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Close up of two dark chocolate cake layers with a bright white coconut cream filling. (Chocolate Coconut Cake)

Chocolate Coconut Cake: The Ultimate Dark Chocolate and Sweetened Coconut Layer Cake

A decadent Chocolate Coconut Cake featuring moist dark cocoa sponge layers, a dense shredded coconut cream filling, and a silky dark chocolate ganache frosting. Perfectly balanced, tropical, and bakery-tall.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Cakes, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Layers
  • 1.5 cups (130g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder Sifted
  • 1 cup (240ml) Boiling water To bloom cocoa
  • 2 cups (400g) Granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (250g) All-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup (120ml) Vegetable oil
  • 2 large Eggs Room temperature
  • 1.5 tsp Baking soda
  • 1.5 tsp Baking powder
Filling
  • 1 cup (240ml) Heavy whipping cream Cold
  • 2 cups (200g) Sweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cup (60g) Powdered sugar
Ganache
  • 8 oz (225g) Dark chocolate Chopped
  • 1 cup (240ml) Heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp Shredded coconut For garnish

Equipment

  • 2 8-inch round cake pans High-sided preferred
  • 1 Offset spatula For smooth frosting
  • 1 Stand Mixer Or electric hand mixer

Method
 

Bake the Cake
  1. Whisk boiling water into cocoa powder until smooth. Let cool.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another. Slowly mix cocoa mixture into wet ingredients, then combine with dry. Do not overmix.
  3. Divide batter into two 8-inch pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 mins until a toothpick comes out clean.
Assemble and Frost
  1. Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar to stiff peaks. Fold in shredded coconut.
  2. Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth. Let thicken to spreading consistency.
  3. Layer cake, filling, cake. Frost exterior with ganache. Garnish with coconut flakes.

Notes

Use Dutch-processed cocoa for the darkest color.
Ensure the cake is completely cool before filling to prevent melting.