Tom Cruise coconut bundt has a legendary status, and for good reason! I remember the first time I heard about this famous coconut bundt cake recipe; it was from a friend who swore it was the most decadent dessert they’d ever tasted. I’ve always been fascinated by celebrity recipes, and this one, rumored to be a favorite of Tom Cruise himself, promised an incredibly moist coconut bundt cake with a dreamy coconut frosting. The thought of that sweet, tropical aroma filling my kitchen and the rich, tender crumb made me eager to try it. This homemade coconut bundt cake is truly a showstopper. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Tom Cruise Coconut Bundt

This isn’t just any cake; it’s a taste of Hollywood indulgence that’s surprisingly simple to make. You’ll adore this celebrity coconut bundt cake for so many reasons:

It’s incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the perfect balance of coconut milk and buttermilk.
The rich, creamy coconut frosting is pure bliss and complements the cake beautifully.
Hidden chunks of white chocolate add delightful pockets of sweetness.
It looks stunning, making it the perfect party cake for any gathering.
The aroma of coconut and vanilla as it bakes is absolutely heavenly.
It’s an easy coconut bundt cake recipe that delivers impressive results.
You get to bake a cake as famous as its rumored owner!

Ingredients for the Famous Tom Cruise Coconut Bundt Cake

Gathering these ingredients for your homemade coconut bundt cake is the first step toward baking a truly spectacular dessert. This recipe for the Tom Cruise coconut bundt cake uses everyday pantry staples with a few special touches.

3 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender crumb
2 teaspoons baking powder – for a good lift
1 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature – essential for creaming and texture
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar – for sweetness and moisture
4 large eggs – binds everything together
2 large egg whites – contribute to a lighter texture
1/2 cup canned coconut milk – this is key for that tropical flavor and moistness
1/2 cup buttermilk – adds tenderness and a slight tang
1 tablespoon coconut extract or emulsion – intensifies the coconut flavor
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – a classic baking flavor enhancer
4 ounces white chocolate, melted or finely chopped – a decadent surprise inside
For the Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened – for a rich, creamy frosting
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted – ensures a smooth frosting
1 teaspoon coconut extract – more coconut goodness!
Pinch of salt
For Coating:
1 to 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut or toasted coconut flakes – for that beautiful, iconic finish

How to Make the Tom Cruise Coconut Bundt Cake

Get ready to bake the most talked-about dessert! This recipe for the Tom Cruise coconut bundt cake is straightforward, and soon your kitchen will smell like a tropical paradise.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Take your time to grease a 10- or 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly with butter or baking spray, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 3: In another bowl, stir together the 1/2 cup canned coconut milk, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon coconut extract, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. This liquid blend is crucial for moisture.
Step 4: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the 1 cup unsalted butter and 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is noticeably light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add the 4 large eggs and 2 large egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
Step 6: Pour in the 4 ounces white chocolate, melted or finely chopped, and mix on low speed until just combined. You’ll love these sweet surprises in every slice of your Tom Cruise coconut bundt cake.
Step 7: Gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the liquid mixture in two additions. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed only until everything is just combined – overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Step 8: Pour the wonderfully fragrant batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 9: Bake for 65 to 75 minutes. The aroma will fill your home! You’ll know it’s done when a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 10: Let the cake cool in the bundt pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the cake firm up.
Step 11: Carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack and let it cool completely before frosting. This ensures the frosting doesn’t melt off your beautiful coconut bundt cake Tom Cruise.
Step 12: While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating the 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 4 ounces cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon coconut extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until light and fluffy.
Step 13: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the creamy frosting evenly over the top and sides.
Step 14: Generously press the 1 to 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut or toasted coconut flakes all over the frosted cake for that signature finish.
Step 15: Your amazing homemade coconut bundt cake is ready to be sliced and enjoyed immediately!

Tom Cruise Coconut Bundt - moist and tender crumb with creamy coconut frosting

Pro Tips for the Best Tom Cruise Coconut Bundt Cake

Achieving that perfect, celebrity-worthy cake is all about a few key details. I’ve learned that small steps make a big difference in creating this iconic coconut bundt cake recipe.

Always use room temperature butter and eggs for the cake batter; it helps everything emulsify properly for a lighter crumb.
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry and wet ingredients together. A gentle mix ensures a tender texture.
Grease your bundt pan meticulously! This is crucial for easily releasing the cake without any sticking.
For an extra punch of flavor, consider toasting your shredded coconut before coating the cake.

What’s the secret to a perfect Tom Cruise Coconut Bundt?

The real secret lies in the combination of high-quality ingredients like full-fat coconut milk and buttermilk, plus the addition of white chocolate chunks. Getting the batter consistency just right and baking at the correct temperature are also vital for this famous coconut bundt cake recipe.

Can I make the Tom Cruise Coconut Bundt ahead of time?

Absolutely! This celebrity coconut bundt cake is fantastic for making ahead. You can bake it a day or two in advance, let it cool completely, and store it unfrosted at room temperature. Frost and coat it just before serving for the freshest taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with this coconut bundt cake?

A common pitfall is an underbaked cake or one that sticks to the pan. Ensure you bake until a skewer comes out clean and grease that bundt pan thoroughly. Also, resist the urge to overmix the batter, which can make the cake tough.

Best Ways to Serve the Tom Cruise Coconut Bundt

This show-stopping dessert is perfect for any occasion, and I love finding creative ways to serve this coconut bundt cake Tom Cruise favorite. It’s so rich and flavorful that it truly shines on its own.

Simply dusted: For a more understated elegance, serve slices of the glazed coconut bundt cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar. It lets the cake’s natural coconut flavor take center stage.
With fresh berries: A small bowl of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries alongside a slice of this tropical coconut bundt cake adds a lovely tartness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
A la mode: For an extra decadent treat, serve a warm slice of this homemade coconut bundt cake with a scoop of vanilla bean or coconut ice cream. It’s pure bliss!

Nutrition Facts for Tom Cruise Coconut Bundt Cake

This iconic dessert, while incredibly delicious, is a rich treat. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content per slice of the Tom Cruise coconut bundt cake, so you know what to expect before indulging in this celebrity coconut bundt cake.

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: Approx. 450-500 kcal
Fat: Approx. 25-30g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 15-18g
Protein: Approx. 5-7g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 55-60g
Fiber: Approx. 1-2g
Sugar: Approx. 45-50g
Sodium: Approx. 200-250mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used for this homemade coconut bundt cake.

How to Store and Reheat the Tom Cruise Coconut Bundt Cake

This glorious Tom Cruise coconut bundt cake is worth savoring, and luckily, it stores beautifully! To keep your homemade coconut bundt cake fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage and reheating tips. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this celebrity coconut bundt cake for days to come.

First, always allow the cake to cool completely before storing. Once cooled, you can store the unfrosted or frosted Tom Cruise coconut bundt cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you’ve frosted it with a cream cheese-based frosting, refrigerating it is a better option for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. If reheating a slice, a few seconds in the microwave or a short time in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) can bring back its wonderful warmth and aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tom Cruise Coconut Bundt Cake

What makes this cake so special and why is it linked to Tom Cruise?

This Tom Cruise coconut bundt cake recipe is rumored to be a favorite dessert he gifts to friends and colleagues. Its special status comes from its incredible moistness, rich coconut flavor, and decadent white chocolate surprise. It’s a truly memorable treat that’s become a bit of a culinary legend.

Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk and buttermilk?

While you *can* substitute, I highly recommend using the specified coconut milk and buttermilk for the best results in this famous coconut bundt cake recipe. Coconut milk provides a distinct tropical flavor and richness, while buttermilk contributes to the cake’s tender crumb. Using regular milk might result in a less flavorful and slightly different texture.

How do I get the most shredded coconut to stick to the cake?

For the best coating on your celebrity coconut bundt cake, ensure the frosting is applied evenly and has a slightly tacky consistency. Gently press the shredded coconut onto the frosting, working in sections. For an even better flavor and texture, try toasting the coconut flakes lightly in a dry pan before coating the cake. This simple step elevates your homemade coconut bundt cake.

What kind of white chocolate is best for the Tom Cruise coconut bundt?

I find that good quality white chocolate chips or a finely chopped white chocolate bar work wonderfully. Whether you melt it and mix it into the batter or chop it finely, the white chocolate adds a luxurious sweetness that complements the coconut beautifully. Using white chocolate is one of the little secrets that make this moist coconut bundt cake recipe so divine.

Variations of the Coconut Bundt Cake You Can Try

While the classic Tom Cruise coconut bundt is a dream, there are so many fun ways to adapt this recipe! Whether you have dietary needs or just want to experiment, these variations on the coconut bundt cake Tom Cruise is known for are fantastic.

Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend. You might need to add a touch more liquid or a pinch of xanthan gum to achieve the right batter consistency for this easy coconut bundt cake recipe.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use a plant-based butter, dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) for the buttermilk substitute, and a dairy-free white chocolate. The coconut milk in the cake itself is already dairy-free!
Tropical Twist: Add a cup of crushed pineapple (well-drained) to the batter for an extra burst of tropical flavor, making it a truly tropical coconut bundt cake.
Bundt Cake Muffins: Pour the batter into greased muffin tins and adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. This is a great way to get individual servings of this simple coconut bundt cake.