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Close-up of a platter of golden coconut cakes with toasted coconut tops and tender centers — a must-try Coconut Recipe for bakers, ideal for collections of Coconut Dessert Recipes, and a sweet idea for Coconut Sweet Recipes.

Easy Portuguese Coconut Cake Recipe — Tender Coconut Desserts

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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Yield: 12 cake 1x
  • Category: Dessert

Description

Light, coconut-forward mini cakes that bake up golden on the outside and tender inside. Makes about 12 cakes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and homogenous.
  3. Add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir just until the dry streaks disappear.
  4. Fold the coconut flakes into the batter gently so you keep some texture.
  5. Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full (they’ll rise).
  6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Let the cakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea.

Notes

  • Handy tips & variations
    • Chocolate finish: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cakes for a classic coconut–chocolate combo.
    • Tropical add-ins: Fold in ¼ cup finely diced pineapple or mango for extra fruitiness.
    • Mini version: Use a mini muffin tin and reduce bake time to about 10–12 minutes.
    • Gluten-free swap: Replace the all-purpose flour with an equal-weight gluten-free flour blend.
  • Storage
    • Store cooled cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to a week. Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.