Coconut Sheet Cake Recipe Moist, Fluffy & Full of Coconut Flavor

Hey there, friends Chef James here from Tiramisucake.com, and today I’m sharing one of my all-time Southern favorites: a coconut sheet cake recipe that’s as moist, fluffy, and full of coconut flavor as any bakery showpiece but simple enough for a busy weeknight or Easter Sunday potluck.

This easy coconut sheet cake brings together the best of both worlds: homestyle comfort and tropical flair. It’s made with rich coconut milk, giving it that ultra-tender crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of cake that tastes like sunshine one bite and you’ll swear you’re at a backyard party in Charleston, surrounded by laughter, fresh tulips, and a big jug of sweet tea.

Growing up, I remember my grandma’s coconut cake sitting proudly beside the pies and the lemon bars at Easter. That nostalgic sweetness inspired this recipe a Southern coconut sheet cake that fits right into your modern kitchen.

If you’re just discovering the wonderful world of sheet cakes, make sure to check out our Best Sheet Cake Recipes collection it’s packed with crowd-pleasers like our lemon sheet cake for citrus lovers and the gorgeous red velvet sheet cake for something a little dramatic.

No matter the occasion birthdays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in this homemade coconut sheet cake is a dessert you’ll want to bake again and again.

(E-E-A-T mention): This recipe follows food-safety guidance inspired by the USDA to ensure your ingredients, especially dairy and eggs, are handled with care.

💕 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🥥 Ultra-moist texture: The coconut milk keeps the cake soft and rich for days.
• 🍰 Easy to make: One bowl, one pan, minimal cleanup true weeknight magic.
• 🎂 Perfect frosting balance: The coconut cream cheese frosting is luscious without being overly sweet.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly: A hit at birthdays, Easter, or Sunday dinners.
• 🌴 Versatile: Dress it up with toasted coconut or serve it plain it’s perfect either way.
• ❤️ Southern comfort: A traditional dessert that feels nostalgic yet modern.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy a fluffy coconut cake warm from the oven or chilled the next day? Tell me in the comments below!

🧂 Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the best coconut sheet cake recipe at home simple, familiar ingredients available at any U.S. grocery store (Trader Joe’s, Aldi, or Costco).

🥥 For the Cake:

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base for a tender, even crumb.
• ¼ cup cornstarch: Adds lightness and a fluffy bakery texture.
• 1 tbsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt: Essential leavening and balance.
• ½ cup unsalted butter + 5 tbsp vegetable oil: The combo creates a perfect blend of flavor and moisture.
• 1⅔ cups sugar: For balanced sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
• 3 large eggs: Bind the batter and add richness.
• 1¼ cups canned coconut milk: Use full-fat for that iconic moist coconut sheet cake texture (avoid light or refrigerated versions).
• 1 tsp coconut extract + 1½ tsp vanilla extract: Boosts natural coconut aroma.
• 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened): Adds authentic texture to the crumb.

🍶 For the Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup cold cream cheese (firm type)
• 2¼ cups powdered sugar
• ½ tsp coconut extract + ¾ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded coconut (for topping)

Chef James’s Tip: You can toast your shredded coconut for extra depth it brings out a caramel-like nuttiness that pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting.

Don’t forget to peek at our Best Sheet Cake Recipes guide for variations like banana sheet cake or carrot sheet cake both use similar pantry staples.

🔪 How to Cook (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Preheat & Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar:
   In another bowl, beat butter, oil, and sugar for 2 minutes until pale and fluffy this creates air pockets for a fluffy coconut cake texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and coconut extract. Pour in coconut milk and mix gently until smooth.
5. Combine:
   Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until no streaks remain. Do not overmix it keeps the crumb light.
6. Add Coconut:
   Fold in shredded coconut using a spatula. The batter should be silky and slightly thick.
7. Bake:
   Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
8. Make the Frosting:
   Beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar in batches. Mix in cream cheese, coconut, and vanilla extracts. Spread evenly over cooled cake, then top with shredded or toasted coconut.

✨ Chef James’s Extra Tip: For an unforgettable Easter touch, tint your shredded coconut with a drop of green food coloring and scatter pastel candies on top a nod to my grandma’s “Easter coconut cake.”

For other flavor inspirations, try the apple cinnamon sheet cake for a cozy fall vibe or the pumpkin sheet cake for spiced holiday warmth.

And of course, explore the full Best Sheet Cake Recipes pillar for all my sheet-cake secrets!

🌿 Recipe Tips & Variations

If you love to give classic desserts a little twist, this coconut sheet cake recipe is your perfect canvas. Here are my favorite ways to personalize it tested right here in the Tiramisucake kitchen!

🥥 1. Keto or Low-Carb Version

Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour, use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit, and top it with a light coconut-whipped frosting instead of cream cheese. The result? A guilt-free yet indulgent moist coconut sheet cake.

🥥 2. Dairy-Free Delight

Replace butter with coconut oil and cream cheese with vegan cream cheese or coconut cream. It gives a naturally tropical aroma and a silky frosting texture great for plant-based eaters.

🥥 3. Festive Easter Coconut Cake

For a fun, seasonal look, dye shredded coconut green and sprinkle it on top like “Easter grass.” Add pastel candy eggs or jelly beans for a playful finish.

👨‍🍳 Chef James’s Suggestion

Add a teaspoon of lime zest to the batter it gives the cake a refreshing brightness that makes every bite sing.

If you enjoy experimenting, check out my pumpkin sheet cake for a cozy fall twist or the colorful funfetti sheet cake that’s perfect for birthdays.
And don’t forget, our Best Sheet Cake Recipes hub has even more creative combinations waiting for you!

❄️ Storage & Reheating

One of the reasons I adore this easy coconut sheet cake is how well it keeps its moisture. Here’s how to store it like a pro:

• Room Temperature: Keep covered in an airtight container for up to 2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry.
• Refrigerator: Because of the coconut cream cheese frosting, I recommend refrigerating leftovers after 48 hours. The USDA advises refrigerating cream-cheese-based desserts to maintain safety and freshness.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Bring slices to room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds to restore that just-baked softness.

Chef James tip: Store a slice beside your morning coffee trust me, cold coconut cake with a hot latte is a Southern breakfast secret.

❓ FAQs (People Also Ask)

And if you’re obsessed with sheet cakes like I am, you’ll love browsing our Best Sheet Cake Recipes collection the go-to guide for every flavor and season.

🍽️ What to Serve With This Recipe

This Southern coconut sheet cake is so luscious that it can easily shine solo but it also plays beautifully with other flavors. Here are my top pairings:

• 🌸 Lemon sheet cake – for a citrusy contrast that balances the rich coconut.
• 🍌 Banana sheet cake – when you want a tropical dessert trio.
• ❤️ Red velvet sheet cake – a festive color duo for holidays or birthdays.

For more pairing ideas, head over to Best Sheet Cake Recipes your one-stop guide to every flavor, from fruity to chocolaty perfection.

🍰 More Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved this coconut sheet cake recipe, I’ve got plenty more cozy, crowd-pleasing desserts for you straight from the Tiramisucake kitchen. Each one shares the same simplicity and family-friendly charm:

• 🍏 Apple cinnamon sheet cake – the warm spices of fall in every bite.
• 🎃 Pumpkin sheet cake – a spiced classic that’s soft, comforting, and full of holiday spirit.
• 🎂 Funfetti sheet cake – colorful, joyful, and perfect for birthdays or kids’ parties.
• 🍌 Banana sheet cake – moist, fragrant, and a great way to use ripe bananas.

And of course, don’t miss the full Best Sheet Cake Recipes pillar the ultimate guide to sheet cakes for every season.

📋 Recipe Card

🥥 Coconut Sheet Cake Recipe

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💬 Part 11 Conclusion

And there you have it, friends a moist coconut sheet cake recipe that captures everything we love about Southern baking: simplicity, generosity, and soul.

This cake is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something extraordinary just a few pantry staples, a can of coconut milk, and a bit of heart.

Whether you bake it for Easter, Sunday supper, or just because it’s a rainy afternoon, this fluffy coconut cake will bring comfort and smiles to your table.

If you’re inspired, don’t miss the full Best Sheet Cake Recipes collection it’s where I share all my favorites, from chocolate classics to fruity twists.

As always, handle ingredients safely following USDA food guidelines, and for more expert baking techniques, check out the team over at Serious Eats a fantastic resource for passionate home bakers.

Now it’s your turn: bake it, taste it, and tell me below what’s your secret twist on coconut cake?

With sweetness and Southern love,
– Chef James, Tiramisucake.com