Have you heard about the absolutely incredible Tom Cruise coconut cake that's got all of Hollywood buzzing? Let me tell you, this isn't your average celebrity dessert – we're talking about a cake so special that it's become the most anticipated holiday gift in Tinseltown! The Tom Cruise coconut cake has basically achieved rockstar status, and today, I'm going to let you in on all the delicious secrets.
Every holiday season, Tom sends this amazing cake to his celebrity friends, and they literally go wild for it! It's become such a beloved tradition that when stars spot that distinctive box from Doan's Bakery in Woodland Hills, they know they're in for something magical. And get this – the Tom Cruise coconut cake is so irresistible that Kirsten Dunst playfully nicknamed it "Christmas Cocaine" because, honestly, one bite and you're hooked!
Why You'll Love This Tom Cruise Coconut Cake Recipe
Ever dreamed of tasting a dessert that's literally Hollywood famous? The Tom Cruise coconut cake recipe is your ticket to star-studded baking success! You'll absolutely love recreating this iconic Tom Cruise coconut cake
I'm going to show you how to recreate this showstopping dessert right in your own kitchen! We're talking about a gorgeous three-layer masterpiece with the most heavenly white chocolate filling and clouds of coconut frosting. And while we might not be on Tom's exclusive gift list (wouldn't that be nice?), I promise you this homemade version of the famous Tom Cruise coconut cake will make you feel like a total Hollywood insider. So grab your mixing bowls and let's get ready to bake something absolutely spectacular – your friends and family won't believe you made this!
Whether it's a holiday gathering, birthday celebration, or just because you're feeling fancy, this celebrity-inspired coconut cake brings that red-carpet wow-factor to any event.
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Ingredients
Let's gather our ingredients! Pro tip: Set everything out on your counter before starting – it makes the baking process so much more enjoyable!
For the Super-Moist Cake Layers:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (trust me, measuring accuracy matters here!)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (for that perfect rise)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (helps create that tender crumb)
- ½ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness beautifully)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (take it out of the fridge an hour before baking)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (makes it Hollywood-worthy sweet)
- 5 large eggs, room temperature (this is super important for the fluffiest texture)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure, if you have it)
- 1 cup coconut milk (the secret to that amazing flavor!)
- 1 cup buttermilk (adds such a lovely tenderness)
For the Dreamy White Chocolate Filling:
- 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped (the better quality, the better your filling!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (don't skimp here - full-fat is best)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (leave it out for about 30 minutes)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (room temp is key)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sift it if you can, for ultimate smoothness)
For the Heavenly Coconut Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened (patience with softening = perfect frosting)
- 6 cups powdered sugar (yes, it seems like a lot, but trust the process!)
- ⅓ cup coconut milk (this makes it extra special)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (adds that wonderful aroma)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (the secret to balanced sweetness)
For that Star-Worthy Decoration:
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut (this creates that gorgeous snow-like coating)
- White chocolate shavings for garnish (because we're going all out!)
Tom Cruise Coconut Cake Instructions
Preparing the Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the coconut milk and buttermilk in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Baking the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, smoothing the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.
Making the White Chocolate Filling
- Heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over the chopped white chocolate and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir until smooth and refrigerate until cool but not set, about 30 minutes.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and the cooled white chocolate mixture until light and fluffy.
Preparing the Coconut Frosting
- Beat the butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with coconut milk.
- Beat in vanilla extract and salt until smooth and fluffy.
Assembly
- Level each cake layer if needed.
- Place the first layer on a cake board and spread with half of the white chocolate filling.
- Add the second layer and repeat with remaining filling.
- Top with the final layer and apply a crumb coat of coconut frosting.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Apply the final coat of frosting and press shredded coconut all over the cake.
- Garnish with white chocolate shavings.
Equipment For Tom Cruise Coconut Cake
- Three 9-inch round cake pans
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cake leveler or serrated knife
- Offset spatula
- Cake turntable (recommended)
- Wire cooling racks
Storage Instructions
- Store the assembled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Individual cake layers can be wrapped well and frozen for up to 2 months.
- The completed cake can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Recipe Variations
- Make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the frosting by up to 1 cup.
- Add a layer of fresh raspberry preserves between the layers for a fruity twist.
- Create cupcakes instead of a layer cake (adjust baking time to 18-20 minutes).
Top Tip
Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture and even mixing.
Don't overmix the cake batter once you add the flour – this ensures a tender crumb.
Chill the cake layers before assembling for easier frosting application.
Toast some of the coconut for decoration to add extra flavor and visual interest.
Grandma's Magic Touch
Want to know the secret that makes this famous Tom Cruise Coconut Cake absolutely unforgettable? Let me share some treasured family wisdom that'll take your homemade Tom Cruise Coconut Cake from wonderful to "wow"! Here's my grandmother's special touch: before adding the coconut to your classic Tom Cruise Coconut Cake, toast just half of it until it's golden and fragrant (just like Grandma used to do in her cast-iron skillet!). Then, mix it with the untoasted coconut for the frosting.
And here's another cozy secret passed down through generations - while your traditional Tom Cruise Coconut Cake layers are still warm from the oven, brush them with a mixture of coconut milk and a tiny splash of almond extract. These simple touches transform an already delicious cake into something that'll remind you of those sweet Sunday afternoons in Grandma's kitchen, with the warm smell of freshly baked Tom Cruise Coconut Cake wafting through the air. Trust me, these little secrets make all the difference!
FAQ
Where does Tom Cruise get the coconut cake?
Tom Cruise gets his famous coconut cake from Doan's Bakery in Woodland Hills, California. This family-owned bakery has been making the celebrated white chocolate coconut bundt cake for Tom Cruise for many years, and it has become his signature holiday gift to friends and colleagues in Hollywood.
How much does a Tom Cruise coconut cake cost?
The exact Tom Cruise coconut cake from Doan's Bakery typically costs between $99-$125, depending on the size and seasonal demand. While this might seem expensive for a cake, it's known for its premium ingredients and intricate preparation process that creates its signature taste and texture.
How much is a coconut cake at Doan's?
At Doan's Bakery, their standard coconut cake prices range from $50-$125, with the famous Tom Cruise version being on the higher end of that range. The price varies based on size, customization options, and whether you're ordering the exact Tom Cruise recipe or their regular coconut cake.
Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?
While you can use coconut cream in this Tom Cruise coconut cake recipe, it will make the cake much richer and denser. For the best results that match the original recipe's texture, stick with regular full-fat coconut milk.
How did your Tom Cruise Coconut Cake turn out?
We're excited to see your creation! This moist, triple-layer coconut dream with its cloud-like frosting is just the beginning of your baking adventure. If you enjoyed making this spectacular Tom Cruise Coconut Cake, you'll definitely want to try our comforting Biscuit Breakfast Recipe next – it's another beloved recipe that brings warmth to any table!
Did you make this classic Tom Cruise Coconut Cake your own way? Maybe added a hint of lime zest or an extra sprinkle of toasted coconut? We'd love to hear about your creative twists in the comments below!
Don't forget to leave a star rating and post a photo of your beautiful cake – your experience helps other bakers in our community succeed, and there's nothing we love more than seeing your gorgeous creations!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Tom Cruise Coconut Cake
Easy Tom Cruise Coconut Cake
Equipment
- Three 9-inch round cake pans
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cake leveler or serrated knife
- Offset spatula
- Cake turntable (recommended)
- Wire cooling racks
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the White Chocolate Filling:
- 12 ounces white chocolate chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
For the Coconut Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Decoration:
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease and line three 9-inch cake pans
- Mix dry ingredients
- Cream butter and sugar
- Add eggs one at a time
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk mixture
Step 2: Bake
- Divide batter between pans
- Bake 25-30 minutes
- Cool 10 minutes in pans
- Cool completely on racks
Step 3: Make Filling
- Heat cream and pour over chocolate
- Let stand 5 minutes, then stir
- Cool 30 minutes
- Beat with cream cheese, butter, and sugar
Step 4: Make Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy
- Add sugar and coconut milk alternately
- Beat in vanilla and salt
Step 5: Assemble
- Level cake layers
- Layer with filling
- Crumb coat and chill
- Final frost and coat with coconut
- Garnish with white chocolate
Notes
- All ingredients should be at room temperature
- Can be made 1 day ahead
- Store in refrigerator up to 5 days
- Perfect for special occasions and holidays
- Makes a stunning centerpiece dessert
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