Coconut Cake with 7-Minute Frosting
A moist and fluffy Coconut Cake layered with light, airy 7-Minute Frosting. This classic dessert combines tender coconut-flavored sponge cake with a soft, sweet frosting that melts in your mouth, perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat any time.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
7-Minute Frosting Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents to help the cake rise and have a light texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, introducing air for a soft crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to add warmth and depth of flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Coconut Milk: Alternate adding the dry mix and coconut milk in batches, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the batter tender without overworking it.
- Fold in Shredded Coconut: Gently fold in the shredded coconut for added texture and a strong coconut flavor throughout the cake layers.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks until completely cool.
- Make the 7-Minute Frosting: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, combine egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt. Whisk constantly for about 7 minutes until the frosting is glossy and holds stiff peaks. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Frost Your Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the 7-minute frosting between them, on top, and on the sides. Use an offset spatula to create soft, billowy peaks for a classic look.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter, eggs, and coconut milk for a smooth, even batter.
- Mix batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Cream of tartar stabilizes the frosting and helps it hold volume and shine.
- Line pans with parchment paper for easy removal and intact layers.
- Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 48 hours or refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Freeze unfrosted layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months; thaw in refrigerator overnight before frosting.
- Bring refrigerated slices to room temperature before serving for best texture; avoid microwaving frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: coconut cake, 7-minute frosting, moist cake, coconut dessert, celebration cake, fluffy frosting