Tiki Paradise Coconut Cake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist and fluffy cake infused with coconut flavor, topped with a rum-spiked frosting. This Tropical-inspired recipe, ready in about 65 minutes, layers All-purpose flour, Coconut milk, Eggs into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 35 min Serves 8 Tropical cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. In a bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: In another bowl, beat 2 eggs, then add 1 cup coconut milk, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then fold in dry ingredients.
  3. Step 3: Pour batter into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  4. Step 4: For frosting: Beat 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp light rum until smooth. Spread over cake and top with toasted coconut flakes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tiki Paradise Coconut Cake take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (30 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Tiki Paradise Coconut Cake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tiki Paradise Coconut Cake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Tiki Paradise Coconut Cake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Tiki Paradise Coconut Cake?

Tropical desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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