Every holiday season, one dessert takes Hollywood by storm — the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake. Known as the “Hollywood Christmas Cake”, this sweet masterpiece has become one of the most talked-about celebrity traditions in Los Angeles. It’s rich, decadent, and famously gifted by Tom Cruise to his A-list friends each year.
But what exactly is this cake? And why has it become such a cultural phenomenon?
The Tom Cruise Coconut Cake is not baked by the actor himself — it comes from Doan’s Bakery, a family-owned bakery in Woodland Hills, California. The cake is officially called the White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake, and it’s packed with moist coconut layers, chunks of white chocolate, and rich cream cheese frosting.
Celebrities like Tom Hanks, Jimmy Fallon, Angela Bassett, and Kirsten Dunst have publicly raved about this cake, calling it “the best thing you’ll ever taste.” In fact, receiving this cake from Cruise has become something of a Hollywood honor — a sign that you’re on the star’s exclusive gift list.
In this article, we’ll dive into what makes the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake so special — including its recipe, where to buy it, and how you can make your own version at home.
What Is the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake?
The Tom Cruise Coconut Cake is one of Hollywood’s most iconic desserts — a luscious, rich white chocolate coconut bundt cake that has achieved almost mythic status among celebrities. While it’s nicknamed after Tom Cruise, the cake is actually baked by Doan’s Bakery, a small, family-run bakery in Woodland Hills, California.
The cake itself is a moist coconut pound cake layered with chunks of white chocolate, topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting, and covered in shredded coconut flakes. Its signature bundt shape gives it a classic look, while the rich, buttery texture keeps fans obsessed year after year.
What truly makes this cake legendary, however, isn’t just the flavor — it’s the story behind it. Every holiday season, Tom Cruise sends this cake to his celebrity friends as part of his annual Christmas tradition. Over time, the cake has earned a reputation as “the most famous cake in Hollywood.”
It’s often referred to as a “holiday status symbol”, and those lucky enough to receive one share photos on social media, sparking curiosity (and envy) from fans everywhere.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake |
| Bakery | Doan’s Bakery, Woodland Hills, CA |
| Key Ingredients | Coconut, White Chocolate, Cream Cheese Frosting |
| Texture | Moist, Rich, Creamy |
| Fame Source | Tom Cruise’s Annual Celebrity Gift Tradition |
So, while the actor doesn’t bake it himself, his name is forever tied to one of the most indulgent desserts in Hollywood — a cake so good, it’s become a pop-culture legend.
Why the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake Is So Famous
Few desserts have achieved celebrity status quite like the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake. What started as a thoughtful holiday gift turned into a Hollywood legend — one that’s now recognized across the country. So, why is this cake so famous?
🎬 1. A Celebrity Tradition
For over a decade, Tom Cruise has sent this cake to friends, co-stars, and Hollywood insiders every Christmas. Recipients include stars like Tom Hanks, Barbara Walters, James Corden, Angela Bassett, and Kirsten Dunst.
It’s become more than just dessert — it’s a VIP holiday invitation, a sweet reminder that you’re part of the Cruise circle.
🍰 2. The Flavor Lives Up to the Hype
Even celebrities say it’s “life-changing.” The combination of moist coconut cake, white chocolate chunks, and cream cheese frosting makes it irresistibly rich but not overly sweet. The perfect balance of texture and flavor keeps people talking long after the holidays.
🧁 3. Made by a Hidden Gem Bakery
Doan’s Bakery, a family-owned shop in Woodland Hills, California, is behind the magic. They’ve been crafting this cake for decades, and their attention to detail shows — every slice is dense, buttery, and beautifully finished with a snow-like coating of coconut.
🌟 4. Scarcity = Status
You can’t just grab this cake at any grocery store. It’s only available directly from Doan’s Bakery or a few specialty retailers. Its exclusivity adds to its allure — fans eagerly wait all year for a chance to taste “the Tom Cruise cake.”
| Reason | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|
| Celebrity Endorsement | Sent by Tom Cruise each Christmas |
| Unmatched Flavor | Coconut, white chocolate, cream cheese frosting |
| Handcrafted Quality | Baked by Doan’s Bakery |
| Limited Availability | Seasonal and exclusive |
| Cultural Hype | A Hollywood holiday tradition |
This unique combination of celebrity culture, quality craftsmanship, and exclusivity has turned the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake into something much bigger than dessert — it’s a symbol of Hollywood indulgence.
Who Makes the Famous Tom Cruise Coconut Cake?
Despite what many fans believe, Tom Cruise doesn’t bake his legendary coconut cake — it’s crafted by a small, family-owned bakery that’s been quietly making this masterpiece for years: Doan’s Bakery in Woodland Hills, California.
Founded by baker Karen Doan, the bakery has earned a cult following for its premium, handcrafted desserts. Their most famous creation, the White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake, is the very same cake that Tom Cruise gifts to his A-list friends each holiday season.
The bakery’s attention to quality and flavor is what sets it apart. Every cake is made with real butter, fresh coconut, white chocolate chunks, and homemade cream cheese frosting, ensuring a moist, rich texture that melts in your mouth.
Doan’s Bakery is a local favorite among Los Angeles residents, but thanks to Tom Cruise’s annual gift list, it has gained international recognition. Their cakes are now shipped nationwide through select online retailers like Goldbelly, allowing fans everywhere to experience a taste of Hollywood tradition.
🍰 Quick Facts About Doan’s Bakery
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bakery Name | Doan’s Bakery |
| Location | Woodland Hills, California |
| Famous Dessert | White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake |
| Founded By | Karen Doan |
| Available Online | Goldbelly, Doan’s official site |
| Celebrity Connection | Tom Cruise’s annual Christmas cake |
So while the cake bears Tom Cruise’s name, the true artistry belongs to Doan’s Bakery, whose dedication to flavor and craftsmanship helped turn this dessert into a Hollywood icon.
Inside the Recipe — What’s in the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake?
The secret behind the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake lies in its perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness. While Doan’s Bakery keeps its full recipe closely guarded, food lovers and bakers have spent years trying to replicate the magic.
This cake is officially called the White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake, and it’s made with layers of rich coconut flavor, creamy frosting, and chunks of white chocolate that melt into every bite.
🍰 Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Butter & Sugar | Create a moist, dense pound cake base |
| Eggs | Add richness and structure |
| All-Purpose Flour | Keeps the cake light yet firm |
| Sweetened Coconut Flakes | Provide texture and tropical flavor |
| White Chocolate Chunks | Add creamy sweetness throughout the cake |
| Buttermilk | Ensures tenderness and moisture |
| Vanilla Extract | Enhances overall flavor |
| Cream Cheese Frosting | A smooth, tangy topping for balance |
| Coconut Shavings (Topping) | Adds a snowy finish and visual appeal |
🧁 Flavor Profile
- Taste: Sweet, buttery, and creamy with a tropical coconut twist
- Texture: Dense but moist — the perfect mix of tender crumb and creamy frosting
- Aroma: Rich vanilla and coconut with a hint of white chocolate
💡 Fun Fact:
Doan’s Bakery uses premium white chocolate chunks instead of chips — this small detail helps create pockets of creamy sweetness that make every slice irresistible.
The result is a cake that feels indulgent yet balanced, elegant yet comforting — a true Hollywood showstopper that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Make the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake at Home
Can’t make it to Doan’s Bakery? Don’t worry — you can recreate the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake right in your own kitchen! While the original recipe is a secret, home bakers have developed close replicas that capture the same rich flavor and indulgent texture.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to baking your very own Hollywood-famous cake.
🍰 Ingredients (for one 10-inch bundt cake)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup white chocolate chunks
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (for topping)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) in one bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- Add buttermilk and vanilla, then slowly mix in dry ingredients.
- Fold in coconut and white chocolate chunks.
- Pour batter into bundt pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost cake generously and top with shredded coconut for that snowy look.
⭐ Pro Tip:
Chill the cake for 1–2 hours before serving. This helps the frosting set and enhances the dense, buttery texture — just like the original from Doan’s Bakery.
With this homemade version, you’ll taste why the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake has become a Hollywood holiday legend — no celebrity connections required.
Where to Buy the Official Tom Cruise Coconut Cake
If baking isn’t your thing, you can still experience the real deal — the official Tom Cruise Coconut Cake from Doan’s Bakery in Woodland Hills, California. While this iconic dessert started as an exclusive holiday gift for Hollywood insiders, it’s now available for everyone to order online.
🏡 1. Doan’s Bakery (Woodland Hills, CA)
The source of it all! Doan’s Bakery still handcrafts every White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake using the same recipe that made it famous.
📍 Address: 22275 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA
📞 Phone: (818) 348-1411
🕒 Note: Orders are typically made-to-order and require advance notice during the holidays.
🌐 2. Goldbelly (Nationwide Shipping)
Goldbelly partners directly with Doan’s Bakery to ship the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake nationwide.
- 💵 Price: Around $125–$140 (includes shipping)
- 📦 Shipping: 2-day air with insulated packaging
- 🕒 Best Time to Order: November through January (sells out quickly!)
Pro Tip: Order early in the season — demand skyrockets after Thanksgiving when celebrity recipients start posting their cakes online.
🎁 3. Specialty Gift Retailers & Local Bakeries
Some gourmet stores and boutique bakeries in Los Angeles and New York occasionally offer replicas or limited versions of the cake. Always confirm that they source from Doan’s Bakery for the authentic experience.
| Where to Buy | Availability | Price Range | Authenticity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doan’s Bakery (CA) | In-store / Pre-order | $100–$120 | 100% Authentic |
| Goldbelly | Nationwide Delivery | $125–$140 | Official Partner |
| Local Gourmet Bakeries | Limited | $80–$150 | May Vary |
Whether you buy it directly from Doan’s or online through Goldbelly, one bite of this cake will explain why Tom Cruise’s Coconut Cake has achieved A-list status. It’s a holiday splurge worth every penny.
Tom Cruise Coconut Cake Celebrity Reactions
When a dessert becomes a Hollywood tradition, you know it’s something special. Over the years, dozens of A-list celebrities have publicly shared their love for the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake, calling it “heavenly,” “addictive,” and “the best gift you can get at Christmas.”
Let’s look at some of the most memorable celebrity reactions to this iconic treat.
🎬 Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson
Tom Hanks revealed that he and his wife Rita Wilson are among the lucky few on Cruise’s Christmas list. “I get the cake every year,” Hanks said. “It’s the most delicious coconut cake you’ll ever have. It’s a Christmas highlight.”
🎤 Jimmy Fallon
Late-night host Jimmy Fallon once joked on The Tonight Show that he tries to make his cake last as long as possible:
“It’s so good that my family slices it into tiny pieces to stretch it out. It’s like gold — edible gold.”
🎭 Angela Bassett
When asked about the cake on a red carpet, Bassett said,
“Tom Cruise gives the best cake on the planet. I wait for it every year!”
She added that it’s become a “holiday event” in her household.
🌟 Kirsten Dunst
Dunst told Entertainment Weekly that she first received the cake after working with Cruise on Interview with the Vampire (1994) — and she’s been on the list ever since.
“It’s honestly the best cake I’ve ever had,” she said.
| Celebrity | Reaction | Quote Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Hanks | Loves it yearly | “Most delicious coconut cake ever.” |
| Jimmy Fallon | Guards it carefully | “We slice it into tiny pieces to make it last.” |
| Angela Bassett | Awaits it yearly | “The best cake on the planet.” |
| Kirsten Dunst | Longtime fan | “The best cake I’ve ever had.” |
This glowing praise from Hollywood’s elite proves that the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake isn’t just dessert — it’s a status symbol and holiday tradition wrapped into one luxurious, coconut-covered masterpiece.
FAQs About the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake made of? | It’s a white chocolate coconut bundt cake with cream cheese frosting, topped with shredded coconut. |
| Who makes the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake? | The cake is made by Doan’s Bakery in Woodland Hills, California. |
| Can I buy the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake online? | Yes, you can order it nationwide through Goldbelly or directly from Doan’s Bakery. |
| How much does the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake cost? | Around $125–$140, including shipping from Goldbelly. |
| Does Tom Cruise bake the cake himself? | No, he gifts it every Christmas — it’s baked by Doan’s Bakery. |
| Can I make the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake at home? | Yes! You can recreate a close version using coconut, white chocolate, and cream cheese frosting. |
Conclusion
The Tom Cruise Coconut Cake isn’t just dessert — it’s a piece of Hollywood history. From its origins at Doan’s Bakery to its status as a celebrity-favorite holiday gift, this rich, buttery cake continues to enchant fans worldwide.
Whether you buy the real one from California or bake your own version at home, every slice captures the charm, indulgence, and legend of Tom Cruise’s most famous gift.
It’s more than cake — it’s a sweet taste of Hollywood tradition.