This Martha Stewart Coconut Cream Cake is a moist and rich dessert, which uses sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk for intense coconut flavor. It’s a perfect make-ahead cake for entertaining, ideal for holidays, potlucks, or spring celebrations.
Martha Stewart Coconut Cream Cake Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for pans
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup flaked unsweetened coconut, toasted and finely ground
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
For the Soaking Mixture:
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided
- 1 can (13.75 ounces) unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
For Serving:
- 3 cups mixed fresh berries (about 12 ounces)

How To Make Martha Stewart Coconut Cream Cake
- Prep oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish generously.
- Whip egg whites: In a stand mixer, whisk egg whites, baking soda, and salt on medium speed until soft peaks form (4–5 minutes).
- Add yolks and sugar: Add egg yolks and whisk until well blended. Gradually add sugar, whisking until combined.
- Fold in butter and coconut: Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the melted butter and toasted, ground coconut.
- Incorporate flour: Sift in 1/4 cup of the flour at a time, folding after each addition until all 1 cup is incorporated.
- Bake the cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake 20–25 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Soak the cake: While the cake bakes, whisk together 1 cup heavy cream, coconut milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Once the cake is out of the oven, pour the mixture evenly over the hot cake. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight (up to 8 hours).
- Top and serve: Just before serving, whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream to soft peaks. Spread over the chilled cake and serve with fresh mixed berries.

Recipe Tips
- Why pour milk mixture while the cake is hot? It helps the cake absorb all the liquid and become ultra-moist.
- Can I use sweetened coconut flakes? Stick with unsweetened for balance, since the condensed milk adds plenty of sweetness.
- Best way to toast coconut: Bake at 325°F for 5–8 minutes, stirring once or twice.
- Can I use canned whipped cream? Freshly whipped cream has better texture and flavor.
- How far ahead can I make it? Up to 1 day in advance. Add whipped cream and berries right before serving.
What To Serve With Coconut Cream Cake
This dessert pairs beautifully with light and fruity sides:
- Fresh mango or pineapple slices
- Coconut ice cream
- Mint tea or iced herbal tea
- Sparkling rosé or prosecco

How To Store Coconut Cream Cake
Refrigerate: Cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add whipped cream topping just before serving.
Freeze: Not recommended due to the dairy-rich topping and soaked texture.
Coconut Cream Cake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 485 per slice
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 32g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 115mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use canned coconut cream instead of coconut milk?
Coconut cream is thicker and richer. You may need to adjust with a bit more cream or milk.
Why does the cake need to chill for hours?
This allows the milk mixture to fully soak in and flavors to develop.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
How do I keep whipped cream stable for hours?
Add a spoonful of cornstarch or use stabilized whipped cream if needed.
Try More Recipes:
Martha Stewart Coconut Cream Cake
Description
A rich, soaked coconut cake topped with whipped cream and berries—perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13 pan.
- Beat egg whites, baking soda, and salt to soft peaks.
- Add yolks and sugar; whisk to combine.
- Fold in butter and coconut.
- Sift and fold in flour gradually.
- Bake 20–25 minutes. Whisk coconut milk, 1 cup cream, and condensed milk.
- Pour over hot cake. Cool completely. Chill 5–8 hours.
- Whip remaining cream to soft peaks and spread on top. Serve with berries.
