The very Best Lemon Coconut Cake recipe on the internet. Layers of coconut white cake (from scratch) with homemade lemon curd and cream cheese frosting. All topped with more coconut!
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time26 minutesmins
Additional Time30 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr16 minutesmins
Course: Cake
Cuisine: American
Keyword: coconut cake with lemon, coconut lemon cake
Whisk together the egg whites and 1/4 cup of the milk in a small bowl until slightly combined. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, vanilla and almond extracts for 2 minutes on medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add in dry ingredients and mix until combined. Beat in egg white mixture until fully blended. Add in remaining milk and beat for 3-4 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Fold in coconut.
Spray two 9-inch cake pans with baking spray. Pour batter into pans and bake in a 350 degree oven for 26-28 minutes. Remove and cool completely on wire rack.
FOR THE FROSTING:
Beat butter and cream cheese for 3-4 minutes using whisk attachment on an electric mixer. Add in powdered sugar, vanilla and heavy cream. Beat an additional 4-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
To assemble, place one layer of cake on a cake stand. Add 1 cup lemon curd and spread over the cake. Then add a large amount of frosting to top and smooth with an offset spatula. Top with second layer of cake. Apply the second cup of lemon curd over the top. Then add frosting to entire cake. To add the coconut to the top and sides of cake, place cake stand on a baking sheet (to help catch excess coconut). Fill hand with coconut and press gently into sides of cake. Repeat until desired amount of coconut applied. ENJOY!
Notes
Before assembling the cake, place your cake stand on a baking sheet or large cutting board. This is helpful to catch any spills, and is especially helpful to save falling coconut shreds so that you can re-apply.
Although it’s simple enough to sprinkle shredded coconut on the top of the cake, it’s easier to press handfuls of this coating gently into the sides of the cake. Toasted coconut would be delicious on top as well.
Always make sure your cake has cooled completely before frosting it. This small step will save you many messes! I’ve also found that an offset spatula is essential for spreading icing easily, smoothly, and without creating an undue mess.
Swap out the icing and use our vanilla sour cream frosting for a tangy sweet switch.