This spectacular Easter Cake is a celebration in every bite! A moist, coconut-lemon bundt cake topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, shredded coconut, and festive candy eggs creates the perfect centerpiece for your spring gatherings. The combination of bright citrus flavors and sweet coconut makes this cake irresistibly delicious while being surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Show-stopping presentation: This beautiful bundt cake decorated with coconut “nest” and colorful candy eggs makes an impressive centerpiece with minimal decorating skills required.
Perfect balance of flavors: The combination of lemon and coconut creates a refreshing springtime taste that’s not too sweet but incredibly satisfying.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare this cake a day in advance to make your Easter celebration stress-free while still serving something spectacular.
Crowd pleaser: The familiar flavors with a special twist make this cake appeal to both kids and adults at your gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cake flour: Creates a tender, light crumb that’s essential for this special occasion cake. The lower protein content makes a significant difference in the final texture.
Baking powder and baking soda: The leavening agents that give the cake its beautiful rise and soft texture.
Butter: Provides richness and a velvety texture to the cake while creating a sturdy structure.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create moisture when creamed with the butter.
Lemon zest and juice: Adds bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. The zest contains those fragrant oils that really amp up the lemon flavor.
Vegetable oil: Helps keep the cake moist for days after baking, even when refrigerated.
Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla and coconut extracts: The vanilla provides a warm background note while the coconut extract enhances the coconut flavor throughout the cake.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and tanginess that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Milk: Creates a perfect batter consistency while adding tenderness to the cake.
Sweetened flaked coconut: Adds texture inside the cake and creates the decorative “nest” on top.
Cream cheese and butter (for frosting): The base for that tangy, rich frosting that pairs perfectly with the lemon cake.
Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency.
Candy-coated chocolate eggs: The perfect decorative finish that turns this into a true Easter celebration cake.

Variations

Love this cake concept but want to make it your own? Try these creative variations:

Coconut lover’s dream: Toast the coconut topping for a nuttier flavor and gorgeous golden color that adds visual dimension.
Citrus swap: Replace the lemon with orange or lime for a different citrus profile. Orange pairs beautifully with coconut for a tropical twist.
Filling surprise: After the cake has cooled, use a knife to cut a channel around the top of the cake, fill with additional frosting or lemon curd, and replace the cake top before frosting.
Berry addition: Fold 1 cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter for pops of color and bursts of fruity flavor.

How to Make Easter Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Thoroughly grease your bundt pan—be generous to ensure the cake releases perfectly. Measure out all ingredients and bring refrigerated items to room temperature.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This evenly distributes the leavening agents for a perfect rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Zest

Beat the butter until smooth, then add sugar and lemon zest, beating for 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step—proper creaming incorporates air that helps create a light texture. Add oil and combine thoroughly.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, vanilla, and coconut extracts. This gradual addition prevents curdling and ensures everything incorporates smoothly.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Combine lemon juice and milk, then alternate adding dry ingredients and the milk mixture. This method prevents overmixing while ensuring all ingredients blend properly. Fold in the coconut last.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Spoon the batter into your prepared bundt pan and bake for 55-65 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the cake cool in the pan for 2 hours before inverting onto a serving plate. This cooling time allows the structure to set properly and prevents breaking when unmolded.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy and smooth. Adjust consistency with more lemon juice if needed.

Step 9: Decorate

Frost the cooled cake, then press coconut onto the frosting to create a “nest” effect. Fill the center hole with colorful candy eggs for that perfect Easter touch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room temperature ingredients matter: Cold ingredients don’t incorporate properly, resulting in a dense cake. Set everything out at least an hour before baking.
Don’t overmix the batter: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to avoid developing gluten that makes the cake tough.
Grease the bundt pan thoroughly: Use butter or shortening and get into every crevice, or try a baking spray with flour for perfect release.
Check for doneness correctly: Insert a toothpick in the thickest part of the cake—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Let the cake cool completely: Trying to frost a warm cake will result in melted frosting sliding right off.

How to Serve

This Easter cake is versatile enough to fit various serving styles:

Dessert Table Centerpiece

Place the decorated cake on a raised cake stand at the center of your dessert table for maximum impact.

With Beverages

Serve slices with fresh coffee, tea, or even a glass of champagne for an adult Easter brunch.

Alongside Other Spring Treats

Pair with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store frosted cake in the refrigerator, covered with a cake dome or loosely with plastic wrap, for up to 5 days. The cake actually improves in flavor after a day as the flavors meld.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap the completely cooled cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and decorating.

Reheating

For the best texture, let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the butter in the cake to soften, improving the texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
Yes, you can bake this batter in two 9-inch round cake pans for about 25-30 minutes. Cool completely, then frost between layers and on top. Decorate the top with coconut and candies for a similar effect.

Why did my cake stick to the bundt pan?
This typically happens when the pan isn’t greased thoroughly enough. For best results, use a pastry brush to apply melted butter to every crevice, or use a baking spray with flour. Also, make sure to let the cake cool in the pan for the full 2 hours to set properly.

Can I make this cake without coconut?
Absolutely! You can omit the coconut extract and flaked coconut for a pure lemon cake. Decorate the top with sprinkles or fresh berries instead of coconut for a different spring look.

How can I ensure my cream cheese frosting isn’t runny?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened but not warm or melty. Start with less lemon juice and add more only if needed. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the frosting for 15-20 minutes before spreading it on the cake.

Final Thoughts

This Easter Cake brings together the bright flavors of spring with a show-stopping presentation that requires surprisingly little effort. The combination of lemon and coconut creates a refreshing, festive dessert that’s sure to become a new tradition for your Easter celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small family meal, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone at your table

Easter Cake Recipe