Why You’ll Love This Tom Cruise Coconut Cake

Creamy & Fluffy Texture: With its tender cake, creamy frosting, and three forms of coconut (milk, shredded, and toasted), this cake offers a delightful multi-layered texture that makes it stand out from other coconut cakes.

Make-Ahead Marvel: The taste and texture of this cake improve when made a day or two ahead. This makes it perfect for preparing in advance, leaving you stress-free when entertaining guests!

Rich Flavor: The harmonious blend of white chocolate, coconut, and vanilla creates an incredibly rich and buttery sweetness that will leave everyone craving for more. The cream cheese frosting balances these flavors effortlessly.

Perfect for Special Occasions: With its stunning Bundt shape and impressive presentation, this cake becomes the centerpiece of any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday or a holiday gathering, it’s sure to please every guest.

Ingredients

• Cake Flour and Baking Powder: Cake flour gives your cake a tender, delicate crumb, while baking powder ensures it rises perfectly.
• Salt and Ground Nutmeg: Salt enhances flavor, and nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that beautifully complements the coconut.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, moist texture and allows precise control over the saltiness of the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides the needed sweetness and contributes to a fine crumb structure.
• Eggs: Whole eggs deliver richness and structure. Egg whites lighten the texture, making the cake more delicate.
• Vanilla and Almond Extract: Vanilla adds depth, while almond extract subtly enhances the coconut flavor with a nutty touch.
• Full-Fat Unsweetened Coconut Milk: Contributes not only flavor but also an incredibly moist texture to the cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess, complemented by helping to create a tender crumb.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: This adds texture and brings a sweet coconut flavor throughout the cake.
• White Chocolate: Introduces richness into both the cake’s flavor and texture.
• Frosting Ingredients: For the frosting, you’ll need sweetened shredded coconut, unsalted butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar, and heavy cream for a creamy, rich, slightly tangy finish.

How to Make Tom Cruise Coconut Cake

This cake requires a bit of time and love, but the results are completely worth it! Follow these simple steps:

1. Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Sift: In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set it aside for later.
3. Beat: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, add the egg whites, continuing to beat the mixture for an additional 3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
5. Combine: Lower the mixer speed to low, and add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Next, stir in the coconut milk and sour cream, then add the remaining dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Fold: Gently fold in the shredded coconut and white chocolate until evenly distributed.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Toast: In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the shredded coconut. Stir constantly until it turns lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
10. Prep the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the cream cheese and mix until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Finally, add heavy cream and beat at medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until the frosting is fluffy.
11. Assemble: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides. Use a spatula to smooth the surface, then press the toasted coconut onto the frosting until the cake is entirely covered.
12. Chill and serve: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, slice it, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Tom Cruise Coconut Cake

To ensure your cake reaches celebrity gift-giving status, keep these tips in mind:

• Prep the pan thoroughly: Grease and flour every nook and cranny of your Bundt pan for a clean release.
• Room-temperature is key: Make sure your eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a plusher cake texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter! Combine just until everything is blended and no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
• Give it some chill time: Refrigerating the cake for at least 30 minutes helps set the frosting and enhances the flavors.
• Try tasty variations: Consider adding citrus zest for a fresh twist, swapping almond extract for rum extract, or using dark chocolate instead of white for a richer flavor.

How to Store

To keep your leftover cake deliciously fresh, here’s what you need to do:

To Store: Place the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s well-covered to maintain its moisture.

To Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for 4-5 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator and frost before serving for the best results.