Coconut Bundt Cake Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade coconut bundt cake with this easy baking recipe. Packed with triple coconut flavor from coconut milk, extract, and flakes, this foolproof method creates a perfectly moist crumb every time. The secret lies in properly preparing your bundt pan for that picture-perfect release.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

25 mins

Cook Time:

55 mins

Serves:

1 cake (12 slices)

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the cake:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">280g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">225g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large eggs, room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp coconut extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml coconut milk (not cream of coconut)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g desiccated coconut</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the glaze:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">180g powdered sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml coconut milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp coconut extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g toasted coconut flakes, for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">25cm (10-inch) bundt pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer or hand mixer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cooling rack</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare your bundt pan by thoroughly greasing every crevice with butter, then dust with flour, tapping out any excess. This meticulous preparation is crucial for a clean release of your beautiful bundt cake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This pre-mixing of dry ingredients ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your batter, preventing pockets of bitter-tasting baking soda or powder.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the sugar gradually and beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. This extended creaming process incorporates air into the batter, creating a tender crumb structure.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture may look slightly curdled – that's perfectly normal. Mix in the vanilla extract and coconut extract until well combined.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the coconut milk in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until each addition is incorporated to avoid overworking the gluten, which would result in a tough cake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Fold in the desiccated coconut with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The desiccated coconut will absorb some moisture during baking, contributing to the cake's tender texture while adding bursts of coconut flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to remove any large air bubbles that could create holes in your finished cake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The cake should be golden brown and will have begun to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Allow the cake to cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes – not more, not less. This is the perfect time window where the cake has set enough to hold its shape but is still warm enough to release cleanly. Place a cooling rack over the pan and carefully invert. If the cake doesn't immediately release, gently tap the pan or shake it slightly. Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, coconut milk, and coconut extract until smooth. The consistency should be thick but pourable – add more coconut milk a teaspoon at a time if needed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Once the cake is completely cool, place it on a serving platter with some parchment strips tucked underneath to catch drips. Pour the glaze evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip naturally down the sides. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes over the top.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before serving. This cake will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, though the texture is most perfect on days 1-2.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Coconut Bundt Cake Recipe?

This triple-coconut cake requires all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and coconut extracts, coconut milk, and desiccated coconut. The glaze uses powdered sugar, coconut milk, coconut extract, and toasted coconut flakes for garnish.

How to cook Coconut Bundt Cake Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Coconut Bundt Cake Recipe by preheating your oven to 175°C, properly greasing a bundt pan, mixing dry and wet ingredients separately, then combining them alternately with coconut milk. Fold in desiccated coconut, bake for 50-55 minutes, cool for exactly 10 minutes before inverting, then finish with a simple coconut glaze and toasted coconut flakes.

Why isn't my bundt cake releasing cleanly from the pan?

For a clean release, thoroughly grease every crevice with butter and dust with flour. Cool the cake in the pan for exactly 10 minutes—this sweet spot allows the cake to set while still being warm enough to release. If it sticks, gently tap or shake the pan to help loosen it.

What's the difference between coconut milk and cream of coconut for baking?

Coconut milk is unsweetened with a mild coconut flavour, ideal for baking as it provides moisture without excessive sweetness. Cream of coconut is much sweeter and thicker, designed for cocktails and desserts. Using them interchangeably would drastically alter your cake's sweetness and texture.

How can I intensify the coconut flavour in my bundt cake?

For stronger coconut flavour, toast the desiccated coconut before adding it to the batter, use full-fat coconut milk, increase the coconut extract slightly, or substitute part of the butter with coconut oil. You could also brush the warm cake with coconut rum before glazing.

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