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This cake is honestly as delicious as it is beautiful.  It really does take the cake for cakes. 

It is so moist and just so flavorful. We love a cake with multiple layers, but you could easily do this in 2 pans (instead of 3). Toasting sweetened coconut flakes for topping the cake is a beautiful (and delicious) addition! This is one of those "special occasion" cakes, but isn't hard to make!

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How To Make Coconut Cream Cake

This cake is always a hit whenever we serve it and it's easier to prepare than you might think!

And the cake can easily be prepared a day or two in advance of serving.

How To Make a Moist Cake

No one likes a dry cake and this cake is far from that.

Buttermilk adds a creaminess to the batter that translates into an extra moist cake.

EXPERT TIP: Rather than creaming butter with sugar, as is often done with a standard cake recipe, we melt the butter and then add it to the buttermilk mixture. This also helps to make for an extra moist cake.

Gradually add in the dry combined dry ingredients with the mixer on low.   The batter will be somewhat thick.

The next key step to making a light yet moist (yes, that is possible) cake is the incorporation of fluffy egg whites, or meringue.

After you have separated your eggs for the batter, be sure to hold onto the egg whites.

EXPERT TIP: You'll only need ⅓ a cup of egg whites, which means you'll most likely have some extra egg whites. We use a hand mixer to whip the egg whites (and a ¼ cup of sugar) into soft peaks. Gently fold the soft peaks into the batter until fully incorporated.

Baking at a Low Oven Temperature

The oven temp may seem low, but don't worry, it helps produce a cake that is moist and super delicious.

To ensure easy removal of the cake from the pan, we lightly grease each cake pan, add a piece of parchment paper that we have cut to fit into the pan, another layer of cooking spray, and then a light dusting of flour.

EXPERT TIP: We love using 3 9-inch straight-edge cake pans for this coconut cream cake. However, you can really use whatever cake pans you have. If going with 2 pans, you'll need to increase the bake time by about 10 minutes. As always, you'll know the cake is ready when an inserted toothpick (or sharp knife) comes out clean.  Also, remember that pans with a slightly beveled side will not allow for a perfectly straight-edge cake, but that's not really the end of the world.

The batter may seem a little on the thick side. This is normal. You can use a spatula to help spread it out in the pan, but don't worry, it will fill the pan as it bakes.

When we originally published this recipe, we used a simple, but sweet frosting.

We tried other frostings and decided we love a cream cheese tropical frosting complemented the cake best.

If you prefer the simpler frosting, the recipe is in the NOTES.

Finishing Off the Cake

For a beautiful (and delicious) touch, we recommend toasting the sweetened coconut flakes.

Toasting the coconut brings out even more of the coconut flavor and makes for a gorgeous topping to the cake.

EXPERT TIP: Be sure to keep an eye on the coconut as you toast it! It will burn quickly. You may notice a little smoke coming from the oven as you are toasting the flakes. This is normal and is just the sugar smoking. To ensure even toasting, move the coconut around in the pan a time or two during the toasting process.

After the cake has cooled in the pans for at least 10 minutes, invert each pan over a large baking rack.

You'll want to allow each cake layer to cool completely before applying the frosting.

EXPERT TIP: The cakes layers are fairly sturdy after they have cooled, however, to prevent any breakage when assembling, we use a large spatula (or a couple of small spatulas) to help transfer the bottom cake layer to the cake stand and then again when adding the additional layers to the cake.

When to Serve Coconut Cream Cake

Folks, this cake is so spectacular, it's great for any occasion, or even for no occasion at all.

It is especially nice for holidays such as Easter, Mother's Day, or Valentine's Day.

We love coconut so much. The distinct taste and texture work perfectly in a savory dish, such as Curry Chicken, as well as sweet dishes, as well.

If you love this Coconut Cream Cake, you should check out these amazing cake recipes:

Classic Carrot Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
German Chocolate Cake
Extreme Chocolate Layer Cake
Red Velvet Cake (Cupcakes)

In the meantime, don't you just want to sink your teeth into this glorious cake?

Ready to make the best cake in town? Go for it!

And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!