Tom Cruise Coconut Cake: BEST Copycat Recipe 2025
Every holiday season, Tom Cruise sends his closest friends and colleagues a legendary white chocolate coconut Bundt cake from Doan’s Bakery in Los Angeles. This coconut cake has reached mythical status in Hollywood circles, with celebrities like Tom Hanks claiming they’d choose it as their last meal.
But why wait for Tom Cruise to send you one (or spend $130 ordering it online) when you can make this incredible coconut cake at home? Our definitive copycat recipe captures all the magic of the original:
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Legendary Tom Cruise Coconut Cake
- The Legend of the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake
- Our Definitive Tom Cruise Coconut Cake Copycat Recipe
- Expert Baking Tips for Your Tom Cruise Coconut Cake
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Tom Cruise Cake
- Storing Your Heavenly Coconut Cake
- Conclusion: Your Own Celebrity-Worthy Coconut Cake
This moist, luxurious coconut bundt cake is studded with white chocolate and topped with cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut flakes. This Tom Cruise coconut cake copycat recipe is designed for perfection.
The Legend of the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake
The story begins with Tom Cruise’s annual Christmas tradition. Each December, the actor sends this special coconut cake to a select list of Hollywood friends and colleagues who have worked with him that year. The gesture has become so well-known that receiving “the Tom Cruise cake” is considered a mark of honor in entertainment circles. This Tom Cruise coconut cake has truly become a legend.
What makes this tradition even more fascinating is how many celebrities have publicly raved about this amazing coconut cake. Kirsten Dunst, Jimmy Fallon, Cobie Smulders, and Henry Cavill have all mentioned receiving the Tom Cruise cake, with Tom Hanks famously declaring on The Graham Norton Show that it would be his choice for a last meal. This particular recipe is highly sought after.
Doan’s Bakery: The Home of the Original Coconut Cake
The source of this famous Tom Cruise coconut cake is Doan’s Bakery, a family-owned establishment in Woodland Hills, California. Founded by Karen Doan in the early 1980s, this neighborhood bakery became an unexpected celebrity hotspot thanks to Tom Cruise’s endorsement. Their original white chocolate coconut bundt cake is truly unique.
According to Goldbelly (where you can order the cake for nationwide delivery), Doan’s describes their creation as “a ring of moist, luxurious coconut bundt cake, mixed with chunks of sweet white chocolate, layered with rich cream cheese frosting, and dusted all over with toasted coconut flakes.” This simple yet perfect combination has made it their most famous coconut cake recipe.
While Doan’s Bakery has never published the official recipe, our version comes remarkably close after extensive testing and comparison with the original. And the best part? You’ll save yourself about $130 by making this Tom Cruise coconut cake at home with our copycat recipe.
“They start with a ring of moist, luxurious coconut bundt cake, mix in chunks of sweet white chocolate, layer on rich cream cheese frosting, and then dust it all over with toasted coconut flakes.” – Doan’s Bakery description
Our Definitive Tom Cruise Coconut Cake Copycat Recipe
After multiple rounds of testing and comparing against the original Doan’s Bakery coconut cake, we’ve perfected this copycat recipe. The result is a moist, flavorful white chocolate coconut bundt cake that rivals (and some say surpasses) the famous original. This recipe is a game-changer.
Copycat Tom Cruise White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake Recipe
A moist, rich white chocolate coconut bundt cake with fluffy cream cheese frosting, inspired by the legendary Doan’s Bakery original that Tom Cruise gifts to his friends every holiday season. This detailed recipe ensures success.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12-16 slices
For the Coconut Cake:
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (230g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons coconut extract (or coconut emulsion)
- 3/4 cup (180ml) coconut milk, well-stirred
- 8 ounces (226g) white chocolate, finely chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 cup (85g) sweetened shredded coconut, divided
For the Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups (170g) sweetened shredded coconut (for coating)
Instructions for this Coconut Cake Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Generously spray a 12-cup bundt pan with nonstick baking spray, then dust with flour. Tap out excess flour.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until well combined.
- With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the coconut milk (beginning and ending with dry ingredients).
- Fold in 3/4 cup of the shredded coconut and most of the chopped white chocolate, reserving about 1/4 cup of chocolate for the top.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle the remaining white chocolate over this layer, then top with the remaining batter.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded coconut on top of the batter.
- Bake for 65-75 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the cake comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and salt. Beat on low until incorporated, then increase to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Spread the frosting over the top and sides of the cooled cake.
- Press the shredded coconut onto the frosting, covering the entire surface.
What Makes This Tom Cruise Coconut Cake Recipe Special
Our copycat recipe version has a few key improvements that make it even more delicious than the original Doan’s Bakery coconut cake:
- Enhanced Coconut Flavor: We use both coconut extract and coconut milk to ensure a pronounced coconut flavor throughout the cake.
- White Chocolate Distribution: Instead of just mixing in white chocolate chips, we create a layer of white chocolate in the middle of the cake for better texture and flavor distribution.
- Balanced Sweetness: Our cream cheese frosting has the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, complementing the cake without overwhelming it.
- Texture Perfection: The combination of sour cream and coconut milk creates an incredibly moist cake that stays fresh for days.
Expert Baking Tips for Your Tom Cruise Coconut Bundt Cake
To ensure your coconut cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some professional tips and troubleshooting advice for this recipe:
Bundt Cake Basics for this Tom Cruise Cake Recipe
- Prepare the pan properly: Use a high-quality non-stick spray specifically for baking (with flour added). Apply it right before filling the pan, not too far in advance.
- Release timing matters: Turn out your bundt cake while it’s still warm (about 15 minutes after baking). If you wait until it’s completely cool, it’s more likely to stick.
- Help it release: Run a thin offset spatula or plastic knife around the edges of the pan before inverting to help release the cake.
- Cooling position: Cool the cake completely on a wire rack before frosting to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess.
Ingredient Notes for Your Coconut Cake Recipe
- Coconut extract vs. emulsion: Coconut emulsion provides a more authentic flavor that won’t bake out, but extract works well too. Use the same amount of either.
- White chocolate quality matters: Use real white chocolate containing cocoa butter for the best flavor. White chocolate chips often contain stabilizers that affect melting and flavor.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are truly at room temperature for proper incorporation and volume.
- Coconut milk tips: Use canned coconut milk (not coconut cream or coconut beverage), and stir well before measuring as it separates in the can.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with this Coconut Bundt Cake
Why did my bundt cake stick to the pan?
This is the most common bundt cake problem. Ensure you’re using a good quality non-stick bundt pan, spray it generously with baking spray containing flour, and dust with additional flour if needed. Also, make sure to release the cake while it’s still warm, about 15 minutes after removing from the oven.
My cake is too dry. What went wrong?
Overbaking is usually the culprit. Check your cake 5-10 minutes before the recipe suggests. A few moist crumbs on your tester is perfect – if it comes out completely clean, the cake may be overbaked. Also, ensure you’re measuring flour correctly by spooning it into measuring cups rather than scooping.
The white chocolate sank to the bottom of my cake. How can I prevent this?
Make sure your white chocolate is chopped into small pieces (no larger than 1/4 inch). Tossing the chopped chocolate in a tablespoon of the flour mixture before adding to the batter can also help prevent sinking. Alternatively, follow our layering method by adding half the batter, then the chocolate, then the remaining batter for this coconut cake.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tom Cruise Cake
What is the Tom Cruise coconut cake?
The Tom Cruise coconut cake is a white chocolate coconut bundt cake from Doan’s Bakery in Los Angeles that the actor famously sends as gifts to friends and colleagues every holiday season. It’s become known as the “Tom Cruise cake” due to this tradition and has gained celebrity status after being mentioned by numerous recipients.
Where does Tom Cruise get his coconut cake?
Tom Cruise gets his famous coconut cake from Doan’s Bakery, a family-owned bakery in Woodland Hills, California. The bakery has been making their White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake for years, but it gained fame through Cruise’s gift-giving tradition.
Why is Tom Cruise’s coconut cake so famous?
The cake became famous because Tom Cruise sends it as a holiday gift to his friends and colleagues in Hollywood, many of whom have mentioned it in interviews. Tom Hanks notably said on The Graham Norton Show that it would be his choice for a last meal. The combination of celebrity endorsement and the cake’s genuinely delicious recipe has created its legendary status.
Can I make this recipe as a layer cake instead of a bundt?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and reduce the baking time to about 35-40 minutes. Layer with frosting between the cakes and on top, then press coconut onto the frosting as in the original recipe.
How do I store this coconut bundt cake for freshness?
This cake stays fresh at room temperature, covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Storing Your Heavenly Coconut Cake Properly
This coconut cake is incredibly moist and stays fresh longer than many other cakes. Here’s how to store this Tom Cruise coconut cake properly:
Room Temperature Storage of the Coconut Cake
The assembled cake can be stored at room temperature under a cake dome or inverted bowl for up to 3 days. The high fat content from the butter, sour cream, and cream cheese helps preserve moisture and freshness of your coconut Bundt cake.
Refrigerator Storage for Your Coconut Cake
For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. To prevent it from drying out, press plastic wrap against any cut surfaces. Let slices come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer Storage for Your Tom Cruise Cake
This cake freezes beautifully! For best results:
- Unfrosted cake: Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Frosted cake: Place the cake in the freezer unwrapped until the frosting hardens (about 2 hours), then wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Cake slices: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips for Your Copycat Recipe
If you’re planning for a special occasion, you can prepare components in advance for this coconut cake recipe:
- Bake the cake up to 3 days ahead and store tightly wrapped at room temperature.
- Make the frosting 1-2 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- Fully assemble the cake the day before serving for best results.
Conclusion: Your Own Celebrity-Worthy Tom Cruise Coconut Cake
You don’t need to be on Tom Cruise‘s holiday gift list to enjoy this incredible white chocolate coconut bundt cake. With our carefully tested copycat recipe, you can create a cake that rivals (or even surpasses) the famous Doan’s Bakery original – and save yourself about $130 in the process!
The combination of moist coconut cake, white chocolate, and cream cheese frosting creates a dessert worthy of Hollywood fame. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
We’d love to hear how your Tom Cruise coconut cake turns out! Share your baking experiences and any adaptations you make to the recipe.
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