Coconut Cake with Seven-Minute Frosting is a classic Southern dessert known for its soft, tender cake layers and fluffy marshmallow-like frosting. The frosting is whipped over simmering water until light, glossy, and airy, then covered with sweet shredded coconut for a beautiful finish.
⏱️ Recipe Details
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: About 1 hour
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Servings: 10–12
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cake
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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4 egg whites
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1 cup coconut milk (or whole milk)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon coconut extract
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1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
For the Seven-Minute Frosting
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
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2 egg whites
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⅓ cup water
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
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1–1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg Whites
Beat in the egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Combine Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients alternately with coconut milk, mixing gently.
Stir in vanilla, coconut extract, and shredded coconut.
6. Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool completely.
🍥 Making the Seven-Minute Frosting
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In a heatproof bowl, combine sugar, egg whites, water, and cream of tartar.
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Place the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water.
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Beat with a hand mixer continuously for about 7 minutes, until thick, glossy, and fluffy.
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Remove from heat and beat in vanilla extract.
🎂 Assemble the Cake
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Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
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Spread a layer of frosting on top.
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Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.
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Sprinkle shredded coconut over the entire cake.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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Serve with fresh pineapple or berries.
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Pair with tea or coffee.
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Chill slightly for easier slicing.
💡 Tips & Variations
Toast the coconut:
Lightly toast the coconut for a deeper flavor.
Extra coconut flavor:
Brush the cake layers with a little coconut milk syrup.
Storage:
Store covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 3 days.
