This coconut Nutella layer cake features two layers of moist coconut cake topped with Nutella, coconut buttercream, and toasted coconut. If you love chocolate and coconut then you’ll adore this cake!
Please forgive any typos in today’s post. I’m working with an injury—I was making caramels to send out as Christmas gifts and burned my pointer finger SO FREAKING BADLY that I can’t type with it. I’m also a little delirious from the pain so if I say anything that sounds slightly off it’s not because I’ve been drinking. Or binging on sugar.
OK, it might be partly because I’ve been binging on sugar. (Coconut cake is a good excuse for a sugar binge right?)
But the worst part of my injury is that the caramels won’t be ready to eat until I wake up tomorrow morning so I can’t even console myself with delicious, delicious candy. #firstworldproblems
But on to our regularly scheduled post:
We all know how beautifully chocolate and coconut go together. Like peanut butter and jelly or strawberries and cream, they were meant to be.
Of course we also know that almonds are a perfect addition to the chocolate and coconut combo.
But there’s a new nut in town and it wants to party with chocolate and coconut too.
And that would be the hazelnut.
That’s right! Today is all about the incredible, amazing, transcendent combination that is coconut and Nutella. And I can think of no better way to showcase that combo than by making a coconut Nutella layer cake.
Prepare yourselves. Because, fair warning, I had to sit down after a took a bite of this cake. (I was standing over the kitchen sink intending to wolf down my slice and quickly moved to the table lest my knees buckled, which may have led to my cake landing on the floor. And that would have been tragic.)
Such deliciousness deserves to be savored in a more civil manner than anyway.
Because this is a moist cake full of coconut flavor first covered in Nutella, then covered in creamy coconut buttercream, then finally topped with toasted coconut for a little bit of crunch.
PS, the buttercream is INSANE. It’s flavored with cream of coconut (NOT coconut cream—they’re different). Cream of coconut is one of my favorite ingredients to use when I make coconut desserts because it’s soooooo indulgent and coconut-y.
Just don’t try to substitute coconut cream for the cream of coconut. They’re not the same.
And now I must leave you to treat my poor finger. My caramels might now be ready but I have a few slices of coconut Nutella layer cake still in the freezer. And you’d better believe I’m going to eat at least one!
Did you make this coconut Nutella layer cake? That’s great! Let me know what you think with a comment and a rating below. And post a pic on Instagram too! Tag @theitsybitsykitchen so I can see! Then like IBK on Facebook and follow on Pinterest for more delicious recipes.
Sweet coconut cake covered in Nutella and coconut frosting. Who could resist?
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup cream of coconut NOT coconut cream
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 cup whole milk at room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons cream of coconut
- 2 to 4 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream as needed for consistency
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups chocolate hazelnut spread
- Assembly:
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut lightly toasted*
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray 2 9-inch round baking pans with cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Spray the paper with cooking spray and set pans aside.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl. Place the butter, sugar, and cream of coconut in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer set to medium speed until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and coconut extract to combine. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and add the milk, then beat until well combined.
- Turn mixer to low and beat in the flour mixture until just incorporated. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl again to ensure all of the dry ingredients are mixed in. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 38 to 48 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool cake layers in pans for 20 minutes, then run a knife around the edge of the cake and carefully invert onto wire racks to cool completely before filling and frosting.
- Beat butter on medium speed until very smooth. Add the cream of coconut, 2 tablespoons of milk, the coconut extract, and the salt and beat 1 minute more. Add 3 cups of powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined. Turn mixer to high speed and beat for 3 minutes, until very light and fluffy. If frosting is too thick, add additional milk or cream. If it’s too thin add additional powdered sugar.
- If your cakes have domed, use a long serrated knife to trim them so they’re even. Place one cake layer on a cardboard cake circle or a cake stand. Spread about 1/4 cup of chocolate hazelnut spread over the cake. (If it’s hard to spread then warm it in the microwave for a few seconds to loosen it up.) Spread a thin layer of the coconut frosting over the top, then top with the remaining cake layer.
- Frost the whole cake with the remaining chocolate hazelnut spread, then refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes.
- After the cake has refrigerated, frost the entire thing with the remaining coconut frosting. Press the toasted coconut all over the cake. Slice and serve.
*To toast the coconut, spread both the coconut into a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Toast in a 350-degree oven until golden, about 5 to 10 minutes. Watch it carefully because it burns fast. If it needs to stay in the oven more than 5 minutes, stir it with a spatula every minute or so. Cool it completely before you assemble your cake.
Adapted from My Mama Made That
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking says
I’m a huge fan of coconut and chocolate, so this cake has my name written all over it! And my husband would love it too! Definitely making soon! Hope your finger heals quickly Kelsie!
Kelsie says
Thank you, Leanne!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
I just met this cake, but I’m in love already! It sounds insanely good, Kelsie!! If you ask me, cream of coconut t is one of the best things that come in a can (it’s in a neck and neck race with sweetened condensed milk). And when you pair coconut with Nutella…heavenly! Take good care of your finger. I hope your finger heals quickly!! Pinning.
Kelsie says
Haha! Thank you, Thao! Have a great rest of your week!
Karly says
A flavor combo sent straight from heaven- this cake looks INCREDIBLE. Cannot get over how light, airy and perfectly sweet it sounds!
Kelsie says
Thank you so much, Karly!
Christina says
Whelp, I just died and went to cake heaven. I LOVE coconut and chocolate but get this… brace yourself… I have never tried nutella. I know, right? I need to get on the nutella bandwagon quick because this recipe looks bonkers delicious! I hope you get to eat your caramels soon and your finger gets better!
Kelsie says
OH EM GEE Christina! Go buy a jar right now! Thank you–I’m going to have a caramel for breakfast dessert today 🙂
Paul says
YUM! This reminds me at those chocolate sweets filled with coconut. Chocolate and coconut work so well together!! It really looks amazingly delicious. I hope your finger is better! You need it to keep making delicious recipes 😀
Kelsie says
Thank you, Paul!
Milena | Craft Beering says
So sorry to hear about your caramel burn incident. You are right to say that only more sugar can alleviate the pain..Ask any baby for confirmation:) Seriously though, hope you heal faster. In the meantime please do think of more desserts with Nutella. I eat it straight out of the jar. It doesn’t happen often, but once in a blue moon I will buy a jar (for kiddo, of course) and as soon as there is the right movie on (usually the following night) I would polish it off. This coconut cake is just soooo beautiful! And the toasted coconut flavors along with the Nutella. Yum!
Kelsie says
Haha! Thank you, Milena! I rarely bring Nutella into the house because I too will just sit with a spoon and finish it 🙂
marcie@flavorthemoments says
I’m so sorry you burned your finger! Caramel burns are just awful but at least you will have caramels to eat soon to make up for it. 🙂 This cake is just beautiful — that coconut-Nutella combination sounds heavenly!
Kelsie says
That’s what I keep telling myself: it was worth it for the caramels! Thank you, Marcie!
gardeningfoodie says
I am so sorry about your finger Kelsie, burns are the worst pain ever.
This is such a gorgeous combination of ingredients in a cake…nutella and coconut absolutely heavenly and so beautiful.
Hope your finger heals quickly….have a great week 🙂
Kelsie says
Thank you, Ashika! You have a great week, too!
Laura says
Oh, man, Kelsie! I think I want this cake on my Christmas dinner table! You’re right about coconut and chocolate – it’s the best! Thanks for this delectable recipe!
Kelsie says
Thank you, Laura!
The Home Cook's Kitchen says
oh I’m sorry about your finger – sugar burns are the actual worst! hope it heals soon! i remember receiving a very nasty burn from hot jelly in a jelly donut that spurted out onto my hand they HURT!!! this cake looks amazing, love the combo of nutella and coconut! dreamy!
Kelsie says
They are the actual worst. I let out a stream of expletives that even Cookie was shocked by :). Thank you, Georgie!
Mary Ann @ thebeachhousekitchen says
Can’t beat the chocolate coconut combo! What a GORGEOUS cake for the holidays Kelsie!
Kelsie says
Thank you so much, Mary Ann!
David | Spiced says
Woah. My mind is blown here, Kelsie. The combination of Nutella and coconut sounds amazing! Why have I never combined these before? And why do I not have a slice of this amazing cake sitting in front of me right now? Clearly I need to get to baking! I’m sorry to hear about your finger…that totally sucks. But then again, it’s a small price to pay for the wonders of caramel, right? 🙂 (I totally twisted my back this weekend doing who knows what…probably playing with Robbie. So I’m sitting here all contorted at my desk. I get it.) Hang in there, my friend!
Kelsie says
Thank you, David! I’ll gladly burn my fingers if it means I get to eat caramels :). I hope your back feels better soon!
pglooney says
Those caramels can be dangerous. lol I never thought of putting coconut with Nutella but its so perfect. Beautiful shots as always
Kelsie says
Haha! They sure can be! Thank you, Patrick!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Oh noooo, girlfriend! That is the worst! Hopefully this cake will have you feeling better in no time! Coconut and Nutella? Are you kidding me?!! This is holiday genius!! Feel better, sweets!
Kelsie says
Thank you Annie! Have a fabulous week!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats says
Mmmm you had me at hazelnut! This sounds like an awesome combo! Sorry about your finger. Burns are the worst but I bet your caramels will be delicious. Let me know if you need my address to send caramels to hahaha xoxo 🙂
Kelsie says
Thank you, Kelly! Haha! I hope you have a great week 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Meooooow-chie! So sorry you burnt the tip of your finger – that is NEVER fun! Sending the heal fast vibes your way, girl! This cake looks AMAZING!! Seriously, I am OBSESSED with all things coconut, so it’s like you made this beauty just for ME!! (<– I'm not self absorbed or anything. lol). I'm just dying over the coconut and hazelnut combo. I NEED this. IMMEDIATELY! Cheers, sweets!
Kelsie says
Thank you, Chey! Coconut is the best isn’t it? Have a great week my dear!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
OUCH!!!! That’s terrible!! Hope your finger feels better soon, Kelsie!! This cake looks absolutely amazing! Such a sucker for coconut anything and then paired with hazelnut?! YES PLEASE! Another home run with this one….I just wish you could bat some my way 😉 Have a great week and feel better soon! XO
Kelsie says
Thank you, Dawn! I wish I could send you a whole cake!
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess says
UMMM! Just the title has me sold! OMGoodness Kelsie! I want a slice of that heavenly cake please! And… I burnt a couple of my fingers this weekend too…ugh! Not badly though like you! I love your cake creations!!! Have a happy Monday my sweet friend!!
Kelsie says
Thank you, Kim! I’ll send you a slice ASAP. Finger burns are so painful! I hope yours feels better soon 🙂
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes says
That cake is a heavenly creation Kelsie!! Layers of coconut goodness, nutella and that coconuty chocolate buttercream!! YUMM! So sorry about your finger though.. I am sure a fat slice of this cake is going to make you feel better 🙂
Kelsie says
Thank you, Deepika! Cake cures tons of problems 🙂
lynne hoareau says
Aww Kelsie, sorry about your finger ! It probably is going to take a few days to heal nicely 🙁 Kelsie, this cake sounds like absolute heaven and it looks so pretty 🙂 I love love love coconut. The cream coconut is new to me, so will have to check that out. Mmmmmm craving cake now 🙂 🙂 😉
Kelsie says
Thank you, Lynne! It’s already feeling quite a bit better :). Watch out for coconut cream. It’s delicious!