Tasty Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake Recipe

Few desserts feel as nostalgic and celebratory as a Tasty Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake. Moist, tender layers of homemade vanilla-coconut cake are sandwiched and coated with a billowy, glossy seven-minute frosting, then showered in snowy flakes of sweet coconut. Every bite is a dreamy balance of rich flavor, pillowy texture, and beautiful simplicity. If you love classic bakes that never go out of style, this coconut cake is bound to become your new go-to recipe for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to share a little old-fashioned joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Tasty Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake is rooted in simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key part in creating a cake that’s light, flavorful, and impossible to resist. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Vegetable shortening and flour: Used for prepping your pans so the cake releases easily without sticking.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): Soft butter is crucial for creaming with sugar, giving the cake its light, tender texture.
• White sugar: Sweetens the cake beautifully and helps the butter whip up to a creamy consistency.
• Large eggs: Add richness and binding power, creating that plush crumb you want in a coconut cake.
• Vanilla essence: Rounds out the flavor profile with a familiar, comforting note.
• Coconut flavoring: Gives the cake its unmistakable coconut aroma and amplifies the tropical taste.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the layers while keeping them wonderfully soft.
• Baking soda & baking powder: Both work together to help your cake rise fluffy and tall.
• Salt: A pinch is all you need to heighten every other flavor in the recipe.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the crumb, gives a subtle tang, and helps keep the cake moist for days.
• Seven-minute frosting: This classic, glossy meringue frosting is a sweet cloud that pairs perfectly with coconut.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: For topping! It adds irresistible texture and the signature look of a Tasty Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake.

How to Make Tasty Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your cake pans—either two 9-inch rounds or one 9×13-inch rectangle—and lightly grease them with vegetable shortening. Next, dust each pan with flour, tapping out the excess. This simple step will guarantee your cake comes out of the pans without a fuss, keeping every edge picture-perfect.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, blend the room temperature butter with the sugar using an electric mixer set to medium speed. Be patient: cream for at least four minutes, scraping the bowl to catch every bit. You’re aiming for a pale, fluffy mixture, which is a sign that air has been whipped in—one of the secrets to the lightness of a Tasty Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake.

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Now, add the eggs, vanilla essence, and coconut flavoring right into the creamed butter and sugar. Beat the mixture thoroughly so all the flavors blend into a smooth, silky batter. This step is when the kitchen really starts to smell like something special is on the way!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the leaveners get evenly distributed, so the cake rises evenly and has a consistent crumb throughout every slice.

Step 5: Blend the Cake Batter

Begin adding the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Use your mixer on medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix until the batter is smooth but avoid overbeating, which helps keep the cake soft and tender.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the finished batter evenly into your prepared pans. Place them in the preheated oven. Bake until the cakes are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—about 25 to 30 minutes for rounds, 30 to 35 minutes for a 9×13 pan. The aroma is your first hint you’re baking something truly special!

Step 7: Cool and Frost the Cake

Let the cakes cool completely in their pans on wire racks. Once cool, turn them out and spread the luscious seven-minute frosting over the surface, right to the edges. Immediately (while the frosting is still a little tacky), generously sprinkle and press the sweetened shredded coconut over the top and sides until the cake looks like a fresh snowdrift.

Step 8: Storing the Cake

Your Tasty Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake can be kept covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, and it’ll stay moist and delicious for up to a week. Make sure to cover well to lock in all that freshness.

How to Serve Tasty Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake

Garnishes

Embellish your cake with a few simple garnishes to make it truly show-stopping. Fresh berries, a handful of toasted coconut on top, or even some edible flowers can instantly elevate the cake’s appearance. A twist of lemon or lime zest scattered on the coconut layer also adds a pop of color and a subtle citrusy aroma.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Tasty Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake with the right side can make dessert even more memorable. Try serving with a fresh fruit salad for a bright contrast, or a scoop of creamy vanilla or coconut ice cream for an extra treat. Even a cup of hot coffee or fragrant tea brings out the cake’s comforting, old-fashioned vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond simply slicing and plating! For special occasions, serve individual mini squares in cupcake liners, or try layering cubes of cake with whipped cream and berries for a coconut trifle. You could even use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for a party—just another way to celebrate the versatility of Tasty Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm or you want to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake—just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Tasty Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake freezes beautifully! If possible, wrap unfrosted cake layers first in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to three months. For frosted cake, slice and freeze individual pieces separated with parchment paper. Thaw in the fridge overnight to maintain that just-baked taste.

Reheating

While you don’t need to reheat this cake, some people enjoy a quick zap in the microwave to bring a cold slice back to a gently soft texture. Just 10 to 15 seconds will recreate that fresh-from-the-oven feel—though be careful not to melt the frosting!

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Absolutely! The cake will be a bit less sweet, so you might want to add a touch more sugar to your frosting or enjoy the extra coconut-forward flavor. Unsweetened coconut also gives a slightly chewier texture.

Can I make this cake ahead for a party?

Definitely. Bake the cake layers a day ahead, let them cool, and keep them wrapped tightly. Frost and decorate the day of your event for the freshest, most stunning presentation.

What if I don’t have coconut flavoring?

No worries! Just double up on the vanilla essence, and top the cake with a little extra shredded coconut. You’ll still get a delicious, coconut-scented cake, though the signature punch will be slightly mellowed.

Can I make a dairy-free or gluten-free version?

Yes, with a few adjustments. Try using your favorite plant-based butter and non-dairy buttermilk alternatives, and swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Results can vary, but it’s absolutely worth experimenting!

How do I keep the coconut from falling off the cake?

Make sure to add the coconut while the seven-minute frosting is still a bit sticky. Gently press the coconut onto the sides and top with your palms. Chilling the cake helps everything set up nicely.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s a true crowd-pleaser, with all the warmth and nostalgia of home baking, Tasty Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake is just the ticket. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature treat—after all, with its beautiful snow-white coating and irresistible flavor, it’s a cake you’ll want to share again and again!

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