Coconut Pound Cake Recipe
Coconut Pound Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that brings the tropical flavor of coconut right to your kitchen. This cake is dense yet soft, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for dessert, with tea, or as a sweet treat for a gathering, this recipe will surely impress everyone.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to whip up a Coconut Pound Cake! First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring common ingredients found in most kitchens. The unique combination of vanilla and coconut extracts adds a lovely depth of flavor. Plus, the sweetened shredded coconut provides a delightful chewiness that elevates the cake. This recipe is a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while bringing a little slice of paradise to your plate.
How to Make Coconut Pound Cake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons coconut milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (for glaze)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a medium loaf pan (approximately 8×4 inches) or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract and coconut extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the coconut milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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 into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, coconut milk, and coconut extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more coconut milk if needed.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled coconut pound cake and let it set before slicing.
How to Serve Coconut Pound Cake
Coconut Pound Cake is best served at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on the side for extra indulgence. This cake also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, like strawberries or pineapple, to enhance its tropical vibe.
How to Store Coconut Pound Cake
To store Coconut Pound Cake, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before enjoying!
Tips to Make Coconut Pound Cake
- Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- If you want an extra coconut flavor, you can toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the batter.
Variation
If you want to mix it up, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for a different texture and flavor. You could also swap out the extracts for lemon or almond to create a new taste experience.
FAQs
1. Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut?
Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut, but the cake will be less sweet. You may want to add a bit more sugar to the batter to compensate.
2. How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Additionally, the edges will pull away from the sides of the pan slightly.
3. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to bake in two loaf pans or adjust the baking time if using a larger pan.
Enjoy making this delightful Coconut Pound Cake and share it with friends and family for a taste of the tropics!
