The Ultimate Coconut Sponge Cake
Light, Fluffy, and Bursting with Tropical Coconut Flavor
If you’re looking for a cake that’s light as air, rich with coconut essence, and effortlessly elegant, this Coconut Sponge Cake is your dream dessert. With a delicate crumb and a coconut-infused topping, it’s perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or simply as a sweet tropical escape.
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Sponge Cake:
- Ultra fluffy thanks to whipped eggs.
- Tropical richness from coconut milk and shredded coconut.
- Simple ingredients, easy steps, and endless serving possibilities.
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted butter (or coconut oil for more coconut flavor)
For the Coconut Topping:
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (optional, but highly recommended)
- ¾ cup desiccated or shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp coconut cream or coconut milk (for moistening the topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a round or square cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Whip the Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar using a hand or stand mixer on high for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is pale, thick, and fluffy. This is essential for a light sponge texture.
3. Sift and Fold
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in batches using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the batter.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix coconut milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter (or coconut oil). Gently fold into the batter until just combined.
5. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
6. Make the Coconut Topping
In a bowl, combine condensed milk, shredded coconut, and coconut cream or milk. Mix until well combined and spread evenly over the cooled cake.
Optional: Toast under the broiler for 2–3 minutes for a golden, crunchy finish.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Eggs: Whip up better volume for a lighter sponge.
- Gentle Folding: Overmixing can collapse your airy batter.
- Extra Coconut Boost: Add a drop of coconut extract for deeper flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: Bake the sponge a day ahead and store wrapped at room temp.
- Short-Term Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze slices without topping for up to 2 months. Thaw and top before serving.
Variations & Add-Ins
Flavor Enhancements:
- Lime Zest: Add a zingy citrus note to the batter.
- Pineapple Chunks: Fold in for a tropical piña colada flavor.
Dietary Alternatives:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil and coconut condensed milk.
Decoration Ideas:
- Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy island effect.
- Top with edible flowers for an elegant presentation.
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Sponge Cake is the kind of dessert that makes any day feel like a sunny holiday. Moist, airy, and infused with irresistible coconut flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ready to taste a slice of paradise? Let’s get baking!