How to Make the Ultimate Coconut Layer Cake Recipe | Claire Saffitz | Dessert Person

From Claire Saffitz.

A huge thank you to Kerrygold for sponsoring today’s video! Kerrygold has been my go-to butter for baking—it brings a rich, creamy flavor that makes every recipe shine. Whether I’m whipping up a dessert or just spreading it on toast, Kerrygold never disappoints. Find out more and locate Kerrygold near you at https://www.kerrygoldusa.com/.

How to Make the Ultimate Coconut Layer Cake Recipe | Claire Saffitz | Dessert Person

Claire Saffitz brings a tropical twist to a classic layer cake with this Coconut Cake featuring rich, silky German buttercream. Made with full-fat coconut milk, toasted coconut flakes, and a light, fluffy sponge, this cake strikes the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The German buttercream, made with a pastry cream base and whipped butter, adds an ultra-smooth finish without being overly sweet. This is a special-occasion cake that feels timeless and fresh all at once.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:46 Coconut Layer Cake
01:38 Ingredients & Special Equipment
03:01 Kerrygold
03:47 Make the Cake Batter
10:31 Level the Cakes & Toast the Coconut Flakes
12:42 Let the Toasted Coconut Cool
13:18 Make the German Buttercream
19:58 Assemble
27:01 Cut & Taste
28:48 Cat Cam

Coconut Cake with German Buttercream
Serves 8

CAKE
Coconut oil for the pans
3 cups cake flour (360g)
1 tablespoon baking powder (12g)
1½ teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt (5g)
2 sticks unsalted butter (227g), at room temperature
3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil (40g), at room temperature
1¾ cups granulated sugar (350g)
4 large eggs (200g), at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (383g) can unsweetened full-fat coconut milk, well shaken
→ measure out 1 cup, reserve remaining for soaking the layers

ASSEMBLY AND BUTTERCREAM
1 cup milk
½ vanilla bean
150g sugar, divided
30g cornstarch
4 large eggs yolks
2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
3 sticks unsalted butter unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
5 ounces (142g) unsweetened large coconut flakes (about 2½ cups), toasted

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Video Series:
Producer/Director: Vincent Cross
Camera Operator: Calvin Robertson
Editor/Motion Graphics: Hal McFall

Animation Credits:
Character Designer/Animator/Backgrounds: Jack Sherry
Character Rigger: Johara Dutton