Coconut Pound Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that brings the tropical essence of coconut to your table. This cake is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply a cozy afternoon at home. With its moist texture and rich coconut flavor, it stands out as both a comforting dessert and a showstopper for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of butter, coconut milk, and shredded coconut creates a cake that’s incredibly moist and bursting with flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easily accessible ingredients, this recipe doesn’t require any special skills or hard-to-find items.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, drizzled with a coconut glaze, or topped with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon tea, this cake is sure to impress your guests.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to make it your own!
Tools and Preparation
To create this Coconut Pound Cake Recipe seamlessly, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here are the essentials you will need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan or bundt pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Ensures that the butter and sugar are creamed perfectly for a light and fluffy texture.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to keep dry and wet ingredients separate until they are combined.
- Loaf pan or bundt pan: The shape of your cake will affect its baking time and presentation.

Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coconut extract (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (shake the can before using)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Coconut Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons coconut milk (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1/2 tsp coconut extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
How to Make Coconut Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or bundt pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
2. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Add Flavors
Mix in the vanilla extract, optional coconut extract, and sour cream until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet batter alternating with the full-fat coconut milk. Start and end with flour until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in Shredded Coconut
Gently fold in sweetened shredded coconut using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake:
– For loaf pan: 60-75 minutes
– For bundt pan: 50-65 minutes
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare Coconut Glaze
In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together powdered sugar, coconut milk, optional coconut extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
2. Adjust thickness by adding more coconut milk if necessary.
Step 10: Finish Off
Drizzle glaze over cooled cake. Optionally top with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy every bite of your homemade Coconut Pound Cake!
How to Serve Coconut Pound Cake Recipe
Serving your Coconut Pound Cake can elevate any gathering or special occasion. Here are some delightful ways to serve this sweet treat.
Enjoy with Fresh Berries
- Combine the cake with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.
Pair with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light, creamy texture that complements the dense cake perfectly.
Serve with Coconut Glaze
- Drizzle the optional coconut glaze over each slice for added sweetness and a tropical twist.
Accompany with Ice Cream
- Vanilla or coconut-flavored ice cream makes for a delicious pairing, adding a creamy contrast to the cake’s texture.
Add a Citrus Twist
- A sprinkle of zest from lime or lemon can brighten up each bite and balance the sweetness of the cake.
How to Perfect Coconut Pound Cake Recipe
Perfecting your Coconut Pound Cake is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these helpful tips for best results.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature will help create a smoother batter.
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Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
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Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
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Cool properly: Letting the cake cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack helps maintain moisture without becoming soggy.
Best Side Dishes for Coconut Pound Cake Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Coconut Pound Cake can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cake.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a creamy counterpoint that enhances flavors.
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Coconut Sorbet: This light, frozen dessert echoes the coconut flavor while providing a cool contrast.
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Chocolate Sauce: A rich chocolate drizzle adds decadence and pairs beautifully with coconut.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over slices adds warmth and an indulgent touch.
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Nut Mix: A crunchy assortment of nuts gives texture and contrasts nicely with the soft cake.
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Tea or Coffee: Serving warm beverages like chamomile tea or brewed coffee complements the flavors beautifully.
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Ice Cream Float: Combine coconut milk ice cream with soda for an exciting twist on dessert!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking a coconut pound cake, small errors can lead to big differences in results. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:
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Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and butter can prevent proper mixing. Always bring them to room temperature before starting.
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Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
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Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for best results.
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Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing your pan can lead to sticking. Always grease and flour your loaf or bundt pan before pouring in the batter.
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Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different; start checking for doneness a few minutes early. Use a toothpick to test for doneness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The cake will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Coconut Pound Cake Recipe
- Wrap slices or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Coconut Pound Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about this coconut pound cake recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked queries:
Can I substitute any ingredients in the Coconut Pound Cake Recipe?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or different flavors of extracts to customize it.
How do I know when my coconut pound cake is done?
Check with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
What type of coconut milk works best for this recipe?
Full-fat coconut milk provides the best flavor and moisture. Shake the can well before using!
Can I make this Coconut Pound Cake Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake keeps well, making it perfect for preparing in advance for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This coconut pound cake recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes and occasions. Feel free to customize it with different extracts or toppings like citrus zest or nuts. Give this delightful treat a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Coconut Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Coconut Pound Cake is a luscious dessert that captures the tropical essence of coconut in every bite. The cake boasts a moist texture and rich flavor, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or cozy afternoons at home. With a blend of simple ingredients, this delightful treat can easily impress your guests or satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether enjoyed plain, drizzled with a coconut glaze, or garnished with toasted coconut flakes, this cake is versatile enough for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding chocolate chips or nuts for that personal touch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coconut extract (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze
- 2–3 tablespoons coconut milk for glaze
- 1/2 tsp coconut extract for glaze (optional)
- Pinch of salt for glaze
- Toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or bundt pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Mix in vanilla extract, optional coconut extract, and sour cream until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet batter alternating with full-fat coconut milk until just combined.
- Gently fold in shredded coconut.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60-75 minutes (loaf) or 50-65 minutes (bundt) until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg