Everything about this coconut cake is coconut, from filling to topping.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This layer cake is a coconut lover’s dream.

The cake batter itself is studded with coconut flakes to add pops of flavor and texture to the cake.

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Large flakes of toasted coconut make a beautiful garnish for this cream-filled cake.

Make this cake as the ultimate birthday treat for the coconut-lover in your life.

This centerpiece-worthy cake certainly makes the list ofour favorite coconut desserts.

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake a slice on a plate with a fork to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Grease and flour 4 (9-inch) round cake pans.

Add extract, beating well.

Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition.

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Stir in flaked coconut.

Pour batter into prepared pans.

Let cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes.

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake combining the first 7 batter ingredients in a mixing bowl

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely (about 1 hour).

Toast the coconut:

Meanwhile, reduce oven temperature to 350F.

Arrange coconut shavings in a single layer in a shallow pan.

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake adding the extract to the cake batter

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bake, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted.

Remove from heat, and stir in coconut and extracts.

Let cool completely (about 30 minutes).

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake adding the eggs to the cake batter

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Assemble the cake:

Spread Coconut Filling between layers of cake, leaving a 1-inch border.

Spread Whipped Cream Frosting on top and sides of cake.

Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of cake, pressing gently to adhere.

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake stirring in the flaked coconut

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake batter in the pans ready to bake

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake layers cooling on wire racks

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake coconut before toasting

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake coconut after toasting

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake cooking the filling until thickened

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake stirring in the coconut and extract

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake making the whipped cream frosting

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake spreading the filling inside the cake layers

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake fully assembled on a cake plate to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox