If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with a dessert that’s as rich in flavor as it is in texture, this Chocolate Coconut Macaroon Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try! Imagine a moist, cocoa-infused cake layered with a sweet, gooey coconut macaroon filling — it’s truly a match made in heaven. Trust me, every bite is like a cozy hug for your soul.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Irresistible Combination of Flavors: The marriage of deep chocolate and sweet coconut creates a dessert that appeals to both chocolate lovers and coconut enthusiasts alike.
Unique Texture Experience: Soft, tender cake paired with a chewy and moist coconut layer adds delightful contrast in every bite.
Perfect For Special Occasions or Everyday Treats: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or craving a weekday indulgence, this cake fits the bill.
Surprisingly Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your pantry, making this recipe easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes!
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together to create one mouthwatering masterpiece. Each element plays a crucial role — from the cocoa powder bringing that chocolatey depth, to the shredded coconut that makes the filling wonderfully chewy and fragrant.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and softness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness throughout the cake and filling.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Imparts rich chocolate flavor and a lovely dark color.
- Sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
- Shortening: Helps with a tender crumb and richness; can be replaced with butter for a richer taste but may alter texture slightly.
- Shredded sweetened coconut: The star of the filling — ensure it’s sweetened for that signature chewy sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle warm note that enhances all other flavors.
- Egg white: Whipped to create the light, airy texture in the coconut filling.
- Butter and milk: Used in the glaze for a smooth, glossy finish.
How to Make Chocolate Coconut Macaroon Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Macaroon Filling
Start by whipping the egg white in a small bowl until soft peaks form—this airiness is what gives the filling its delightful lightness. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until you reach stiff peaks. Then, gently fold in shredded coconut, a tablespoon of flour, and vanilla extract. Setting this aside allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you prepare the cake batter.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt—until evenly combined. Meanwhile, in another bowl, stir the wet ingredients: sour cream, eggs, reserved egg yolk, vanilla extract, shortening, and water. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and blend until smooth and uniform. This batter is rich and luscious, promising a tender crumb once baked.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Prepare your bundt pan by greasing the inside first with a thin layer of shortening and then dusting it lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Pour half the cake batter into the pan and smooth it into an even layer. Carefully spoon the coconut macaroon filling in a ring around the center — imagine creating a secret sweet treasure hidden inside! Then, cover it all with the remaining batter, gently evening out the top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 350° F (175° C) for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely — patience here ensures that glorious coconut filling stays intact.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Glaze
For the decadent glaze, melt butter, milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder together in a small saucepan over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle this luscious chocolate glaze over the cooled cake, giving it an enticing shiny finish and extra burst of chocolate flavor.
How to Serve Chocolate Coconut Macaroon Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a little something extra, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the glazed cake to enhance that coconut aroma and add a pleasant crunch. Fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream also complement the rich flavors beautifully, adding freshness and lightness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple cup of coffee or tea. If you want to keep the focus on indulgence, a rich chocolate mousse or a berry compote side can turn your dessert into a full-on celebration of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual slices with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch. You could also cut the cake into bite-sized squares and stick a decorative toothpick in each for a party platter. Presentation makes a difference, and this cake lends itself effortlessly to being both simple and spectacular.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices of this Chocolate Coconut Macaroon Cake Recipe keep wonderfully when wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and moist for 1 to 2 days — perfect for savoring later without losing any magic.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the whole cake or individual slices for up to 3 months. Just wrap securely in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for an easy, make-ahead dessert solution.
Reheating
For the freshest taste, reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until just warm. This will bring out the luscious chocolate and coconut flavors without drying out the cake. If you prefer, a short stint in a low oven wrapped in foil works beautifully as well.
FAQs
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Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened in the filling?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind it will reduce the overall sweetness of the filling. You might want to add a little extra sugar to balance it out.
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What can I substitute for shortening in this recipe?
Butter can be used as a substitute for shortening, though it may make the cake a touch denser and give it a richer, buttery flavor.
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Is it important to reserve the egg yolk for the cake batter?
Absolutely! The yolk adds richness and moisture to the cake, while the white is used for the fluffy coconut filling. Keeping them separate is key to achieving the distinct textures.
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Can this cake be made into cupcakes or smaller individual cakes?
Yes! You can bake this batter and filling in cupcake tins; just be sure to reduce baking time and keep an eye on them as smaller portions bake faster.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way chocolate and coconut come together in this Chocolate Coconut Macaroon Cake Recipe. It’s one of those desserts that feels both indulgent and comforting — perfect to share with family or treat yourself after a long day. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your baking rotation. You’re going to love it!
Print
Chocolate Coconut Macaroon Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Macaroon Cake is a luscious chocolate bundt cake layered with a moist coconut macaroon filling and topped with a rich cocoa glaze. Combining the classic flavors of chocolate and coconut, this cake offers a delightful texture contrast and a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk (reserve the egg white for the filling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 3/4 cup water
Coconut Macaroon Filling:
- 1 large egg white
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare Coconut Filling: In a small bowl, beat the egg white until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in shredded coconut, flour, and vanilla extract. Set aside for later use.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, eggs, reserved egg yolk, vanilla extract, and shortening until smooth and well blended.
- Make Cake Batter: Add the wet ingredient mixture and water to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, ensuring a smooth batter without overmixing.
- Prepare Bundt Pan: Grease the inside of a bundt pan with a thin layer of shortening, then dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Layer Cake Batter and Filling: Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. Spoon the coconut macaroon filling in a line around the center of this batter layer. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the filling to cover completely.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: Combine butter, milk, and cocoa powder in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze Cake: Spoon the glaze over the cooled cake evenly, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- The cake can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored well wrapped in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor and convenience.
- For longer storage, freeze the wrapped cake for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before glazing.
- Ensure not to overbeat the egg whites in the filling to maintain the proper macaroon texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results and smoother batter.
- Check doneness with a toothpick as ovens vary; avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.