Go Back
+ servings
Coconut raspberry cake with cream cheese frosting on top and fresh raspberry and coconut.

Raspberry Coconut Cake

Amanda
Super moist and fluffy coconut cake made with fresh raspberries baked right into the batter, then finished with creamy cream cheese frosting and topped with coconut. It's effortless and packed with flavor!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices

Equipment

  • Round 8 inch metal cake pan
  • Handheld or stand mixer
  • Parchment Paper
  • Measuring cups or kitchen scale
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients
 

Coconut cake

  • 1 and ¼ cups (156 grams) all purpose flour if not weighing use the fluff and spoon method (see notes)
  • 1 and ¼ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine kosher salt
  • 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter room temperature (soft to touch)
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon coconut extract
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk room temperature, see notes
  • 1 heaping cup (170 grams) fresh raspberries see notes about frozen raspberries
  • ½ cup (44 grams) shredded sweetened coconut

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ½ cup (110 grams) brick style cream cheese room temperature, full fat
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) salted butter room temperature, add a pinch of salt if you do not have salted butter
  • 1 and ⅓ cups (174 grams) powdered sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Coconut Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Line the bottom of an 8 inch round cake pan with an 8 inch round piece of parchment paper and grease the sides and bottom to ensure easy release.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined.
  • In a separate large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each until smooth, add the extracts, mix well.
  • Make sure to scrape down the bowl as needed, get the bottom really well.
  • In two batches, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk until combined, do not over mix. Fold in the raspberries and coconut.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. 
  • Position it on the center rack of the oven to ensure even baking, avoiding placement too close to the top or bottom. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden. Try not to over bake, keep an eye on it!
  • When the cake is finished baking, let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then run a knife around the edges, place a plate on top, and carefully flip the cake out so the bottom becomes the top. This gives you a nice flat surface for the frosting, and if any of the raspberries sank a bit while baking, they will end up on top.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Beat the cream cheese, vanilla, and butter until combined and smooth. Add the powdered sugar, beat on low until combined, and then on medium high until smooth, light, and fluffy, about 1 minute. 
  • Top the cooled down cake and top with shredded coconut. Dollops of raspberry jam on top is super pretty and delicious!

Notes

*Fresh raspberries work best for this recipe. If you are using frozen, do not thaw them first or they will become too wet and can affect the texture of the batter.  I suggest using fresh for the best results.
*To make ½ cup of buttermilk, add 1 ½ teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then pour in enough milk to reach the ½ cup mark. Stir it together and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes before using. It will look slightly curdled, and that is exactly what you want.
*If not weighing the flour, start by fluffing up the flour with a spoon to loosen it, then gently scoop it into your measuring cup without packing it down. Once the cup is slightly overfilled, use a straight edge like the back of a knife to level it off. 
How to store:
Room temperature: Keeps well for a day if covered tightly.
Refrigerator: Can be stored longer but it may dry out, keep it very well covered for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months, wrap tightly and place in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below and tag @stir.taste.smile on social.