Indulge in the luscious combination of chocolate and coconut with this delightful Chocolate Coconut Cake recipe. This cake is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings and impressing your family and friends with its rich flavors and moist texture.
Why Make This Recipe
If you are a fan of the classic pairing of chocolate and coconut, this cake is a must-try. It combines the deep cocoa taste of chocolate with the tropical sweetness of coconut, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will surely delight your taste buds.
How to Make Chocolate Coconut Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (414g) sugar
- 3/4 cup (85g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup (240ml) hot water
- 2 1/2 cups (560g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 10 cups (1150g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp coconut extract
- 6–8 tbsp (90ml-120ml) heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups (113g) sweetened shredded coconut
Directions:
- After baking the cakes, assemble the layers with buttercream in between.
- Frost the outside of the cake and press shredded coconut onto the top and sides.
- Pipe swirls of buttercream on top for decoration.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours, then refrigerate. Serve slightly cool or at room temperature.
How to Serve Chocolate Coconut Cake
Serve this cake as a delightful dessert after a meal or as a sweet treat for special occasions. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect combination of flavors.
How to Store Chocolate Coconut Cake
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours, then refrigerate for longer storage. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Tips to Make Chocolate Coconut Cake
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Press shredded coconut onto the frosting while it’s still soft for better adherence.
Variation
For a tropical twist, add crushed pineapple between the cake layers or sprinkle chopped macadamia nuts on top for extra crunch.

Chocolate Coconut Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
Coconut Buttercream
- 2 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temp
- 10 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp coconut extract
- 6-8 tbsp heavy cream
- Pinch salt
Decoration
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
Cake
- Prepare and bake the cake layers according to recipe instructions.
- Assemble the cake layers with coconut buttercream in between. Frost the outside of the cake with buttercream, press shredded coconut onto the top and sides, and pipe swirls for decoration.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temp for up to 24 hrs, then refrigerate.