Tom Cruise Coconut Cake with Caramelized White Chocolate and Toasted Coconut Frosting

A rich, moist, and fluffy coconut cake inspired by the famous Tom Cruise coconut cake from Don's Bakery in LA. This recipe features brown butter, caramelized white chocolate, coconut cream, and a spiced rum-infused cream cheese frosting, finished with toasted shredded coconut for a deeply coconutty and flavorful dessert.

IntermediateAmericanServes 12

Printable version with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 55m
Prep
2h 40m
Cook
40m
Cleanup
6h 15m
Total

Cost Breakdown

Total cost:$31.30
Per serving:$2.61

Critical Success Points

  • • Prepare the bundt pan with proper greasing and dusting to prevent sticking.
  • • Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning and achieve nutty flavor.
  • • Caramelize white chocolate patiently, stirring regularly to prevent lumps.
  • • Use room temperature ingredients and scrape bowl sides frequently during mixing.
  • • Bake until edges pull away and toothpick test passes for perfect doneness.
  • • Cool cake completely and use gravity (upside down) to release from pan.
  • • Beat frosting ingredients thoroughly for light, fluffy texture.
  • • Toast shredded coconut carefully to avoid burning.

Safety Warnings

  • • Be cautious when browning butter to avoid burns or fire.
  • • Handle hot baking sheets carefully when caramelizing white chocolate.
  • • Ensure eggs are fresh and properly stored to avoid foodborne illness.
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