The legendary Tom Cruise coconut cake has captured the attention (and taste buds) of countless people. It is a luxurious white chocolate coconut bundt cake from Doan’s Bakery, making this dessert a holiday tradition for the famous actor. Each year, Cruise gifts the decadent cake to his celebrity friends, and its reputation has grown far and wide.

However, the original cake remains out of reach for many, with a hefty price tag of $130. Fortunately, a more affordable copycat version now exists, and according to some, it’s even better than the original. Notably, this homemade recipe offers the same rich flavors, moist texture, and creamy frosting that make the cake iconic but with more accessible ingredients and techniques.

What Makes the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake So Special?

Instagram | birdshollywood | Tom Cruise’s coconut cake is a viral sensation.

The original Doan’s Bakery white chocolate coconut bundt cake has become a viral sensation. Food enthusiasts worldwide rave about its flavor and texture, while celebrities share their love for the gift-worthy dessert on talk shows and social media.

Key Features of the Doan’s Bakery Cake:

1. A moist coconut bundt cake as the base.

2. Sweet chunks of white chocolate folded into the batter.

3. A rich, creamy layer of cream cheese frosting.

4. A final coating of toasted coconut flakes for added texture.

While the description sounds irresistible, some who have tried the original cake believe it falls short in delivering the expected coconut flavor. The cake is often described as more of a dense yellow cake, with the white chocolate chunks hard to detect. Additionally, the cream cheese frosting, though indulgent, can overpower the other flavors.

Creating the Perfect Copycat Tom Cruise Coconut Cake

Crafting a homemade version of the Tom Cruise coconut cake required a lot of experimentation. Achieving the perfect balance between flavor and texture took a few tries, but the final result stands out as a moist, flavorful, and easy-to-replicate dessert.

Here’s how this recipe improves on the original:

1. Enhanced coconut flavor: Coconut milk and coconut emulsion amplify the tropical notes in the cake.

2. White chocolate richness: Instead of chunks, melted white chocolate is used to infuse the batter with deeper flavor.

3. Better toppings: Toasted coconut flakes and toffee bits add complexity and caramel-like undertones.

Step-by-Step Recipe for the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake

Ingredients for the Cake:

1. 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

2. 1 tsp baking powder

3. ½ tsp salt

4. ½ cup coconut milk

5. ½ cup buttermilk

6. 1 tsp coconut emulsion or extract

7. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

8. 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

9. 3 large eggs + 2 egg whites

10. 4 oz melted white chocolate

11. 1 cup toasted coconut flakes

12. ½ cup toffee bits

Ingredients for the Coconut Buttercream:

1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2. 8 oz cream cheese, softened

3. 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

4. 1 tsp coconut emulsion or extract

5. A pinch of salt

6. Shredded coconut for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Prepare a 12-cup bundt pan by coating it with nonstick spray and sprinkling it lightly with granulated sugar to prevent sticking.

Grab the flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensure the mixture is evenly combined in a bowl.

Time for the coconut milk, buttermilk, and coconut flavoring. Add the 3 ingredients in a separate bowl and mix until they become smooth.

Add the sugar and butter in a stand mixer. For about 2-3 minutes, beat the mixture on medium speed.

Now it’s time for the melted white chocolate. Once you are done mixing it in, add the eggs and egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to keep the batter consistent.

Add the dry ingredients and the wet mixture to the batter, alternating between the former and the latter, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Blend just until incorporated.

Evenly spread/pour the batter into the bundt pan. Use toasted coconut flakes and a layer of toffee bits on top. These toppings will bake into the base of the cake.

Bake for 50–55 minutes.

Let the cake rest in the pan for an hour.

Instagrma | pari.gifts | Store Tom Cruise coconut cake in the fridge for freshness.

Making the Coconut Buttercream:

In a stand mixer, gently mix the cream cheese and butter in a mixer. Slowly add powdered sugar while mixing everything slowly and deliberately.

Along with a pinch of salt, add coconut flavoring. Continue to mix for 3–5 minutes at a medium-high pace until the the mixture is light and fluffy.

Refrigerate the cake to maintain its freshness until you’re ready to serve.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Spread or pipe the buttercream generously over the cooled bundt cake.

2. Garnish with shredded coconut for a polished finish.

3. Slice, serve, and enjoy this indulgent dessert!

How to Store the Cake

To make the Tom Cruise coconut cake ahead of time, first, wrap the unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and freeze it. Then, thaw the cake at room temperature for about four hours before frosting. Finally, once frosted, store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring it stays fresh and moist.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This copycat version of the Tom Cruise coconut cake has earned rave reviews for its improved flavor and texture. Specifically, the addition of coconut milk and emulsion creates a strong coconut profile, while the toffee bits introduce a caramelized crunch not found in the original. Moreover, the balanced sweetness of the buttercream ties it all together, making this cake a perfect dessert for special occasions or holidays.