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Home » Popular » Cakes & Cupcakes » Frosted Coconut Pound Cake

Frosted Coconut Pound Cake

By: Rosemary Published: April 8, 2023 Updated on: April 8, 2023

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Like to try a twist on the classic pound cake recipe? Well this Coconut Pound Cake is the perfect one, especially it’s topped with a creamy frosting! With added coconut flavor and shredded coconut for texture. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a summer BBQ to a winter holiday gathering.

coconut pound cake on a white board.

My husband’s favourite anything would have to be coconut. He loves it fresh, in a Cake made in Ice Cream, or in two of his favorite Bar Cookies, these Coconut Jam Bars or these easy Pineapple Coconut Squares it really doesn’t matter.

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Table of Contents

  • Ingredients to make a Coconut Pound Cake
      • Vanilla Glaze
  • How to Make Homemade Cake Flour
  • How to make Homemade Buttermilk
  • How to make a Coconut Pound Cake
      • Vanilla Glaze
  • Why use room temperature ingredients?
  • What exactly is a Coconut?
  • FAQs
  • How to Store a Pound Cake
  • How to Freeze a Pound Cake
      • Never Miss a Recipe!
  • Frosted Coconut Pound Cake
    • Equipment
    • Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1x2x3x
      • CAKE BATTER
      • * To make Cake flour for every one cup of all purpose flour remove 2 tablespoons of flour and re fill with 2 tablespoons of corn starch, sift to combine.
      • ** To Make Butter Milk, add one tablespoon of lemon juice to a one cup measurement and top with milk. Let sit 10 minutes.
      • VANILLA GLAZE
    • Instructions 
      • CAKE BATTER
      • VANILLA GLAZE
    • Notes
    • Nutrition

Ingredients to make a Coconut Pound Cake

  • Sugar – granulated sugar
  • Butter – softened good quality butter
  • Flour – cake or pastry flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt – if you use unsalted butter then use a bit more salt
  • Vanilla – vanilla extract or coconut extract
  • Eggs – large room temperature eggs
  • Buttermilk – homemade or store bought
  • Flaked coconut – unsweetened shredded coconut

Vanilla Glaze

  • Powdered sugar – also known as icing or confectioners’ sugar
  • Vanilla – vanilla extract
  • Cream – whole, heavy or whipping cream
  • Coconut – unsweetened shredded coconut

How to Make Homemade Cake Flour

For every cup of all purpose flour, remove two tablespoons and replace with two tablespoons of corn starch. Be sure to sift the flour and cornstarch together a couple of times, this way it is sure to be properly combined and lump free. Cake flour in cakes will give you a very tender texture and fine crumb, it will also help the cake to rise.

Pound cake and a slice cut.

How to make Homemade Buttermilk

For every cup of milk stir in 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit for 10-15 minutes and it’s ready to use. You could also use coconut milk instead of regular milk, for a big coconut flavor!

How to make a Coconut Pound Cake

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

In a large bowl with a hand beater or stand mixer and the flat beater attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, add the eggs one at a time and beat until smooth.

In a small bowl combine the buttermilk and vanilla or coconut extract.

Alternately add the buttermilk and flour mixture to creamed mixture and beat to combine. (start and end with flour mixture). Fold in the flaked coconut.

Pour into prepared pan and bake until toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost or dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Vanilla Glaze

In a small bowl combine icing sugar, cream and vanilla until creamy. Spread on cool cake and sprinkle with flaked coconut.

Pound cake frosted on a white board.

Why use room temperature ingredients?

Room temperature ingredients help to produce light tender baked good, in this case a cake. The ingredients will come together smoother with a lump free batter. Room temperature egg whites beat up fluffier. Using cold ingredients could deflate the stiff egg whites or solidify the butter.

What exactly is a Coconut?

I have always wondered  what a coconut actually is. Is it a fruit, nut or seed? Technically it is a called a Drupe. A drupe is a fleshy fruit with thin skin and a middle stone containing the seed, for example a plum, cherry, almond, or olive.

Although if you called it a fruit, seed or nut you wouldn’t be wrong, it is actually referred to as all these things. When you go to the sea in Italy, fresh coconut is sold out of large plastic buckets filled with cold water. A couple of pieces for an euro. Delicious!

Pound cake slice on a white board.

FAQs

What is a Pound Cake

A pound cake was created in England in the 1700s. The original recipe called for one pound each of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. The large amounts and no levelling made it a large, heavy cake that could easily feed big groups of people. Of course proportions changed over time to make the cake smaller and lighter, but the name remained the same.

Can I make this as a bundt cake?

Yes you can use a 10 inch bundt pan or tube pan if you prefer. A 9 inch loaf pan that is used in this recipe will hope 8 cups of batter. So be aware of that when you choose your pan.

What other toppings can I do on the cake?

If you prefer you could make a simple cream cheese frosting or even a dusting of powdered sugar would be delicious before serving.

How to Store a Pound Cake

The pound cake should be stored in an airtight container, it will keep for up to 1 day at room temperature. If it is glazed or frosted it is better to place it in the refrigerator, be sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, it will keep for up to one week in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving.

How to Freeze a Pound Cake

Freeze the cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag, it will keep for up to six months in the freezer.

A frozen cake can either be thawed on the counter or in the fridge, remove from the freezer bag or container, but leave wrapped. Be sure to freeze the cake without the frosting.

Pound cake with a slice cut on a white plate.
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    The simplicity, versatility, and delicious taste are what makes this Coconut Pound Cake a favorite dessert for many. So why not try making one today and see for yourself how delicious it can be! Enjoy!

    Frosted Coconut Pound Cake

    Rosemary Molloy
    Like to try a twist on the classic pound cake recipe? Well this Coconut Pound Cake is the perfect one especially topped with a creamy frosting! 
    5 from 11 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 529 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 hand beater or stand mixer
    • 2 mixing bowls

    Ingredients
     
     

    CAKE BATTER

    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
    • 3 cups cake/pastry flour *
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla or coconut extract
    • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
    • 1 cup buttermilk** (room temperature)
    • ¾ cup unsweetened flaked coconut

    * To make Cake flour for every one cup of all purpose flour remove 2 tablespoons of flour and re fill with 2 tablespoons of corn starch, sift to combine.

      ** To Make Butter Milk, add one tablespoon of lemon juice to a one cup measurement and top with milk. Let sit 10 minutes.

        VANILLA GLAZE

        • 1½ cups icing / powdered sugar
        • 3 – 4 tablespoons whole / whipping cream
        • 1 teaspoon vanilla
        • ¼-½ cup flaked coconut

        Instructions
         

        CAKE BATTER

        • Pre-heat oven to 350°F (180°C), grease and flour a 9 x 5 inch (23 x 23 cm) loaf pan/ bundt pan or 9 inch cake pan.
        • In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
        • In a small bowl combine the buttermilk and vanilla or coconut extract.
        • In a large bowl with a hand beater or stand mixer and the flat beater attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes, add the eggs one at a time and beat until smooth.
        • Alternately add the buttermilk and flour mixture to the creamed mixture and beat to combine. (start and end with flour mixture).  Fold in the flaked coconut.
        • Pour into prepared pan and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Let cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost or dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy!

        VANILLA GLAZE

        • In a small bowl combine icing sugar, cream and vanilla until creamy, if too thin add more sugar if too thick add more cream. Spread on cool cake and sprinkle with flaked coconut.

        Notes

        If you use unsalted butter then just add a pinch or two of salt.
        If you prefer you could make a simple cream cheese frosting or even a dusting of powdered sugar would be delicious before serving.
        The pound cake should be stored in an airtight container, it will keep for up to 1 day at room temperature. If it is glazed or frosted it is better to place it in the refrigerator, be sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, it will keep for up to one week in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving.
        Freeze the cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag, it will keep for up to six months in the freezer.
        A frozen cake can either be thawed on the counter or in the fridge, remove from the freezer bag or container, but leave wrapped. Be sure to freeze the cake without the frosting.

        Nutrition

        Calories: 529kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 7gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 203mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 50gVitamin A: 628IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 1mg
        Keyword coconut pound cake, frosted coconut pound cake, frosted pound cake, Pound Cake
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

        Updated from June 30, 2017.

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          1. Ann says

            April 13, 2023 at 10:25 pm

            Hi Rosemary. I bought coconut milk for the recipe. Do I use it as is or do I turn it into buttermilk?

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              April 14, 2023 at 8:25 am

              Hi Ann, yes turn it into buttermilk. Let me know how it goes. Take care!

              Reply
              • Ann says

                April 16, 2023 at 2:02 pm

                5 stars
                I made the cake and it was delicious. I’m the only one in my family that likes coconut so I shared it with some friends. They all raved about it. Thanks for a great recipe.

              • Rosemary says

                April 16, 2023 at 3:04 pm

                Hi Ann, thanks so much, glad everyone enjoyed it. Take care and have a wonderful Sunday!

          2. Barbara Pennell says

            April 13, 2023 at 6:33 pm

            This looks so good! I can’t wait to bake it. I love coconut. Thank you for all the fabulous recipes on this blog Rosemary!

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              April 14, 2023 at 4:17 pm

              Hi Barbara, thanks so much, so glad you like the recipe. Take care and have a great weekend!

              Reply
          3. Deborah says

            April 13, 2023 at 12:57 pm

            Oh gosh. Another great recipe here! The combination of ingredients will certainly give a fabulous flavour and great crumb! The cake looks so moreish too! Perfect in a loaf tin but I love to use my Bundt pans!!! They just give an added beauty to a cake!

            Which size would you recommend? 10 cup or 12 cup and would it still require 50-60 minute bake time? Would the quantity of vanilla glaze still work when the cake is made in a bundt pan?

            Excited to make! Top of baking list! Happy baking! Thank you for sharing Rosemary.

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              April 14, 2023 at 6:23 pm

              Hi Deborah, thanks so much, I would recommend a 10 cup bundt pan. I would decrease the time to about 35-40, it may need more, so just check it. Let me know how it goes. Take care and have a great weekend.

              Reply
          4. Gail says

            August 2, 2021 at 2:13 pm

            Do you suggest using sweetened or unsweetened coconut ?

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              August 2, 2021 at 4:48 pm

              Hi Gail, I usually use unsweetened, I find sweetened a bit much with the sweetness of the cake and the frosting. Hope that helps.

              Reply
          5. Stephanie Scaturchio says

            June 6, 2020 at 3:37 am

            5 stars
            I love this and so does everyone I bake it for. It is not a heavy loaf cake, but light and moist and always comes out perfect. If you like coconut, you will love this one! Thank you for another great recipe.

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              June 6, 2020 at 10:50 pm

              Hi Stephanie, thanks so much, so glad everyone enjoyed it. Take care.

              Reply
          6. Stefanie Scaturchio says

            December 29, 2018 at 2:59 am

            5 stars
            I have already remarked on this cake, however, I made this cake for Christmas again and I can’t believe how good it is! everyone loved it as well!! Thanks for this recipe!!

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              December 29, 2018 at 7:49 am

              Hi Stefanie, thanks so much, so glad everyone loved it. Happy New Year.

              Reply
          7. Stefanie Scaturchio says

            October 22, 2018 at 6:35 pm

            5 stars
            This coconut cake out very good, however, I suggest using parchment paper in your pans. I used two different loaf pans and they both stuck although I did grease and flour pans. Love your recipes!

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              October 23, 2018 at 9:34 am

              Hi Stefanie, thanks so much and thanks for the tip. Have a great week.

              Reply
          8. Adriana M says

            February 25, 2018 at 10:21 pm

            Do you think I could use sour cream instead of the buttermilk?

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              February 25, 2018 at 11:29 pm

              Hi Adriana yes you can, although you will have to thin it our with either water or milk ( I usually use milk), so for 1 cup buttermilk you would substitute with 3/4 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup or either water or milk. Hope that helps. Let me know how it goes. 🙂

              Reply
              • Adriana M says

                February 28, 2018 at 9:46 pm

                5 stars
                Thanks!! I baked it today. In a bundt cake pan. I used 3/4 cream and 1/4 milk just like you said. I just tasted it and it is amazing!!
                All the recipes I make from you come perfect!!
                Thanks a lot ?

              • Rosemary says

                March 1, 2018 at 7:32 am

                Hi Adriana, thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed.

          9. Katherine says

            January 31, 2018 at 4:47 pm

            5 stars
            Since there is plenty of batter and the cake is light and airy, would it work in a springform pan or as cupcakes?
            This is a really delicious cake! So good!

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              January 31, 2018 at 5:01 pm

              Hi Katherine, thanks, glad you like it. Im sure it would work as a cake or even cupcakes. Give it a try and let me know. 🙂

              Reply
          10. Yolanda says

            October 23, 2017 at 1:07 am

            Can you make this in a bundt pan ?

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              October 23, 2017 at 8:22 am

              Hi Yolanda, yes you can make it in a bundt pan. I hope you like it.

              Reply
          11. Yolanda says

            October 23, 2017 at 1:05 am

            Don’t cake flour have baking soda and baking powder in it already ?

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              October 23, 2017 at 8:21 am

              Hi Yolanda, cake flour has baking corn starch in it not baking powder or soda. I think you may be thinking of self rising flour. Hope that helps. Have a great week.

              Reply
          12. Georgette says

            July 17, 2017 at 1:03 am

            5 stars
            I made it out of this world. My only different thing was I toasted the coconut.

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              July 17, 2017 at 3:47 pm

              Hi Georgette, so glad you enjoyed it, and good idea with the toasted coconut. Have a great week.

              Reply
          13. Katherine says

            July 7, 2017 at 2:19 am

            I think the directions may be for the maple leaf cake instead of the coconut vanilla cake!?
            Are the directions for the coconut cake available? It sounds delicious.
            Katherine

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              July 7, 2017 at 10:12 am

              Hi Katherine, thanks for catching that, I fixed it. Have a great weekend.

              Reply

          Hi, I'm Rosemary.

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