Name: Coconut Cloud Cake: A Heavenly Slice of Paradise That Melts in Your Mouth
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour – provides structure without heaviness; 2½ teaspoons baking powder – creates that signature light, airy texture; ½ teaspoon salt – enhances all the other flavors; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – adds richness and keeps the cake moist; 2 cups granulated sugar – sweetens and helps create a tender crumb; 4 large eggs, room temperature – binds everything together and adds lift; 1 cup coconut milk – infuses coconut flavor while keeping the cake incredibly moist; ½ cup whole milk – balances the richness of the coconut milk; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – adds depth and warmth; 1 teaspoon coconut extract – amplifies the coconut flavor throughout; 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold – the foundation of the billowy filling; ½ cup powdered sugar – sweetens without graininess; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – complements the coconut beautifully; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – adds stability and richness; ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk – provides extra sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream; 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut – creates that iconic snowy appearance; Additional whipped cream frosting – to coat the exterior before applying coconut

Description

Before we dive into the preparation process, let’s discuss the key components that make this Coconut Cloud Cake extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the perfect texture and flavor profile.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Coconut Cake Layers:

2½ cups all-purpose flour – provides structure without heaviness
2½ teaspoons baking powder – creates that signature light, airy texture
½ teaspoon salt – enhances all the other flavors
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – adds richness and keeps the cake moist
2 cups granulated sugar – sweetens and helps create a tender crumb
4 large eggs, room temperature – binds everything together and adds lift
1 cup coconut milk – infuses coconut flavor while keeping the cake incredibly moist
½ cup whole milk – balances the richness of the coconut milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – adds depth and warmth
1 teaspoon coconut extract – amplifies the coconut flavor throughout

For the Cloud-Like Cream Filling:

2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold – the foundation of the billowy filling
½ cup powdered sugar – sweetens without graininess
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – complements the coconut beautifully
8 ounces cream cheese, softened – adds stability and richness
¼ cup sweetened condensed milk – provides extra sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream

For the Coconut Cloud Coating:

3 cups sweetened shredded coconut – creates that iconic snowy appearance
Additional whipped cream frosting – to coat the exterior before applying coconut

Instructions

For the Coconut Cloud Coating:

3 cups sweetened shredded coconut – creates that iconic snowy appearance
Additional whipped cream frosting – to coat the exterior before applying coconut

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Coconut Cloud Cake

Creating this stunning Coconut Cloud Cake requires careful attention to each step, but the process itself is quite manageable. I’ll walk you through every detail to ensure your success.

Preparing Your Coconut Cake Layers

First and foremost, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Simultaneously, prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them generously with butter and lining the bottoms with parchment paper circles. This preparation step is crucial for easy cake removal later.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium-high speed for about 4-5 minutes. The mixture should become pale, fluffy, and significantly increased in volume. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cake’s light texture.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in both the vanilla and coconut extracts. In a separate measuring cup, combine the coconut milk and whole milk. Now comes the alternating method: add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture in two additions. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix only until just combined after each addition—overmixing will result in a tough, dense cake rather than the ethereal Coconut Cloud Cake texture we’re aiming for.

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans. A kitchen scale makes this process incredibly easy, ensuring uniform layers. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly touched. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is absolutely essential—attempting to frost warm cake will result in melted, runny frosting.

Creating the Dreamy Cream Filling for Your Coconut Cloud Cake

While your cake layers cool, prepare the luscious cream filling that gives this Coconut Cloud Cake its signature texture. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and continue beating until well incorporated.

In a separate chilled bowl (I often pop mine in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand), whip the cold heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Start on low speed to prevent splattering, then gradually increase to high speed. Beat until stiff peaks form—this typically takes 3-4 minutes. The cream should hold its shape when you lift the beaters.

Gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it. Then, carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream using a rubber spatula, making broad, sweeping motions. Be gentle during this process to maintain as much air as possible. Reserve about 2 cups of this mixture for the exterior frosting, and keep the remaining filling for between the layers.

Assembling Your Magnificent Coconut Cloud Cake

Now comes the truly satisfying part—assembling your Coconut Cloud Cake into its final, glorious form. Place your first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. If the top is domed, level it with a serrated knife to create a flat surface. Spread approximately one-third of the cream filling evenly over this layer, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.

Carefully place the second layer on top, again leveling if necessary. Spread another third of the filling over this layer. Finally, position the third layer on top, flat side up for the smoothest finish. Using the reserved whipped cream frosting, coat the entire exterior of the cake with a thin layer—this is called a crumb coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow this layer to set.

After chilling, apply a final, generous coat of the remaining whipped cream frosting to the top and sides of your Coconut Cloud Cake. While the frosting is still soft and sticky, gently press the sweetened shredded coconut all over the cake’s surface. I find it easiest to hold handfuls of coconut and press it onto the sides, working from bottom to top, allowing excess to fall onto a sheet pan below for easy cleanup.

The finished Coconut Cloud Cake resembles a beautiful winter wonderland—a pristine white confection that looks almost too gorgeous to cut. However, once you do slice into it and reveal those perfect layers, your guests will be absolutely mesmerized.

Nutritional Information for Coconut Cloud Cake

Understanding the nutritional content helps you make informed decisions about portion sizes and frequency of indulgence. Per generous slice (assuming 12 servings):

Calories: 585
Total Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 245mg
Total Carbohydrates: 62g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 48g
Protein: 7g

While this Coconut Cloud Cake is certainly an indulgent treat, it’s worth every calorie for special occasions. The combination of quality ingredients creates a dessert that’s rich and satisfying, meaning you’ll feel content with a single slice rather than wanting more.