Fluffy Southern Coconut Cloud Cake Recipe for Spring

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert, look no further than this Coconut Cloud Cake recipe: A FLUFFY SOUTHERN DELIGHT YOU’LL LOVE. It’s everything you could want in a cake: incredibly soft crumb, the delicate embrace of coconut in every bite, and a billowy whipped frosting dusted with snowy coconut flakes. With every forkful, you’ll taste a slice of Southern hospitality and a touch of the tropics, making it a cake destined for celebration tables or spontaneous cravings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this cake lies in its simple, honest ingredients—each one plays a special role in creating that signature soft texture and cloudlike bite. Take a peek below to see why these essentials make A FLUFFY SOUTHERN DELIGHT YOU’LL LOVE truly unforgettable:

• Cake flour: For a delicately tender crumb, cake flour is the secret weapon here—don’t skip it!
• Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners help the cake rise beautifully into fluffy layers.
• Salt: Just a little bit brightens every other flavor in the cake.
• Unsalted butter: Creamed with sugar, it brings richness and that home-baked taste.
• Sugar: Sweetness ties everything together and helps give structure.
• Eggs (separated): Whipped whites are the magic behind the cake’s signature airy bite.
• Full-fat coconut milk: Extra richness and deep coconut flavor—go for the good stuff!
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and that hint of tang for complexity.
• Vanilla extract: A warm backbone that enhances the coconut without overpowering.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut: For texture and a burst of true coconut flavor in every bite.
• Heavy cream (for frosting): Whips up light and dreamy, the perfect cloud-like finish.
• Powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream topping.
• Coconut extract (for frosting): Boosts the coconut essence in every creamy swirl.

How to Make A FLUFFY SOUTHERN DELIGHT YOU’LL LOVE

Step 1: Prep the Pans and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and greasing two 8-inch round cake pans. Lining the bottoms with parchment paper ensures that your soft layers glide right out, setting you up for cake success without any sticking drama.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mix

In a mixing bowl, whisk together your cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, so every bite of A FLUFFY SOUTHERN DELIGHT YOU’LL LOVE rises light and tastes perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and almost mousse-like—this step adds air, which is key to that irresistible light texture.

Step 4: Add Yolks and Liquids

Beat in the egg yolks one at a time. Stir in the coconut milk, sour cream, and vanilla extract, blending until fully incorporated. This is where the signature tropical flavor of A FLUFFY SOUTHERN DELIGHT YOU’LL LOVE starts coming together!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here could mean a dense cake, so fold gently and stop as soon as the batter comes together.

Step 6: Whip and Fold in Egg Whites

In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. This crucial step adds the “cloud” to your coconut cloud cake. Gently fold the whipped whites into the batter in two additions to keep the mixture as airy as possible—A FLUFFY SOUTHERN DELIGHT YOU’LL LOVE owes its lift to this gentle hand.

Step 7: Add Coconut and Bake

Finally, fold in the unsweetened shredded coconut. Divide the batter between the pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick emerged from the center comes out clean. The cakes should look lightly golden and spring back when pressed.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Let the cakes cool in the pans briefly, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. For the frosting, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and coconut extract together until soft peaks form. Slather this dreamy topping over the cooled cakes and shower generously with shredded (or toasted!) coconut.

How to Serve A FLUFFY SOUTHERN DELIGHT YOU’LL LOVE

Garnishes

This cake just loves a little extra flair. Pile on more shredded coconut or add a sprinkle of toasted coconut for color and crunch. If you want a pop of freshness, edible flowers, lime zest, or pineapple wedges turn it into a true centerpiece that tastes as gorgeous as it looks.

Side Dishes

Pair A FLUFFY SOUTHERN DELIGHT YOU’LL LOVE with fresh fruit like mango slices, kiwi, or berries for a refreshing contrast. A scoop of fruity sorbet or vanilla ice cream alongside would also make each slice totally irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

You can make the cake as a showpiece two-layer treat, but for parties, try baking mini cakes or cupcakes for individual “cloud” servings. Another fun twist: turn it into a trifle by layering cubes of cake, whipped frosting, and fruit in clear glasses for a Southern-style dessert everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover slices of A FLUFFY SOUTHERN DELIGHT YOU’LL LOVE tightly and keep them chilled in the fridge. Thanks to the whipped cream frosting and coconut, the cake stays moist and tempting for up to 5 days (if it lasts that long!).

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and then add your fresh whipped coconut frosting just before serving—hello, effortless on-demand treat!

Reheating

While this cake is scrumptious cold, if you prefer a warm slice, gently microwave individual pieces for 10 seconds. Just don’t overheat the whipped frosting; serving at a cool or room temp keeps A FLUFFY SOUTHERN DELIGHT YOU’LL LOVE at its best.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?

Yes, you can substitute sweetened, but it will add extra sugar and make the cake a bit sweeter. If you go this route, consider reducing the overall sugar slightly so the flavors remain balanced.

What if I don’t have cake flour?

You can make a quick substitute by removing two tablespoons of all-purpose flour from each cup and replacing it with two tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift together to mimic the tenderness that makes this A FLUFFY SOUTHERN DELIGHT YOU’LL LOVE so light.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free baking blend for the cake flour. Just be sure it’s meant for cakes, and check that it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for structure and softness.

How do I toast coconut for the garnish?

Spread unsweetened coconut flakes on a baking sheet and toast in a 325°F oven for about 5–8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until golden and fragrant. Watch closely because coconut can toast in a flash!

Can I use canned coconut cream for richer flavor?

Definitely! Feel free to replace some or all of the coconut milk with coconut cream for a denser, extra-tropical note. A little richer, a little more decadent—it’s all part of what makes this A FLUFFY SOUTHERN DELIGHT YOU’LL LOVE unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

If you have a soft spot for dreamy cakes, or just want to dazzle your loved ones, make A FLUFFY SOUTHERN DELIGHT YOU’LL LOVE your next baking adventure. There’s nothing quite like sinking a fork into those coconut-flecked layers, and every bite will have you dreaming about your next slice. Give it a try and let this coconut cloud cake become the Southern classic you share with your favorite people!

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