The Story & Intro
Every Christmas, my kitchen in Crete fills with the kind of energy that only the holidays can bring. There’s flour on the counter, music playing softly in the background, and the sweet smell of something baking in the oven. This Strawberry Coconut Christmas Cake was born during one of those moments when I wanted to mix tradition with a little sunshine.
Growing up, my grandmother always reminded me that food should make people smile before they even take the first bite. Coconut wasn’t common in her old Greek recipes, but strawberries always were, especially when we celebrated something special. Years later, I started pairing strawberries with coconut, and this Strawberry Coconut Christmas Cake quickly became a festive favorite in my home.
What I love most about this Strawberry Coconut Christmas Cake is how it feels like a mini holiday escape. The soft coconut layers bring warmth, while the strawberry cream adds freshness and joy. It’s festive without being heavy, sweet without being overwhelming, and perfect for women who want to create something beautiful without stress.
This cake reminds me that cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about sharing love, stories, and a little creativity. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels cozy, cheerful, and slightly tropical, this Strawberry Coconut Christmas Cake might just become part of your Christmas tradition too.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Coconut Christmas Cake
This cake brings together holiday comfort and a fresh, tropical twist. It’s ideal for Christmas gatherings where you want something elegant but approachable.
- Soft, moist coconut cake layers
- Light strawberry cream that’s not too sweet
- Festive look with natural colors
- Perfect balance of richness and freshness
- Easy to make ahead for stress-free holidays
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this cake is forgiving and fun to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Coconut Cake Layers
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Coconut milk
- Vanilla extract
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
For the Strawberry Cream Filling
- Fresh strawberries
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy whipping cream
- Vanilla extract
For Decoration
- Toasted shredded coconut
- Fresh strawberries
- Optional mint leaves for color
How to Make Strawberry Coconut Christmas Cake Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pans. Grease them well and line the bottoms so the cakes release easily. This small step saves a lot of stress later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and shredded coconut. This helps distribute everything evenly, so your cake bakes up soft and fluffy.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy. This step adds air to the batter, giving the coconut layers their tender texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavor
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract for warmth and depth.
Step 5: Combine with Coconut Milk
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and coconut milk to the batter. Mix gently and stop as soon as everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Step 6: Bake the Coconut Layers
Divide the batter evenly between pans and bake until the cakes are lightly golden and spring back when touched. Let them cool completely before assembling.
Making the Strawberry Cream Filling
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and hull the strawberries, then blend or finely chop them. You want a smooth but fresh texture that still tastes like real fruit.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a cold bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla.
Step 3: Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream. The result should be light, fluffy, and naturally pink.
This strawberry cream is what makes the Strawberry Coconut Christmas Cake feel fresh and festive.
Assembling the Strawberry Coconut Christmas Cake
Place one coconut cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of strawberry cream on top. Add the second cake layer and repeat. Finish with the final layer and cover the top and sides with the remaining cream.
Press toasted coconut gently onto the sides for texture. Decorate the top with fresh strawberries for a Christmas-ready look.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Coconut Christmas Cake is best served chilled but not cold. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Serve it with:
- Hot coffee or tea
- Light sparkling drinks
- A cozy holiday table setting
It’s perfect for Christmas dinner, brunch, or even as a festive birthday cake.
Storage Tips
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Keep decorations fresh by adding strawberries just before serving
- You can bake the cake layers a day ahead to save time
🍰 Recipe Card (Festive Style)
⏱️ Time Cook
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
🧺 Ingredients
- Coconut cake layers
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipping cream
- Coconut milk
- Shredded coconut
👩🍳 Instruction
- Bake coconut cake layers
- Prepare strawberry cream
- Assemble layers with cream
- Decorate with coconut and strawberries
📝 Note
For best flavor, use ripe strawberries and full-fat coconut milk.
🥗 Nutrition (Approx. per slice)
- Calories: Moderate
- Fat: Balanced
- Sugar: Naturally sweet
- Protein: Light
100-Word Short Version
This Strawberry Coconut Christmas Cake combines soft coconut cake layers with light strawberry cream for a festive dessert that feels fresh and joyful. The coconut adds warmth, while the strawberries bring natural sweetness and color, making it perfect for holiday celebrations. Easy to prepare and beautiful to serve, this cake is ideal for Christmas gatherings, brunches, or special family moments. If you love desserts that are creamy, fruity, and not too heavy, this tropical-inspired Christmas cake is a wonderful choice.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Coconut Christmas Cake is a reminder that holidays don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. A few simple ingredients, a little creativity, and a lot of love can turn an ordinary day into a memory.
From my kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope this cake brings warmth, smiles, and moments of connection. Cooking is never just about food. It’s about stories, laughter, and sharing something homemade with the people you love.