Name: Tom Cruise Coconut Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cake flour (for a light and fluffy crumb); 2 cups granulated sugar (to sweeten the cake beautifully); 1 teaspoon baking powder (for lift and rise); 1 teaspoon baking soda (to enhance the cake's leavening); 1 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness); 1 cup butter (room temperature, adds moisture and richness); 5 large eggs (provides structure and stability); 1 tablespoon coconut extract (infuses a delightful coconut flavor); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the overall flavor); 1 cup sour cream (keeps the cake moist and adds tang); 6 ounces white chocolate chips (for a sweet, creamy bite); 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature, for a rich and creamy frosting); 1 cup salted butter (essential for a luscious frosting); 3 cups powdered sugar (sweetens the frosting perfectly); 1 teaspoon coconut extract (to flavor the frosting); 1 cup cream of coconut (adds a tropical flair to the cake); 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (for decoration and added texture)

Imagine a cake so irresistibly moist and packed with flavor that it could charm even the most discerning cake lover. Enter the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake—a delightful creation that has garnered a cult following, akin to the star it’s named after. This cake is a celebration of coconut in every layer and is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever you need a slice of pure joy. With its rich flavors, creamy textures, and the perfect balance of sweetness, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why Tom Cruise Coconut Cake is Worth Your Time

If you’ve ever had a slice of coconut cake and found yourself transported to a tropical paradise, you’ll understand why the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake is a must-try. This cake boasts a fluffy texture thanks to the use of cake flour and a rich flavor profile from the combination of coconut extract and cream cheese frosting. The addition of white chocolate chips adds an unexpected twist, ensuring each bite is decadent and satisfying. Plus, the visual appeal, with its snowy white frosting and sprinkle of shredded coconut, makes it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

What We’re Using

3 cups cake flour – For a light and fluffy crumb.
2 cups granulated sugar – To sweeten the cake beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking powder – For lift and rise.
1 teaspoon baking soda – To enhance the cake’s leavening.
1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
1 cup butter, room temperature – Adds moisture and richness.
5 large eggs – Provides structure and stability.
1 tablespoon coconut extract – Infuses a delightful coconut flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
1 cup sour cream – Keeps the cake moist and adds tang.
6 ounces white chocolate chips – For a sweet, creamy bite.
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature – For a rich and creamy frosting.
1 cup salted butter – Essential for a luscious frosting.
3 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting perfectly.
1 teaspoon coconut extract – To flavor the frosting.
1 cup cream of coconut – Adds a tropical flair to the cake.
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut – For decoration and added texture.

Equipment & Tools

Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
Electric mixer – To beat the butter and sugar until fluffy.
Rubber spatula – For scraping down the sides of the bowl.
9-inch round cake pans – For baking the cake layers.
Parchment paper – To line the cake pans for easy removal.
Cooling rack – To cool the cakes completely before frosting.
Offset spatula – For spreading the frosting smoothly.

The Method for Tom Cruise Coconut Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the room-temperature butter until it’s creamy and light in color. Gradually add in the dry mixture, mixing until combined.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the coconut and vanilla extracts until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream

Carefully fold in the sour cream and white chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. This will add moisture and richness to your cake batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and salted butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Finally, mix in the coconut extract and cream of coconut until well combined.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then repeat with the second layer. Top with the final layer and frost the entire cake.

Step 9: Decorate

Gently press the sweetened shredded coconut onto the sides and top of the cake for a beautiful finish.

Smart Substitutions

For a lighter cake, consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs.
Swap out the cream cheese for mascarpone for a different flavor profile.
If you don’t have cake flour, you can make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch.
Use coconut milk instead of cream of coconut for a less sweet option.

Method to the Madness

The beauty of the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake lies in its layers of flavor and texture. The cake is fluffy yet moist, thanks to the combination of cake flour and sour cream. The white chocolate chips provide delightful bursts of sweetness while the coconut extract infuses each bite with tropical vibes. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast, making this cake an absolute showstopper. Whether served at a party or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, each slice promises to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This cake can be made a day in advance, which makes it great for meal prep. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For optimal freshness, consider freezing the cake without frosting; it can be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and frost it just before serving.

Reader Questions

Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut in this recipe?

While you can use unsweetened shredded coconut, the cake might be less sweet. Using sweetened coconut enhances the overall flavor and sweetness, which is ideal for this cake.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar texture and tanginess. Alternatively, buttermilk can also be used for added moisture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free cake flour substitute to make the cake gluten-free while still achieving a fluffy texture.

What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?

A sinking cake can be due to a few factors, including overmixing, too much liquid, or opening the oven door too early. Ensure that you measure your ingredients accurately and avoid opening the oven door until the cake is nearly finished baking.

Ready to Cook?

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of baking with the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake. With its tropical flavors and delectable textures, this cake is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a slice. So grab your ingredients, gather your tools, and let the baking adventure begin! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake is a delightful choice that will have everyone raving. Enjoy every moment of the baking process and, of course, the delicious results!