a Coconut Cake with 7-Minute Frosting—its light texture, perfectly balanced sweetness, and irresistible coconut flavor make it a standout dessert any day of the week. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a sweet treat enthusiast looking for your next favorite recipe, this cake is an absolute must-try. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure joy!

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