Description
A soft and moist coconut loaf cake with a tender crumb, delicate sweetness, and rich coconut flavor in every bite. Finished with an optional coconut glaze and extra shredded coconut for a beautiful tropical touch.
Ingredients
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp coconut extract (optional)
1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk or regular milk
1 cup (75g) desiccated or shredded sweetened coconut
Optional glaze: 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp coconut milk or regular milk (for glaze)
Extra shredded coconut for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and coconut extract if using.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the coconut milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the optional glaze, mix powdered sugar with enough milk to create a pourable consistency, drizzle over the cooled cake, and sprinkle extra coconut on top.
Notes
Use unsweetened shredded coconut if preferred; add 1–2 tablespoons extra sugar if desired.
Add 1/4 cup chopped toasted macadamias or almonds for extra crunch.
Add 1 teaspoon lime zest for a brighter tropical flavor.
Replace part of the coconut milk with pineapple juice for a fruity variation.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 10 slices)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg