Coconut cake has a special place on Southern dessert tables, from church potlucks to birthday parties. In South Carolina, a handful of bakeries take this classic seriously and serve it with pride.
Each of these five shops sticks to sweets, so there is no meat on the menu, just cakes, pastries, and coffee. Read on to find out where to grab your next slice, from the Upstate all the way to the coast.
1. Caroline’s Cakes, Spartanburg, SC
Some bakeries dabble in layer cakes. Caroline’s Cakes builds its whole identity around them, with signature caramel and coconut cakes leading the way.
You will find this Southern-style bakery at 925 Beaumont Ave, Spartanburg, SC 29303. A free on-site parking lot makes a quick stop easy.
The Coconut Cloud Cake is a longtime favorite. Its layers are soft and light, topped with a gentle buttercream that never feels heavy.
Coconut fans have another option too. A lemon coconut cake tucks lemon curd between the layers, and it is especially good served cold.
The famous 7-layer caramel cake, with its fudge-like frosting, often steals attention. Other flavors include key lime, strawberry, peach raspberry delight, chocolate peppermint, and red velvet, plus cake bites for smaller cravings.
Plan your visit on a weekday. The shop opens Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM and Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and it closes on weekends, so a Saturday cake run will have to wait.
2. Holly’s Bakes & Cakes, Myrtle Beach, SC
Beach days call for a sweet reward. Holly’s Bakes & Cakes, at 4620 Dick Pond Rd in Myrtle Beach, delivers one in slice form.
The coconut cake here comes with layers of filling and a flavor that is not too sweet. That balance makes it easy to finish every bite.
This charming shop is known for custom occasion cakes, including smash cakes for first birthdays. The case also holds a wide spread of goodies, such as macarons, cannoli, peanut butter chocolate cookies, and cupcakes.
Cheesecake lovers can pick from creative flavors like cinnamon roll or blueberry pineapple. Brownies and pecan bread round out the lineup.
The store is spotless, and most treats cost between $10 and $20 per person. There is no dine-in seating, so think takeout, or use the delivery option.
Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Grab your slice early in the day for the best selection.
3. Tres Leches Bakery and Cafe, Columbia, SC
A bakery named after tres leches might seem like an odd stop for coconut cake. Yet the coconut cake here earns a fierce following of its own.
Tres Leches Bakery and Cafe sits at 6903 St Andrews Rd in Columbia, just outside busy Harbison. It works as a calm hideaway from the shopping crowds.
The coconut cake is moist, packed with a generous amount of nuts and coconut, and finished with a heavy, creamy icing. Many locals call it the best around.
Latin-inspired desserts fill the rest of the case. Look for Oreo tres leches, Bavarian cream empanadas, key lime and pistachio pound cakes, carrot cake, petit fours, and donuts.
Many desserts use less sugar, which keeps them from feeling too rich. Coffee is on hand, and you can eat in or take treats to go.
The shop opens Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Wednesday mornings tend to be the quietest time to swing by.
4. Wildflower Cupcake and Dessert Bar, Greenville, SC
Allergies should never keep anyone from cake. Wildflower Cupcake and Dessert Bar makes sure of that with gluten-free and vegan treats beside its classic bakes.
Find this local shop at 3730 Pelham Rd in Greenville. It stands out for allergy-friendly options that rank among the best in the area.
Coconut is a star flavor. The Coconut Cloud is a top pick, with a moist cake, creamy texture, and light icing.
Coconut also comes in gluten-free form, so more people can share the fun. Vegan cupcakes and cookie sandwiches add even more choices.
Prices are friendly, usually $1 to $10 per person. The laid-back space is LGBTQ+ friendly, offers free Wi-Fi, and works well for birthday parties.
Wildflower opens Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 AM to 7 PM, then Thursday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Delivery and in-store pickup make an evening cupcake craving easy to solve.
5. Gala Cafe & Bakery, Mt Pleasant, SC
One look at the big coconut cake in the case is often enough to pull people through the door. Gala Cafe & Bakery knows how to make a first impression.
The cafe sits at 123 Pitt St in Mt Pleasant, close to Charleston. It is a quaint stop with cozy seating inside and bistro tables outside.
The coconut crème cake pairs well with a smooth latte or cappuccino. Coffee is a real strength here, and the tea selection is strong too.
Other sweets include chocolate mousse cake, peanut butter mousse, scones, cinnamon rolls, muffins, and gluten-free coffee cake. Hot chocolate is a hit with kids.
The vibe suits a date, a solo laptop session, or a group outing. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, and high chairs are available.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Most visits land between $10 and $20 per person, a fair price for a slice worth the trip.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.