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Coconut Frosting Recipe
July 21, 2025
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My Coconut Frosting is smooth, flavorful, and easy to work with. Cream cheese and butter give it structure, while coconut extract adds that unmistakable flavor. It spreads easily, holds its shape, and pairs well with just about anything you’d want to frost. This is the frosting that actually tastes like coconut and delivers every time. Coconut lovers unite!
Ingredient Notes + Variations
This coconut frosting comes together with just a four basic ingredients, but each one plays a role in the texture and flavor. You’ll get that signature coconut taste from the extract, while the cream cheese and butter keep it thick and spreadable without being overly sweet. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need.
- Coconut Extract – The star of the show. Go with a good-quality one for bold coconut flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – A splash rounds everything out and keeps it from tasting too one-note.
- Cream Cheese – Room temperature is key for smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure. No need to sift unless yours is super clumpy.
How to Make Coconut Frosting
You only need one bowl and about 5 minutes. Seriously. This coconut frosting recipe comes together fast, and once it’s chilled, it’s ready to slather on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or spoon straight from the fridge (no judgment). For full recipe details, including ingredients needed and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below.
Step 1: Cream the butter + cream cheese
cream butter + cream cheese together
scrape the bowl + mix again
Step 2: Add powdered sugar + extracts
Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract + coconut extract- mix slowly to start
increase the mixer speed + whip until fluffy + smooth- about 1 minute
Step 3: Scrape the bowl and chill
make sure it’s completely smooth
refrigerate until ready to use
Tips for Success
- Chill before using if it’s too soft to pipe.
- Don’t skip room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese = lumpy frosting.
- Use a paddle attachment, not the whisk. You want creamy, not airy.
- Start the mixer on low or you’ll get a powdered sugar cloud in your kitchen and look like Mrs. Doubtfire.
How to Serve with Coconut Frosting
- Buttermilk Coconut Cake – Double the coconut, double the fun.
- Vanilla Cake Recipe or Vanilla Cupcakes – Classic base that lets the coconut shine.
- Coconut Cookies – Sandwich a dollop of frosting between two cookies… did I just come up with a new recipe?
- Sugar Cookies – A soft canvas for a thick swirl of this dreamy frosting.
Coconut Frosting
This Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting is rich, tangy, and perfectly sweet with a hint of coconut flavor. It’s smooth, spreadable, and pairs beautifully with carrot cake, coconut cake, or even chocolate cupcakes.
Ingredients
for the coconut cream cheese frosting-
- 1 cup butter very soft but not melted (I used salted butter)
- 16 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- 2 pounds powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons coconut extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, cream butter and cream cheese together with the paddle attachment until smooth. Scrape sides and mix again.
- Add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and coconut extract and mix very slowly until it starts to come together.
- Once the powdered sugar has worked in, increase the mixer speed and whip until completely smooth, about 1 minute.
- Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure a completely smooth frosting. Stir again if needed.
- Refrigerate until ready to use on cakes, cupcakes, cookies or even as a fruit dip!
Video
Notes
Storage Directions
- Make Ahead: This frosting can be made up to 5 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze it. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and re-whip before using.
- Storage: Keep covered and refrigerated. Let it sit out a bit before spreading if it’s too firm.
Nutrition
Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 2gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 207mgPotassium: 49mgSugar: 65gVitamin A: 840IUCalcium: 36mgIron: 0.1mg
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Variations
- Add shredded coconut to the frosting for texture.
- Mix in a drop of food coloring if you want a fun tint for decorating.
More Frosting Recipes to Try
- Easy Chocolate Frosting – My most popular frosting recipe (for a reason!)
- Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe – The base recipe that never fails.
- Vanilla Buttercream Frosting – Light and fluffy with just the right sweetness.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Frosting – Perfect for chocolate cupcakes or straight from the spoon.
- Homemade Lemon Frosting – Smooth, sweet, and tangy. Pairs perfectly with vanilla or berry desserts.
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
