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Print / PDFChocolate Coconut Cake
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- Prep Time
- 20 mins
- Cook Time
- 35 mins
- cooling
- 10 mins
- Total Time
- 1 hr 5 mins
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for the cake's structure)
- 1.75 cups granulated sugar (to add sweetness)
- 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (for rich chocolate flavor)
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder (helps the cake rise)
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda (adds leavening power)
- 1 teaspoon salt (enhances flavors)
- 2 large eggs (binds the ingredients)
- 1 cup buttermilk (keeps the cake moist)
- 0.5 cups vegetable oil (adds moisture and richness)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for a hint of flavor)
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water (intensifies chocolate flavor)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (adds texture and flavor)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (for creamy coconut richness)
Equipment
- 2 9-inch round cake pans — Greased and floured for easy removal
- 1 Large mixing bowl — For mixing dry ingredients
- 1 whisk — For combining wet ingredients
- 1 Spatula — For folding in coconut
Method
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cake comes out easily.
- 2
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help create a light and fluffy cake.
- 3
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and coconut milk until everything is well blended and smooth.
- 4
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- 5
Stir in the hot coffee (or hot water) until the batter is thin and well combined. This will enhance the chocolate flavor.
- 6
Gently fold in the shredded coconut, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- 7
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 8
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- 9
Frost with your favorite chocolate or coconut frosting. Sprinkle extra coconut on top if desired. Enjoy your delicious chocolate coconut cake!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbs | 50g |
| Sugar | 30g |
Why You’ll Love This chocolate coconut cake
- Indulge in a rich, moist texture that melts in your mouth.
- Enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate and coconut flavors.
- Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual get-togethers.
- Easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
- Impress your friends and family with this decadent dessert.
Ingredients
Gather these delightful ingredients to create a moist and delicious chocolate coconut cake!

- 2 cups all-purpose flour – for the cake’s structure
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar – to add sweetness
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – for rich chocolate flavor
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder – helps the cake rise
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda – adds leavening power
- 1 teaspoon salt – enhances flavors
- 2 large eggs – binds the ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk – keeps the cake moist
- ½ cup vegetable oil – adds moisture and richness
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – for a hint of flavor
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water – intensifies chocolate flavor
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut – adds texture and flavor
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk – for creamy coconut richness
How to Make chocolate coconut cake
This delightful chocolate coconut cake is a treat for any occasion! With a preparation time of 20 minutes, a cooking time of 30–35 minutes, and a cooling time of about 10 minutes, you’ll have a moist and decadent dessert ready to impress your friends and family.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cake comes out easily.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help create a light and fluffy cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and coconut milk until everything is well blended and smooth.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Add Coffee
Stir in the hot coffee (or hot water) until the batter is thin and well combined. This will enhance the chocolate flavor.
Step 6: Fold in Coconut
Gently fold in the shredded coconut, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Divide and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Frost with your favorite chocolate or coconut frosting. Sprinkle extra coconut on top if desired. Enjoy your delicious chocolate coconut cake!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (cooling) |
| Total Time | 65 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | With chocolate or coconut frosting |
Pro Tips for Making chocolate coconut cake
- Use unsweetened coconut for a rich flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- Incorporate coconut milk for added moisture.
- Experiment with dark chocolate for a deeper taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
How to Serve this chocolate coconut cake
- Top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for extra richness.
- Serve alongside fresh berries for a fruity contrast.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a delightful treat.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an indulgent finish.
- Enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or a creamy coconut latte.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cake on a baking sheet.
- Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
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Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to bake this chocolate coconut cake as we are! It’s a delightful treat that’s simple to whip up and oh-so-rewarding. Picture the rich chocolate mingling with the sweet coconut—pure bliss! So gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every delicious bite. Happy baking, friend!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
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Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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