Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the cake pan
- 1 cup (85g) unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 3/4 cup (170g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (58ml) water, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (185g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup (43g) unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 teaspoon water, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with butter, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake.
- Melt Butter and Process Coconut: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating for 20 seconds, then in 10-second increments while stirring until fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly. In a blender or food processor, combine shredded coconut and sugar. Process for about 15 seconds until the coconut is finely ground, blitzing more if necessary for a uniform texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, blitzed coconut and sugar mixture, sour cream, coconut milk, eggs, and water until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt directly over the wet ingredients using a fine-mesh sieve or sifter. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a whisk just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan using a rubber spatula, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Cake: Place the pan on a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Carefully remove the cake from the pan by lifting the parchment paper and allow it to cool completely on the wire rack before glazing.
- Toast the Coconut: Spread the remaining 1/2 cup shredded coconut evenly on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in the 325°F oven for 3 minutes, stir the coconut to redistribute, then bake for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until golden and toasted. Remove from oven and cool.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with 1/4 teaspoon water to make a slightly runny glaze. Add more water if necessary. Use a pastry brush to spread the glaze evenly over the cooled cake's top.
- Decorate: Sprinkle the toasted coconut evenly over the glazed cake. Optionally dust the top with additional powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
- Storage: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with foil. The cake will stay fresh for 4 to 5 days on the counter.
Notes
- To ensure the best texture, avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for richer flavor and moisture.
- At room temperature, eggs and sour cream blend more easily and improve batter consistency.
- Toasting the coconut intensifies the flavor and adds a delicious crunch to the topping.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and stored well wrapped to enhance flavor.
- For more coconut flavor, substitute some water with coconut milk in the batter if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American