It’s better than I knew coconut cake could be.

Thats what happened years ago when I took some leftoverIna Garten coconut caketo a summer internship.

By the afternoon, my notifications started going wild.

Headshot of Ina Garten next to a photo of a slice of coconut cake on a white plate

Simply Recipes / Getty Images

The office couldnt believe how good the cake wasand I have to agree.

Its not commonly offered in bakeries or restaurants, and Ive never heard of someone making one from scratch.

Thats a big reason why I love this recipeits surprising.

Overhead view of a slice of coconut cake on a white plate with blue decorative detail

Simply Recipes / Adriana Chavez

It’s visually striking, with a blizzard of whitecoconut flakescompletely covering the cake.

The look is reminiscent of a Hostess Sno Ball in the best way.

The cake is wonderfully moist and creamy with a beautiful balance of flavors.

Simply Recipes / Adriana Chavez

Expert Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Coconut Cake