Print

Coconut Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 104 reviews

This delightful Coconut Strawberry Cake features moist layers infused with shredded coconut and fresh strawberries, layered with a smooth cream cheese frosting. The toasted coconut adds a subtle crunch, while the fresh strawberries provide a burst of juicy sweetness, making it a perfect cake for celebrations or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 4 cups + 2 Tbsp cake flour
  • 2½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1½ Tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup + 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 6 large egg whites (room temperature)
  • 2 whole large eggs (room temperature)
  • ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract

Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 16 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 3¾ – 4 cups confectioner’s sugar

Assembly and Garnish

  • 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1½ pounds fresh strawberries (stemmed, hulled and diced)
  • 12 oz. fresh strawberries (halved or whole)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray three 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
  3. Add Butter: Add the unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until a crumbly mixture forms.
  4. Add Eggs: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together egg whites and whole eggs. Add them to the mixer in two additions, mixing well after each. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  5. Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add shredded coconut, whole milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the batter. Mix until the batter is fluffy and well combined.
  6. Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly distribute the batter into the three prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
  7. Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Prepare Frosting: Using a stand mixer, beat butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until creamy and well combined. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating after each addition until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
  9. Toast Coconut: In a large dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the shredded coconut, stirring often, until it becomes light golden brown. Remove from heat.
  10. Assemble Cake – Layer 1: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting evenly on top, then sprinkle 2 cups of diced strawberries over the frosting.
  11. Assemble Cake – Layer 2: Add the second cake layer on top and gently press down. Frost this layer and sprinkle another 2 cups of diced strawberries evenly.
  12. Assemble Cake – Layer 3: Place the third cake layer on top and gently press down. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  13. Finish Decoration: Press the toasted coconut gently into the sides of the cake.
  14. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake until ready to serve.
  15. Final Garnish: Before serving, press halved or whole fresh strawberries onto the top of the cake for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure all refrigerated ingredients are brought to room temperature prior to mixing.
  • Use parchment paper on the bottom of pans to ensure cakes come out cleanly without sticking.
  • Be careful when toasting coconut; it can burn quickly if left unattended.
  • The cake is best served chilled and consumed within 3 days for freshness.
  • Customize by substituting fresh fruit toppings according to season or preference.

Keywords: Coconut cake, Strawberry cake, Cream cheese frosting, Layer cake, Toasted coconut, Fresh strawberries, Celebration cake, Moist cake

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/coconut-strawberry-layer-cake-recipe/