The Paula Deen Coconut Cake Recipe is rich, soft and full of coconut flavor. It is a classic Southern dessert loved by many families.
This cake feels special and homemade. The Paula Deen Coconut Cake Recipe is perfect for holidays and birthdays.
It has moist layers and creamy frosting. If you love coconut desserts, this Paula Deen Coconut Cake Recipe will quickly become your favorite treat.
My Experience With This Recipe
I made this cake for a family dinner. Everyone loves coconut in my home. I wanted something simple but impressive. This recipe was the perfect choice.
The cake turned out soft and fluffy. The coconut flavor was strong but not too sweet. The frosting was creamy and smooth.
My guests asked for the recipe right away. That is always a good sign. Now I make this cake for special events.
I also like how easy it is to prepare. The steps are simple and clear. Even beginners can make it without stress.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Coconut Cake Recipe
- Servings: 10 slices
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- 2 round cake pans (9-inch)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Coconut Cake Recipe
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
For Topping:
- 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your cake pans with parchment paper. Grease them lightly so the cake comes out easily after baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
Add softened butter and sugar to a large bowl. Beat with a mixer until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft texture.
3. Add Eggs and Flavor
Add eggs one at a time into the mixture. Mix well after each egg. Then add vanilla extract and coconut extract for rich flavor.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir well so everything mixes evenly. This helps the cake bake properly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Pour coconut milk in between mixing. Stir gently until smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
6. Pour and Bake
Divide the batter evenly into prepared pans. Smooth the tops. Bake for 30 minutes until golden. A toothpick should come out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes
Remove cakes from the oven. Let them cool in pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a rack and cool completely.
8. Prepare the Frosting
In a bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar slowly. Pour coconut milk and extracts. Beat until smooth and fluffy frosting forms.
9. Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting evenly. Add second layer on top. Cover entire cake with frosting.
10. Add Coconut Topping
Press shredded coconut all over the cake. Cover the sides and top well. This gives a beautiful and classic coconut look.
Recipe Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing
- Do not overmix the batter
- Use full-fat coconut milk for rich taste
- Let cake cool completely before frosting
- Toast coconut for extra flavor if desired
- Use parchment paper for easy removal
- Store cake properly to keep it fresh
- Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Sugar | 38 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This cake tastes best when served fresh. You can enjoy it with hot tea or coffee. It also pairs well with cold milk. For a special touch, serve with whipped cream.
Fresh berries add a nice balance. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy coconut flavor becomes even better with these simple additions.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Fresh strawberries
- Pineapple slices
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Coffee
- Tea
- Mango slices
- Fruit salad
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store the cake in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. The frosting stays fresh and creamy.
You can also freeze the cake. Wrap slices in plastic wrap. Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
To serve, let the cake thaw at room temperature. Do not microwave for too long. It can melt the frosting.

Paula Deen Coconut Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
For Topping:
- 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your cake pans with parchment paper. Grease them lightly so the cake comes out easily after baking.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- Add softened butter and sugar to a large bowl. Beat with a mixer until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft texture.
Add Eggs and Flavor
- Add eggs one at a time into the mixture. Mix well after each egg. Then add vanilla extract and coconut extract for rich flavor.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir well so everything mixes evenly. This helps the cake bake properly.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Slowly add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Pour coconut milk in between mixing. Stir gently until smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
Pour and Bake
- Divide the batter evenly into prepared pans. Smooth the tops. Bake for 30 minutes until golden. A toothpick should come out clean.
Cool the Cakes
- Remove cakes from the oven. Let them cool in pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a rack and cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
- In a bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar slowly. Pour coconut milk and extracts. Beat until smooth and fluffy frosting forms.
Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting evenly. Add second layer on top. Cover entire cake with frosting.
Add Coconut Topping
- Press shredded coconut all over the cake. Cover the sides and top well. This gives a beautiful and classic coconut look.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing
- Do not overmix the batter
- Use full-fat coconut milk for rich taste
- Let cake cool completely before frosting
- Toast coconut for extra flavor if desired
- Use parchment paper for easy removal
- Store cake properly to keep it fresh
- Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness
FAQs about Paula Deen Coconut Cake Recipe
Can I use boxed cake mix instead of homemade batter?
Yes, you can use a boxed mix if needed. Add coconut extract and coconut milk for flavor. This makes it closer to homemade taste.
How to make Paula Deen Coconut Cake Recipe more moist?
Use full-fat coconut milk and do not overbake the cake. You can also brush layers with simple syrup for extra moisture.
Can I toast the coconut topping?
Yes, toasted coconut adds a nice crunch and flavor. Bake it lightly until golden. Let it cool before adding to the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake one day before. Store layers wrapped in plastic. Frost the cake the next day for best results.
What makes this coconut cake special?
The soft texture and rich coconut flavor make it unique. The creamy frosting and coconut topping create a perfect dessert experience.
Conclusion
The Paula Deen Coconut Cake Recipe is simple, delicious and perfect for any occasion. It brings a rich coconut flavor in every bite.
The soft layers and creamy frosting make it special. Now you know how to make Paula Deen Coconut Cake easily at home.
You also understand the ingredients for Paula Deen Coconut Cake. Try this recipe today and enjoy a classic homemade dessert with your loved ones.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.


















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