Coconut Pound Cake Recipe: A Moist, Tropical Delight

Ingredients for Coconut Pound Cake

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional, for extra coconut flavor)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Optional Coconut Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

How to Make Coconut Pound Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan or use non-stick baking spray.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and coconut extract (if using) until well combined.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

6. Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the coconut milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition.
7. Fold in Coconut: Gently fold in the shredded coconut.

Step 6: Bake the Pound Cake

8. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake: Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

10. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: (Optional) Add Coconut Glaze

11. Prepare the Glaze: For a sweet coconut glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, coconut milk, and coconut extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness and coconut flavor.