If you’re a long time reader of Best Friends For Frosting, or if you’ve spent more than 5 seconds with me, you’ve already figured out that I am one big sprinkles fan! I definitely don’t keep it a secret around here! From recipes for Sprinkle Brownies, Confetti Cookies, and even a little Sprinkle Cocktail I’m always up for a some quality sprinkles! :) Just when I thought I was running out of creative new ways to sneak in sprinkles, I discovered this recipe for Coconut Cake with a Coconut Vanilla Bean Buttercream. Adding tons and tons of amazing sprinkles, made this coconut cake the cake recipe of my dreams! ;)

Party Cake Inspiration

The inspiration for this cake recipe actually comes from one of my baking friends, Jennifer Jacobs. Jen and I met years ago through our #sobestfriendsforfrosting community- such a small world! Jen is now the owner of the Wandering Whisk Bakeshop in St. Petersburg, Florida and is seriously a total baking genius. Her work is always so creative and absolutely flawless- I can’t get enough!

Coconut Cake with a Vanilla Bean Buttercream

Once Jen and I got to chatting, we came up with the idea for this AMAZING coconut frosting recipe. I absolutely love coconut, and the combo of coconut and vanilla in this cake creates such a light and delicious taste! I had absolutely zero objections! ;) Not only is this cake totally mouth-wateringly delicious, but I love how beautiful the final design is! It’s elegant enough to bring to a Bridal Shower or more formal occassion, but the incorporated sprinkles gives it an added pop of fun for a Birthday Party or a more light-hearted event!

Best Coconut Frosting Recipe

If you love the taste of coconut, then oh boy is this frosting recipe for you! This amazing cake has not one, not two, but THREE whole layers of pure coconut perfection. Of course each layer is held together with a generous amount of the coconut frosting ;) The layers of this coconut cake are SO light and fluffy that it practically melts in your mouth. Plus all of the layers make the finished product look so amazing and elegant!

Coconut Buttercream Frosting

The coconut cake layers are honestly tasty enough to eat on their own, but this coconut buttercream frosting is the real star of the show. The amazing coconut frosting is the perfect compliment to the coconut! Plus the coconut frosting ruffles on the bottom add a sweet finishing touch to the cake and the six little ones on top really bring the decorations together. Of course the frosting sprinkles are my favorite part of this cake recipe! When you’re making your buttercream, you just have to gently fold the sprinkles in before spreading it across the cake to get a similar look. I love, love, love the idea of having the sprinkles around the side of cake, rather than just on top as decoration. Although I would never object to having both ;)

Easy and Fun Cake Decorations

The frosting sprinkles are by far my favorite part of this coconut cake, but the white gumballs are a close second! These white gumballs were the perfect little accent to the top frosting ruffles. I’m totally in love with them and how they add to the subtle, white, fun feel of this cake! I’m always searching for ways to switch up the design of a cake and these gumball accents are a super easy way! Just quick little touches like this can really change the design of this cake for any occasion. You could use exclusively red sprinkles and red gumballs for an anniversary party cake, decorate in pink/blue for a gender reveal party, or go completely crazy and do multiple colors for everything!

My Favorite Party Store Cake Decorations

One of my favorite things to do when I’m searching for cake decorating inspiration is to stop by my local party store. Most party stores are totally stocked with rows of gumballs, rock candy, lollipops, and every candy you can imagine! It’s basically heaven! ;) Party stores make it so easy to find fun and budget-friendly accents to add to any cake. Plus party stores are a great place to shop for inexpensive cake stands for the perfect finish to your cake presentation!

Pinterest Worthy Frosting Recipe

No matter how you decide to decorate your cake or change up your frosting, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with this coconut buttercream frosting! Definitely save room for at least two pieces of this coconut delight (trust me you’ll have a deep need for the second one after you try your first bite ;)) And be sure to save some room for tons and tons of the vanilla frosting! What are some of the creative ways you guys are incorporating sprinkles into your version of this cake recipe? I can’t wait for you to share any and all of the sprinkle inspiration!

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Coconut Frosting Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups unsalted butter 4 sticks - at room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
Gel food coloring
2 teaspoons. of Coconut Extract

Instructions

-In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute until creamy.
-Add half of the powdered sugar and continue mixing on low for 1 minute.
-Add in the rest of the powdered sugar, coconut extract and vanilla extract. Mix on low until the powdered sugar and butter have blended. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
-Turn the mixer to medium-high and mix for 2-3 minutes until the frosting looks light and fluffy. Add a few drops of gel food coloring and mix for another 30 seconds.