Coconut Vanilla Bean Cake
Coconut Vanilla Bean Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the rich taste of vanilla beans with the tropical essence of coconut. This delightful cake features layers of fluffy coconut-infused batter, topped with a creamy vanilla bean frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat, it’s sure to impress!
Equipment
- 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
Instructions
Preparing the Vanilla Bean Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, shredded coconut, baking powder, and salt.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Add Sugar and Coconut Milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar and coconut milk, beating until fluffy and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- 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.
- Garnish: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the frosted cake for a beautiful finish.
Notes
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!