Each holiday season, there’s a buzz around one particular celebrity gift: the luxurious White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake that Tom Cruise reportedly sends to his close friends and collaborators. This indulgent dessert, originally from a small California bakery, has become a cult favorite thanks to its perfect balance of rich, moist texture and bold coconut flavor.
Often referred to simply as the “Tom Cruise Cake,” it’s not just the association with the A-list actor that makes it famous — it’s the genuinely decadent experience of every bite. With its soft sour cream-based crumb, hidden chunks of white chocolate, coconut cream cheese frosting, and generous coat of shredded coconut, it’s the perfect cake to bring to your next celebration or gift to someone special.
Here’s how to recreate a copycat version of the iconic coconut bundt cake at home.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg whites
- ½ cup canned coconut milk
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon coconut extract or emulsion
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces white chocolate, melted or finely chopped
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, slightly softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- Pinch of salt
For Coating:
- 1 to 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut or toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 10- or 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly with baking spray or butter and flour. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the coconut milk, buttermilk, coconut extract, and vanilla extract. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. - Add Eggs
Add the eggs and egg whites, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. - Add White Chocolate
Pour in the melted or finely chopped white chocolate and mix until fully combined. - Combine All
On low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the coconut milk mixture in two additions. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined — do not overmix. - Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. - Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack and cool completely before frosting. - Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined. Add the coconut extract and salt, then beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. - Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the bundt cake using a spatula. - Coat with Coconut
Press shredded coconut all over the frosted cake. Be generous — this gives it the signature look and taste. - Serve and Store
Serve immediately or store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze (unfrosted) for up to 2 months.
Why This Cake is So Special
- Moist and Rich Texture: Thanks to the combination of coconut milk, buttermilk, and a buttery base, the crumb is tender and luscious.
- Multiple Layers of Coconut Flavor: Coconut is infused through the batter, frosting, and exterior coating, creating a bold, tropical flavor in every bite.
- White Chocolate Elevation: Bits of white chocolate add sweet creaminess and elevate the cake from a simple coconut bundt to a showstopper.
- Gift-Worthy Presentation: With its bundt shape, creamy frosting, and coconut coating, the finished cake is just as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Celebrity-Approved: Whether or not you care about Hollywood trends, baking this cake connects you to a fun, buzz-worthy dessert that’s become iconic.
Final Thoughts
The Tom Cruise Coconut Bundt Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s an experience. Moist, rich, fragrant, and beautiful, it checks every box for a luxurious bake. Whether you’re sharing it during the holidays or simply treating yourself, this cake offers maximum flavor and a little bit of Hollywood magic in every slice.