This fluffy, tender Southern Coconut Cake has a raspberry filling topped with the creamy coconut cream frosting between each layer. This rich, old fashioned coconut cake is perfect for Easter or any special occasion. You may also want to Check out these Easter Dessert Ideas!
For this recipe you'll need: coconut oil, sugar, cake flour, salt, baking powder, milk, coconut rum, coconut flavoring, egg whites, cream of tartar, heavy cream, white chocolate instant pudding mix, vanilla bean paste, powdered sugar, shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened - your choice), raspberry jam
Coconut Cake Backstory
Nothing says Easter in the south like a towering coconut cake. It generally sits right next to the old fashioned banana pudding and the pound cake on the dessert table. You can't just have any coconut cake -- it's got to be one that tops anyone else's coconut cake. Southern cooks are very competitive when it comes to cooking and baking skills, in case you were unaware of that fact. Holidays, church potlucks, and family reunions are prime times to show what you can do.
Well, if you were to set this cake on the table I'm pretty sure that the competition would be over.
I based this on a cake recipe from the 1943 Rumford Complete Cookbook. It's by the Rumford Baking Powder people and this particular book is the 35th printing! It was first printed in 1908. It's one of my favorites because there are handwritten notes and recipes all the way through. In fact, the whole reason that I thought of coconut cake was the faded, blue handwritten recipe in the flyleaf -- Cocoanut Bars.
So, you might be wondering how I could call this a Southern coconut cake when Rumford is in Rhode Island -- which is, if you know your geography, no where near the south. Well, the cake recipe wasn't originally coconut cake - I tweaked and adjusted until I got what I remember a Southern coconut cake tastes like. This has a delicate coconut flavor -- it's not as pronounced as some of the cakes I've made but it's definitely there. The real star of this show is the fluffy whipped cream frosting and filling. It is incredibly rich and creamy. The frosting looks like vanilla mousse when you are beating it, and honestly, the texture isn't much different, either. It would actually make the cake too sweet except the tangy raspberry jam just cuts right through and adds a blast of fresh summer flavor.
Tips for Coconut Layer Cake
Once you start slicing the cake lay the pieces down flat -- don't serve them standing up. I had layers slipping off because of the height. And, don't forget to run a straw down the center of the cake to keep the layers from slipping. You can take it out when you are ready to slice it. Oh, and you'll need to keep it in the fridge. Let it stand about 30 minutes on the counter before slicing it.
Don't even use those recipes that start with a boxed cake mix. Making this coconut layer cake from scratch is so much tastier and really not that much more difficult. You'll have to whip up some egg whites but you can do that. Plus... 3 layers? No boxed cake is going to give you that.
If you are a little unsure of your cake baking abilities check out this post on everything Southern cakes written by a friend of mine. I'm talking about everything you need to know from start to finish, a plethora of recipes, tools you'll need... EVERYTHING. Just don't forget to come back here and give this coconut cake a try.
You May Need
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Get good cake pans. I cannot stress this enough. Cheap pans don't heat evenly, they don't last, and they're just not that great. I use the Wilton pans with high sides. And for cakes? You know... KitchenAid.
Here's that Southern Coconut Cake Recipe. I know you are going to love it!
📖 Recipe
Southern Coconut Cake
Print Pin Recipe Save Recipe Rate RecipeIngredients
Cake
- 4 egg whites, room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup organic coconut oil
- 2 ½ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon coconut flavoring, optional
- 6 cups cake flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1-½ cups milk
- ½ cup clear coconut rum
Frosting
- 5 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 4-serving size boxes white chocolate instant pudding
- 2 tablespoons coconut rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Filling
- ½ cup raspberry jam
- ¾ cup shredded coconut - divided use
Instructions
Cake
- Grease and flour 3 8-inch cake pans (mine has 3-inch sides)
- Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff but not dry.
- Set aside.
- Stir the flour, baking powder, and the salt together.
- Set aside.
- Mix the milk and the rum.
- Set aside.
- Cream the coconut oil, sugar, and flavoring until well mixed.
- Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Gently fold in ⅓ of the egg whites until it's all mixed in.
- Fold in the remaining egg whites.
- Spoon into the prepared pans.
- Bake at 375F for 20 to 30 minutes, or until cake tests done.
- Let cool in pans for 5 minutes then carefully turn out to cool completely.
Frosting
- Add the cream and pudding mix to the bowl of a mixer
- Beat on high until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Add the rum, vanilla, and powdered sugar
- Beat until fluffy and thick enough to spread.
Assembly
- Run a ring of frosting around the edge of the first layer.
- Fill the center with ¼ cup jam.
- Cover with frosting.
- Add ¼ cup coconut on top.
- Repeat with the second layer.
- Top with the third layer and push a straw down the center of the cake to stabilize the layers.
- Cover the sides and top with remaining frosting.
- Chill for at least 3 hours.
- Let sit at room temperature about 30 minutes before cutting and serving.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says
That cake looks fantastic! I can almost taste it!
Marye Audet says
Thank yoU!
laura@motherwouldknow says
I didn't grow up with coconut cake, but have learned to love it as an adult. Your version sounds light as a feather and simply scrumptious! Wish I could get a slice of the cake in the photo right now.
Marye Audet says
🙂 it's so good, Laura. I wish you could share some with me.
Megan Keno says
Holy cow this looks incredible! I've been craving coconut like crazy lately. I'll have to made this for sure!
Marye Audet says
Let me know what you think, Megan. 🙂
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
I'm originally from Rhode Island Marye, and have been to Rumford many times. It is a lovely, upscale community. And any cake that has its origins in Rumford is sure to be a winner. I love coconut cake and coconut rum sounds like the crowning touch!
Marye Audet says
🙂 It really enhanced the flavor.... or I drank enough that the cake tasted extra good -- not sure which.
Kristina says
this looks and sounds DELICIOUS. perfect for Easter!
Marye Audet says
Thanks!
Jennifer A Stewart says
I am in charge of dessert for Christmas every year and two years ago I made a disastrous coconut cake. My father in law loves coconut cake. I decided to make one for him from scratch. From a recipe that I had never used. The middles of my cakes sunk. I thought I could save it with the frosting but it turned out to be a thin, watery mess. It was the saddest cake I have ever made. I had another disastrous one this year with a chocolate meringue cake. I am going to give this one a shot and see how he likes this one.
Marye Audet says
🙂 LOL! Be sure to let me know.
Catherine says
Dear Marye, what a stunning cake! This is such an elegant dessert...I would love a sliver. xo, Catherine
Marye Audet says
🙂 It's so good. Thanks Catherine!
Florian @ContentenessCooking says
Those look beautiful, well done!
Marye Audet says
Thankyou!
Judy@ImBoredLetsGo says
Beautiful! I think I'd really enjoy this cake since you said it's not overly pronounced coconut flavor. Sometimes coconut can be just a bit too much for me. Love the raspberry filling!
Marye Audet says
Thanks Judy!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
OMG, this looks so light and fluffy! I love anything coconut! This one will definitely be tried in the future.
Marye Audet says
🙂 this was so good. 🙂
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Marye, your Coconut Cake looks divine! It's the perfect dessert for celebrating Easter. Thanks for linking to my White Velvet Layer Cake. 🙂 Have a wonderful and meaningful Easter holiday!
Marye Audet says
Stacy - I love the look of that cake... I have to say -- your blog design is fantastic!
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
This looks absolutely delicious! I loveee coconut so I'll have to try this out the next time we're celebrating something!
Marye Audet says
🙂 Let me know what you think.