Coconut cake

A tall layer cake, a Southern American favorite, flavored with coconut and covered in white frosting and a thick coat of shredded coconut.

Coconut cake: A tall white layer cake covered in shredded coconut, with a slice cut out showing frosting between the layers
  • Traditional and regional desserts
  • United States

Coconut cake is usually a white or yellow butter cake, often moistened with coconut milk or brushed with a coconut syrup. The layers are filled and frosted with fluffy seven-minute frosting, cream cheese frosting or buttercream, then pressed all over with sweetened shredded or flaked coconut.

It is a traditional Southern centerpiece for Easter, Christmas and church suppers. Many bakers add coconut extract to the batter or frosting for a stronger flavor, and toasting some of the coconut adds color and crunch.

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Sources

Written by VanillaGoods in our own words from these sources. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.

  1. Coconut cake (Q5139845), Wikidata