Name: 🥥 Southern Coconut Cream Layer Cake
Ingredients: 3 cups cake flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup coconut milk (unsweetened); 1/2 cup sour cream; 5 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon coconut extract; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups coconut milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon coconut extract; 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon coconut extract; 2–3 tablespoons coconut milk; 2–3 cups shredded sweetened coconut (for covering the cake)

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Layers:

3 cups cake flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup coconut milk (unsweetened)
1/2 cup sour cream
5 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Coconut Cream Filling:

1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
2–3 tablespoons coconut milk

For Decoration:

2–3 cups shredded sweetened coconut (for covering the cake)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper for easier removal. Proper prep ensures smooth layers that don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. This creates the air pockets that make your cake tender and rise beautifully.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavoring

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and coconut extract. The extracts provide deep, fragrant coconut flavor throughout the cake.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients Alternating With Wet

Add the dry mixture in three additions, alternating with coconut milk and sour cream. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so stop when the batter is smooth.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Coconut Cream Filling

In a medium saucepan, whisk together coconut milk, heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until thickened into a pudding-like texture.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut extract, and shredded coconut.
Let cool completely—this filling must be cool before layering the cake.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and coconut extract. Thin with coconut milk as needed until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of coconut cream filling on top.
Add the second layer and repeat.
Top with the final layer, then frost the entire cake with the coconut cream cheese frosting.

Step 10: Cover the Cake with Coconut

Press shredded coconut around the sides and top until the cake is completely coated. This signature snowy look is what makes Southern coconut cakes iconic.

Notes

Cake flour is essential for a light, fluffy crumb. All-purpose flour makes the cake denser.
Let the filling cool fully before assembling or it will melt the frosting.
Sour cream keeps the layers moist and prevents drying out.
Refrigerating the cake for 1 hour after assembly helps it firm up and slice neatly.