The Halekulani Coconut Cake recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a taste of Hawaii’s warmth and elegance.
Inspired by the famous cake served at the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki, this recipe brings soft, moist layers and rich coconut flavor together in a way that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
I’ve recreated it in my kitchen, and now I’m sharing every detail so you can enjoy this tropical classic at home.
How To Prepare Halekulani Coconut Cake Recipe?
Recipe Time & Yield
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Prep: 20 min
- Bake: 45 min
- Cool & Assemble: 30 min
- Yield: 10–12 slices
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Cooling racks (2)
- Mixing bowls (medium, large)
- Stand or hand mixer
- Whisk, rubber spatula, measuring cups, and spoons
- Cake leveler or serrated knife
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coconut extract
- 1 cup (240ml) full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, room temperature
For Coconut Syrup
- ½ cup (120ml) coconut milk
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Frosting
- 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½–4 cups (420–480g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coconut extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your two 9-inch pans with parchment rounds.
2. Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs & Extracts
Add eggs one at a time, mixing fully after each. Stir in vanilla and coconut extracts.
5. Alternate Milk & Dry Mix
Add dry ingredients in three parts alternately with coconut milk and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Don’t overmix.
6. Bake
Divide batter equally between pans, smooth tops, and bake 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
7. Make Coconut Syrup
Warm coconut milk and sugar until sugar dissolves; stir in vanilla.
8. Soak Layers
Once cakes are on racks, poke holes with a skewer and brush syrup generously onto each layer. Let cool fully.
9. Make Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and coconut extracts. Whip until fluffy.
10. Assemble the Cake
Level the cakes. Place one layer on your serving plate, frost the top, add a second layer, and frost the sides and top. Sprinkle toasted coconut over the top and edges.
Best 7 Nutrition Facts (per serving, ~1 slice) of Halekulani Coconut Cake Recipe
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat 14 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Carbohydrates: 48 g (Sugar 33 g)
- Protein: 5 g
Serving Suggestions For Halekulani Coconut Cake Recipe
I love serving this cake slightly chilled or at room temperature. Try pairing it with:
- A dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries
- A scoop of passion fruit or mango sorbet
- A cup of lightly brewed green or jasmine tea
Tips & Variations Of Halekulani Coconut Cake Recipe
- Lighten it up: Swap the full-fat coconut milk with light coconut milk or half almond milk.
- Extra coconut flavor: Stir ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes into the batter.
- Swiss Meringue Buttercream twist: Replace cream cheese frosting with Swiss meringue buttercream for a silkier texture.
- Layer up: Use small 6-inch pans for taller, dainty single-tier cakes.
Health Benefits Of Halekulani Coconut Cake Recipe
- Coconut milk delivers medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that support energy and metabolism.
- Unsaturated fats from coconut and cream cheese in moderation can promote healthy cell function.
- Cultural joy: A home‑baked tropical cake brings Hawaiian warmth, mood boost, and family connection.
Conclusion
I’m thrilled to share this Halekulani coconut cake recipe. It brings island luxury to your kitchen with rich coconut flavor, moist crumb, and elegant presentation.
Whether for family, celebrations, or just to brighten up the day, this cake speaks aloha in every bite.
Happy baking—and be sure to tag your tropical creation! Thanks for reading this article on the Halekulani coconut cake recipe.