Coconut Vanilla Bean Cake – A Tropical Delight

Coconut vanilla bean cake is a decadent dessert that beautifully captures the essence of tropical flavors. Its light, moist texture invites you to indulge, making it a favorite among cake lovers.

The taste of coconut vanilla bean cake is a heavenly balance of sweet and creamy. Each forkful reveals a tender, fluffy crumb enriched with the natural sweetness of coconut, while the vanilla bean adds a warm, aromatic complexity.

This Coconut Vanilla Bean Cake combination creates a delightful flavor profile that is both refreshing and comforting, evoking the feeling of a sunny paradise with every bite.

It’s a truly satisfying treat that lingers in your memory long after the last crumb has been enjoyed.

Basic Information Of Coconut Vanilla Bean Cake

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Tropical

Calories: 340

Yield: 10 servings

What You’ll Need for this Recipe

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toothpick (for testing doneness)

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Bean Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for best results)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped out)

For the Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for garnish)

How To Make Coconut Vanilla Bean Cake

Preparing the Vanilla Bean Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, shredded coconut, baking powder, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the coconut milk, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the seeds from the vanilla bean until smooth.

4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!

5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

2. Add Sugar and Coconut Milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar and coconut milk, beating until fluffy and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.

4. Garnish: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the frosted cake for a beautiful finish.

Special Note

Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar to the frosting. If you want to elevate the tropical flavor, consider adding a splash of rum to the frosting for an adult twist!

Serving Ideas For Your Coconut Vanilla Bean Cake

1. Serve slices of cake with a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top. You can make this by whipping coconut cream and adding a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla.

2. Garnish each slice with fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or berries. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.

3. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the frosting or around the base of the cake for added texture and a beautiful presentation.

4. Drizzle a warm chocolate ganache or melted dark chocolate over the top of the cake for a decadent touch that pairs wonderfully with coconut.

5. Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the cake beautifully.

Essential Kitchen Tips

1. Use Fresh Coconut: Opt for fresh grated coconut instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor and moisture in your cake. If fresh isn’t available, lightly toast desiccated coconut to enhance its flavor.

2. Proper Creaming Technique: Cream your butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps the cake rise and results in a lighter texture.

3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and any dairy are at room temperature before mixing. This allows for better emulsification, resulting in a smoother batter.

4. Vanilla Bean Scraping: When using vanilla beans, make sure to scrape out all the seeds and mix them into the batter. The tiny black specks not only add flavor but also a beautiful visual element to your cake.

5. Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a neat, clean finish.

How To Store Coconut Vanilla Bean Cake

To store your coconut vanilla bean cake, first let it cool completely on a wire rack to prevent moisture buildup. Place the cake in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

If it’s frosted, especially with cream cheese or whipped cream, refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for about a week.

For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to three months.

When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Conclusion

Coconut vanilla bean cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that delights the senses. With its moist texture and harmonious blend of sweet coconut and aromatic vanilla, this cake is sure to impress.

Serving it at celebrations or enjoying it on a quiet afternoon brings joy and comfort with every bite. Treating yourself and loved ones to this indulgent cake allows its delightful flavors to create lasting memories.

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