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+ servings
One slice of lemon filled coconut cake.

Coconut Cake with Lemon Filling and Cream Cheese Frosting

This Coconut Cake with Lemon Filling and Cream Cheese Frosting combines fluffy coconut layers, tangy lemon curd, and rich cream cheese for an irresistible treat.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 58 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 43 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 584kcal

Ingredients

Cake

  • 2 ½ cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 12 tablespoons butter room temp
  • 1 ¾ cup sugar
  • 6 eggs separated
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 ½ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup unsweetened canned coconut cream
  • ½ cup sweetened coconut

Lemon Curd

  • 3 eggs
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice 5-6 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ½ cup butter room temp
  • 12 ounces cream cheese room temp
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon coconut extract- optional

Instructions

Cake

  • Preheat oven to 325º. Butter and flour three 9 inch cake pans and line with parchment paper.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy, about 2 minutes Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating after each, then beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add vanilla.
  • Combine the buttermilk and coconut cream in a measuring cup. Add about a third of the flour mixture alternating with the buttermilk, beating just until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. Fold in ¼ of the egg whites, when combined, fold in the remaining egg whites.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans, smooth out the top with an offset spatula and bake for 40-43 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean and the edges should be pulling away from the side of the pan.
  • Place on a cooling rack for 15 minutes then remove from the pans and let cool completely before frosting.
  • Once cool even off the rounded tops with a serrated knife.

Lemon Curd

  • Add eggs and egg yolks to a saucepan and add sugar whisking until combined. Slowly whisk in the lemon juice.
  • Place over low heat and whisk constantly for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Don’t let it get too hot or the eggs will curdle. Once it has thickened, remove from the heat and whisk in butter. Let come to room temperature then refrigerate until needed. It will thicken further as it cools.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Cream the butter and cream cheese together until combined with an electric mixer. Add powdered sugar and salt and beat until smooth and creamy. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar a little at a time. If it is too thick, you can add a little cream.
  • Assemble: To assemble even off the first layer with a serrated knife and spread ½ cup of lemon curd over the cake. Sprinkle with coconut and add the 2nd layer. Repeat with the second layer. Add the third layer and frost with cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle with toasted coconut if desired.

Notes

  • Use a serrated knife to even out the cake layers so they will sit flat.
  • If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate it so that it is easily spreadable. 
  • Use a kitchen scale to make sure your cake layers are even before placing in the oven.
  • If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out. 
  • You will have more lemon curd than you need.
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