This Martha Stewart Coconut Crunch Cake is a rich and moist dessert, which uses cream of coconut and shredded coconut. It’s a showstopping, layered cake with a gooey coconut topping, perfect for special occasions or coconut lovers.
Martha Stewart Coconut Crunch Cake Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 (5.4 ounce) can cream of coconut
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
Topping:
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut (8 ounces)
- Chocolate Sauce, for serving

How To Make Martha Stewart Coconut Crunch Cake
- Prep oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 10-inch springform pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine coconut mixture: In another bowl, stir cream of coconut and vanilla.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and coconut oil on medium-high until smooth. Slowly add sugar; beat until pale and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add eggs: Reduce speed to medium; add eggs one at a time, beating well and scraping the bowl after each addition.
- Alternate wet and dry: With mixer on low, add flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the cream of coconut mixture in 2 parts. Beat until just combined.
- Make topping: Whisk egg whites and salt until frothy. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Fold in shredded coconut.
- Assemble and bake: Spread cake batter evenly in prepared pan. Dollop coconut topping over batter and gently spread. Place pan on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake the cake: Bake until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs, about 1 hour. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Cool and serve: Let cool completely before removing from pan. Slice into wedges and drizzle with chocolate sauce. Serve extra sauce on the side.

Recipe Tips
- What is cream of coconut? It’s a sweetened coconut product used in desserts and cocktails. Don’t confuse it with coconut milk.
- Can I use unsweetened coconut? For the topping, stick with sweetened coconut for best texture and flavor.
- Why use a springform pan? It makes removing the finished cake much easier without disturbing the gooey topping.
- How to store leftovers: Keep covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Chocolate sauce ideas: Use homemade ganache or store-bought chocolate syrup.
What To Serve With Coconut Crunch Cake
This indulgent cake pairs well with:
- Vanilla or coconut ice cream
- Fresh pineapple or mango
- Espresso or dark roast coffee
- Toasted almonds or macadamia nuts

How To Store Coconut Crunch Cake
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. Bring to room temp before serving.
Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Coconut Crunch Cake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 610
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Sugar: 55g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for several days.
Can I skip the chocolate sauce?
Yes, it’s optional—but adds a delicious finish.
Can I use coconut milk instead of cream of coconut?
No, the cream of coconut is sweetened and thicker, which is key for flavor and texture.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter.
Try More Recipes:
- Martha Stewart Coconut Cream Cake
- Martha Stewart Coconut Cloud Cake
- Martha Stewart Coconut Chiffon Cake
Martha Stewart Coconut Crunch Cake
Description
A rich coconut cake topped with a gooey coconut layer and served with chocolate sauce. Perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 10-inch springform pan.
- Mix dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine cream of coconut and vanilla.
- Cream butter and coconut oil. Add sugar, beat until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time. Alternate adding flour mixture and coconut mixture.
- Make topping: Beat egg whites and salt. Stir in milk and vanilla. Fold in coconut.
- Spread batter in pan. Add topping evenly.
- Bake for 1 hour. Cool completely.
- Remove from pan. Slice and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
