Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour, sifted)
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- ¾ cup coconut milk (full-fat, canned)
- ½ cup sour cream (for extra moisture)
For the Coconut Whipped Frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (for topping)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare the Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add egg whites, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and coconut extract.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients & Coconut Milk
- Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with coconut milk and sour cream.
- Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!
4. Bake the Cakes
- Divide batter evenly between the three cake pans.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Coconut Whipped Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and coconut extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
6. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a layer of frosting evenly over the top.
- Repeat with the second and third cake layers.
- Frost the entire cake, then press shredded coconut onto the sides and top.
7. Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to set.
- Slice and enjoy the softest, fluffiest coconut cake ever!
Notes
Tips for the Best Coconut Cloud Cake
✅ Use cake flour – It makes the cake lighter and softer than all-purpose flour.
✅ Room temperature ingredients – Helps achieve a smooth, even batter.
✅ Sift the dry ingredients – Creates a fine, airy texture.
✅ Whip the frosting properly – Make sure the whipped cream forms stiff peaks before folding.
✅ Chill before serving – This enhances the flavors and texture of the cake.