
Yields:
8 - 10 serving(s)
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 30 mins
If you’re a coconut lover, this is your cake. This pound cake doesn’t just hint at coconut flavor—it goes all in with coconut extract in the batter and glaze, plus loads of sweetened shredded coconut for a rich, chewy texture that sets it apart from the usual buttery pound cake. Finished with a thick glaze and a scattering of more coconut on top, there’s no mistaking it for any other type of loaf! (If you're in the mood for another flavor, try a lemon pound cake or chocolate loaf.)
This cake will make you feel like a pro without breaking a sweat. A quick creaming of butter and sugar in the mixer, a few pantry staples, and you’ve got a loaf that bakes up golden and sweet. It's perfect served with coffee or tea or for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!
Can coconut pound cake be baked in a Bundt pan?
Yes, coconut pound cake can be baked in a 10- or 12-cup Bundt pan. Keep the oven at 350ºF, but start checking for doneness around 50 minutes, as it may bake a bit faster than in a loaf pan (a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center should come out clean). Be sure to grease the pan well, and let the cake cool for 15 to 20 minutes before inverting.
Can the coconut in coconut pound cake be toasted?
Definitely! Toasting the coconut adds a deeper, nuttier flavor and a bit of crunch. You can toast the coconut that’s mixed into the batter, the topping, or both.
Is shredded or flaked coconut better for coconut pound cake?
Sweetened shredded coconut is the best choice for this cake. It’s soft, finely textured, and blends smoothly into the batter while adding moisture. It also sticks easily to the glaze, making it ideal for coating the outside of the cake. Flaked coconut tends to be larger and drier, and it’s often unsweetened, which means it won’t add the same sweetness or texture.
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Ingredients
For the cake:
- 12 Tbsp.
salted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pan
- 1 1/2 cups
all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp.
baking powder
- 1/4 tsp.
baking soda
- 1/4 tsp.
kosher salt
- 1 cup
granulated sugar
- 3
large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup
sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 tsp.
coconut extract
- 2 1/2 cups
sweetened shredded coconut
For the glaze:
- 2 cups
powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp.
salted butter, melted
- 3 Tbsp.
milk, plus more as needed
- 1 tsp.
coconut extract
Directions
- Step 1For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Butter a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides.
- Step 2In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, reduce the speed to low and beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the sour cream and coconut extract and mix on low until smooth. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed just to combine. Mix in 1 cup of the shredded coconut.
- Step 4Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove the cake from the pan and let cool completely on the rack, about 1 hour.
- Step 5For the glaze: Meanwhile, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and coconut extract in a medium bowl. If needed add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until a thick, spreadable consistency is achieved.
- Step 6Spread the glaze over the cooled loaf, allowing any excess to drip off. Press the remaining 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut onto the top and sides of the loaf. Let sit for 30 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
Tip: Tightly wrap leftovers and store for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
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