Creamy Coconut Cake Recipe Big Batch

Ingredients:
For the Coconut Cake Layers:
- 3 ¾ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, room temp
- 2 ½ cups (500g) granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temp
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coconut extract (optional, but adds flavor)
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) canned full-fat coconut milk (shake well)
- 1 cup (100g) sweetened shredded coconut
For the Creamy Coconut Filling:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) canned coconut milk
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (100g) sweetened shredded coconut
For the Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 6–7 cups (750–875g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coconut extract (optional)
- 2–4 tbsp coconut milk (for thinning if needed)
For Garnish:
- 2–3 cups (200–250g) sweetened shredded or flaked coconut (to press onto the outside of the cake)
Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment circles.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla and coconut extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and coconut milk, beginning and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded coconut.
- Divide evenly into the 3 pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on racks.
2. Make the Creamy Coconut Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cream, coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Whisk constantly until thickened (about 5–8 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and shredded coconut.
- Let cool completely (it will thicken more as it cools). Chill if making ahead.
3. Make the Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.
- Mix in vanilla and coconut extract.
- Add a few tablespoons of coconut milk if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
4. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on your cake stand.
- Spread half the coconut filling over it (keep inside the border).
- Add second cake layer and repeat filling.
- Top with final cake layer.
- Frost the entire cake with cream cheese frosting.
- Gently press shredded coconut onto the top and sides.
Chill Before Serving**
- For best results, chill the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing. It helps the layers firm up and meld together.
Serving & Storage:
- Serves: 16–20 generous slices
- Fridge: Store covered for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Can be frozen (unfrosted or fully frosted) for up to 2 months