Name: Almond Joy Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups cake flour (200g); ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 3/8 cup sugar (300g); ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; ½ cup coconut cream (such as Coco Lopez); 2 large eggs, separated; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk; ½ cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut (280g); 2-4 tablespoons sliced almonds; ½ cup chocolate chips; ⅓ cup heavy cream; ½ cup chocolate; ¼ cup heavy cream; 2 cups vanilla buttercream

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 33 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love those classic candy bars with textures that tease every bite, then you are absolutely going to adore this Almond Joy Cake Recipe. It’s a luscious celebration of coconut, chocolate, and almonds all wrapped up in a moist vanilla cake that feels like a hug on a plate. From the creamy layers of coconut almond filling to the rich chocolate fudge glaze, this cake brings the magic of Almond Joy candy bars to life in the most indulgent way. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a slice of pure joy, this Almond Joy Cake Recipe is going to become one of your favorite go-to treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A tall round cake with smooth light cream-colored frosting on the sides and base layer, covered with a thick layer of dark glossy chocolate dripping down the sides unevenly from the top. On top, there are evenly spaced swirls of white cream, each topped with a thin, almond-colored curved slice. Around the base of the cake is a rough, uneven layer of toasted shredded coconut in light beige and brown tones. The cake sits on a black round plate on a white marbled surface, with blurred white plates and spoons in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients is like preparing your palette for a masterpiece—each component plays an essential role in making this cake extraordinary. The balance of moisture, sweetness, and texture comes alive only when you use the right combination, making this recipe both simple and impressive.

1/3 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create the silky chocolate ganache.
½ cup chocolate chips: Provides the base for the indulgent fudge topping.
2 cups vanilla buttercream: For a smooth, creamy frosting that complements the cake layers.
½ cup chocolate: Melts beautifully into luscious fudge when combined with cream.
¼ cup heavy cream: Used to make the ganache silky and spreadable.
½ cup sweetened condensed milk: Binds the coconut filling with incredible sweetness.
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut (280g): Brings that signature chewy, tropical texture.
2-4 tablespoons sliced almonds: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the filling.
1 ½ cups cake flour (200g): Gives the cake its tender, soft crumb.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides that necessary lift to keep the cake airy.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Enhances the rise and texture perfectly.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all flavors.
1 3/8 cups sugar (300g): Sweetens without overpowering the delicate flavors.
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and moisture to the cake batter.
½ cup coconut cream, such as Coco Lopez: Infuses the cake with deep, tropical coconut flavor.
2 large eggs, separated: Eggs create structure and lightness when folded correctly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances every flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
½ cup buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness to the cake crumb.

How to Make Almond Joy Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Butter two 6-inch cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and dust them with flour to ensure your cakes come out clean and perfect every time. Preparation now means easy removal once baked, giving you a flawless start.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly leads to consistent texture and rise, so take a moment to get this right—it’s the foundation of a tender crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Coconut Cream

Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter, sugar, and coconut cream until the mixture is light, fluffy, and airy. This step builds the cake’s light texture and coconut flavor that makes this Almond Joy Cake Recipe truly special.

Step 4: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This layering of flavors and structure makes for a beautiful, moist cake base loaded with tropical hints.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

On low speed, add the dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to your batter in five total additions, starting and ending with the dry. This careful blending guarantees a tender crumb without overmixing, keeping your cake soft and inviting.

Step 6: Fold in Beaten Egg Whites

Separately, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form but avoid drying them out. Gently fold the egg whites into your batter to lift it and create airiness, making your cake light yet rich—the hallmark of an outstanding Almond Joy Cake Recipe.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before loosening the edges and turning them onto racks to cool completely. This baking time fills your kitchen with heavenly aromas and sets the stage for the next delightful steps.

Step 8: Prepare the Coconut Almond Filling

Mix the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and sliced almonds in a bowl. This luscious filling delivers the chewy, nutty center that defines the Almond Joy Cake Recipe, layering incredible flavor and texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Step 9: Make the Chocolate Fudge

Heat the heavy cream to a gentle boil and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Slowly whisk until smooth and glossy. This rich fudge will create a decadent, fudgy contrast to the fluffy cake and coconut filling—a match made in heaven.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Place one cake round on your serving plate and spread the coconut almond filling evenly on top. Drizzle the fudge over the coconut layer and gently spread it out. Finally, place the second cake layer on top. This assembly brings together every luscious component spectacularly, showcasing the beloved Almond Joy Cake Recipe in all its glory.

How to Serve Almond Joy Cake Recipe

The image shows a round cake on a white plate with a white marbled surface background. The cake has three layers: the top and bottom layers are light yellow sponge cake, and the middle layer is filled with white shredded coconut and some light brown bits. The outside of the cake is covered with smooth white frosting. On top of the cake, there is a shiny dark chocolate drip flowing over the edges, with several white frosting swirls evenly spaced along the rim. Some shredded coconut is scattered on the plate around the cake. A slice is missing from the cake, showing the inside layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra sliced almonds and a touch of shredded coconut on top of your cake for a beautiful finish. These simple garnishes add an inviting crunch and enhance the cake’s tropical charm, making it as pretty as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the indulgence. Fresh berries also bring refreshing bursts of flavor that cut through the richness, creating a balanced dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers for special occasions or slice it into mini squares for party favors. You can even drizzle extra chocolate around each plate for an elegant touch that impresses any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Almond Joy Cake Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. Wrapped well, it stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, so you can savor every bite slowly without worry.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this cake ahead of time, wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen layers stay fresh for up to 2 months, letting you pull together dessert magic at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

Let frozen cake layers thaw completely in the fridge before frosting and assembling. Once assembled, serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture—there’s really no need to warm this cake, as it tastes incredible fresh and cool.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream instead of coconut cream?

While regular cream will work, coconut cream adds a unique richness and signature flavor crucial to the Almond Joy Cake Recipe. If possible, stick to coconut cream for that authentic tropical twist.

Is it okay to substitute sliced almonds with chopped almonds?

Absolutely! Chopped almonds give a bit more texture and crunch, which can be delightful. Just be mindful not to use too large pieces—they should complement the cake without overpowering it.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps like using dairy-free butter, coconut milk-based creamers, and dairy-free chocolate, you can certainly adapt this Almond Joy Cake Recipe to be dairy-free while maintaining most of its deliciousness.

How long does this cake take to bake?

The baking time is generally between 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your oven. It’s best to test with a toothpick in the center—when it comes out clean, your cake is ready to cool and assemble.

Can I use a different size cake pan?

You can use larger pans, but thinner layers will bake more quickly and might need less time in the oven. Adjust baking time accordingly and keep checking with a toothpick for doneness to ensure perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

This Almond Joy Cake Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with layers of joy in every bite. It’s a perfect blend of tropical sweetness, nutty crunch, and rich chocolate that makes any celebration feel extra special. Don’t wait for a particular occasion—grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and bake this unforgettable cake that’s bound to become a cherished classic in your kitchen.